Overview of Research Projects

The 21st COE Program has demonstrated successful results in collecting material, developing analysis methods, and disseminating its accomplishments in the three fields of " illustrated materials ”, “ physical techniques ”, and “ environment and scenery ”.

The Center for Nonwritten Cultural Materials shall take over and further develop the contents of that Program, and promote joint research projects with the aim of tackling issues left unresolved in the COE Program.

Joint Research Projects

1.Joint Research and Compilation Project on "Multilingual Version of Pictopedia of Everyday Life in Medieval Japan"

1.Joint Research and Compilation Project on "Multilingual Version of Pictopedia of Everyday Life in Medieval Japan"

Aim of the joint research project

Of the five volumes of “Multilingual Version of Pictopedia of Everyday Life in Medieval Japan"， the first and second volumes were published in our project selected in the 21st Century COE Program，and the third volume was published in the first term joint research project of the Center. Subsequently, the main text of the fourth volume was published in the term four. This research project is aimed at translating and publishing complete translation of whole 5 volumes. We hope that researchers in history, folklore，anthropology，literature and other fields of study will use these 5 volumes of publications to learn about “everyday life" in medieval Japan.

Period　2023-2025（3 years）

Members

Research leader	BOCCELLARI John
Researchers	OGUMA Makoto

2.Media, Body, and Gender in Turn of the Century Europe

2.Media, Body, and Gender in Turn of the Century Europe

Aim of the joint research project

In the course of our research into popular culture in Term 5, we found that in order to explore physical representation in the early 20th century, it is necessary to look at not only iconographic sources such as pictures and photographs, and materials centering on physical techniques that appeared in theater, dance, and films, but also more diverse forms of media including design, posters, and fashion. From 2023 onward, our study will thus aim to elucidate cultural phenomena that show a correlation between various forms of media (e.g., literary cabarets like Le Chat Noir) from their relationship with written and nonwritten materials, with a focus on the turn of the century. Because these cultural phenomena are situated on the periphery of or beyond existing research fields, sufficient research has not been carried out before. This study will examine these phenomena around the themes of physical expression and gender, and by covering not only Germany and France but also Austria, which is closely related to both of these countries, we hope to shed light on the dynamic current of culture and art at the turn of the century.

Period　2023-2025（3 years）

Members

Research leader	KUMAGAI Kensuke
Researchers	BUCHENBERGER Stefan, KAKUYAMA Tomoko
Visiting researchers	KOMATSUBARA Yuri, TANAKA Rina

3.Research on the Development of Cities and Architecture in the Open Ports (International Settlements and Foreign Concessions) of East Asia

3.Research on the Development of Cities and Architecture in the Open Ports (International Settlements and Foreign Concessions) of East Asia

Aim of the joint research project

Our previous research on Japanese activities in the open ports (international settlements and foreign concessions) of East Asia focused on selected Japanese communities located mainly in Shanghai. From FY2023 onward, we will additionally include Qingdao and Guangzhou in our study in order to compare North, Central, and South China in terms of the development of cities and architecture in the international settlements.
Notably, we will conduct research activities with assistance from the Ocean University of China in Qingdao and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies in Guangzhou. Our study continues to use the resources uncovered in the previous terms of this project, including materials from the Diplomatic Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Shanghai Municipal Archives, and Academia Sinica of Taiwan, newspapers (North China Herald and Shen Bao), magazines (Far Eastern Review, Shina Jihen Gaho, and Shashin Shuho), postcards from the Tsunehiro Kondo Collection at the Research Center for Nonwritten Cultural Materials, Kanagawa University, and photograph books. In addition, we are making ongoing efforts to utilize the photographs of Shanghai from the collection of the late Kawai Yasuhei , donated in 2022, and organize the serial publication of “Posters of the Chinese Cultural Revolution” (scheduled for February 2024).

Period　2023-2025（3 years）

Members

Research leader	SON An Suk
Researchers	UCHIDA Seizo, MURAI Hiroshi, PENG Guoyue, SUZAKI Fumiyo, KANG Myungchae
Visiting researchers	KIKUCHI Toshio, OSATO Hiroaki
Research collaborators	TOMII Masanori, TAJIMA Natsuko, BAO Mu Ping

4.Places of Worship in Modern Japan and Overseas Japanese Shrines

4.Places of Worship in Modern Japan and Overseas Japanese Shrines

Aim of the joint research project

This joint research will study the environments and sceneries of shrines in modern Japan, sacred places such as utaki in Okinawa, and overseas Japanese shrines with the aim of casting light on religion and religious services in Japan, places of worship and their reorganization, and relationships with surrounding regions. Building on the findings of research into overseas Japanese shrines carried out under the 21st Century COE Program, the project this term will revolve around the theme of Shuri Castle as a place of worship and its reorganization (at one time, the site was designated as Okinawa Shrine). With buildings including Seiden, or the main hall, undergoing reconstruction following the fire in 2019, we will approach Shuri Castle as modern example of spatial reorganization. Beyond Okinawa Shrine and Shuri Castle, we hope to develop a pool of examples with an eye to places of worship in other regions as well, from an interest in the border areas of Japan and overseas Japanese shrines. While working primarily with nonwritten cultural materials, in an effort to collect and organize basic reference materials, we will also make use of fieldwork as well as photographs and iconographic resources, with the hope of conducting a three-dimensional, multilayered analysis of written and unwritten materials. Finally, we will continue to revise the database of overseas Japanese shrines.

Period　2023-2025（3 years）

Members

Research leader	SHIITADA Atsushi
Researchers	OGUMA Makoto,SUNAMI Soichiro,MARUYAMA Yasuaki, DOYO Daisuke
Visiting researchers	SAKAI Hisanori, TSUDA Yoshiki, NAKAJIMA Michio, MAEDA Takakazu,SUGA Koji, KAJI Yorihito, KATO Saori,SAGAI Tatsuru
Research collaborators	INAMIYA Yasuto, MATSUYAMA Hiroaki, IRAHA Kenya

5.Research on Retrieval, Mining and Copyrights Management on the Process of Studying Nonwritten Cultural Materials and the Research Results

5.Research on Retrieval, Mining and Copyrights Management on the Process of Studying Nonwritten Cultural Materials and the Research Results

Aim of the joint research project

This study applies machine learning and block chain technologies to the process of studying nonwritten cultural materials and using their findings, namely systematizing and retlieving data, finding new information, ensuring security, and managing copyrights, with the aim of developing basic technologies for supporting researchers and users.

1. Copyrights management system based on perceptual hashing of unique data for identifying images and other contents
2. Build a method for ensuring both image quality and robustness in digital watermarking and image steganography
3. In order to classify and link data, combine ontology with topic modeling to build retrieval techniques, article recommendation systems, and methods for supporting the finding of new information, and to visualize trends in annual reports and other research findings
4. In order to prevent information leakage caused by inconsistencies in access rights and data inferences, use topic modeling to identify links between documents on nonwritten cultural materials, and use them for access control
5. Study conceptual devices that capture latent text information from relations between the probabilistic and deterministic approaches

Period　2023-2026（4 years）

Members

Research leader	KINOSHITA Hirotsugu
Researchers	HOSONO Kaito
Visiting researchers	MORIZUMI Tetsuya,SANO Kenji, MIYATA Sumiko
Research collaborators	KOMATSU Daisuke

6.Research on Japan’s Wartime Propaganda Kamishibai and Mass Media

6.Research on Japan’s Wartime Propaganda Kamishibai and Mass Media

Aim of the joint research project

This research project has continued for nine years since it was launched in FY2014. During this time, we published the independent book “Japan’s Fifteen-Year War Seen from Propaganda Kamishibai” (Bensei Publishing, Inc., March 2018; hereinafter “Kokusaku”) and booklet “Japan’s Wartime Propaganda Kamishibai: Local Points of View and the Experience of Colonial Rule” (Ochanomizu Shobo, March 2022); and shared our findings from local surveys of about 30 locations including those abroad (Taiwan) and contributed an ongoing series of research reports on kamishibai works (terminology and characters) in each issue of the Research Center for Nonwritten Cultural Materials News Letter, including an extra issue. “Kokusaku” consisted of a bibliographical introduction of 240 kamishibai from the Tomio Sakuramoto collection. Local surveys conducted later, however, revealed some 270 more works, and a project is underway to compile them in a “Kokusaku” sequel. In addition to introducing the newly found works, the sequel is scheduled to include articles by several researchers and revised national bibliographic data. From FY2023 onward, we hope to base our activities on constant investigation and research, while publishing the sequel as well as collaborating with the National Museum of Taiwan History, with which we concluded a research exchange agreement in FY2022, to carry out even deeper research into kamishibai under Japanese colonial rule. We plan to share our research findings in two or three symposiums.

Period　2023-2025（3 years）

Members

Research leader	YASUDA Tsuneo
Researchers	OKAWA Hiromu,ARAKAKI Yumeno
Visiting researchers	OGUSHI Junji, MORIYAMA Atsushi
Research collaborators	KOYAMA Ryo, HARADA Hiroshi,SUZUKI Kazufumi, MATSUMOTO Kazuki, TOMIZAWA Tatsuzo

7.Research on Sea and Port Canals—Canals in Yokohama and Asia

7.Research on Sea and Port Canals—Canals in Yokohama and Asia

Aim of the joint research project

This joint research project aims to investigate the rapid changes in Yokohama’s seaside and canals from the Edo period (1603–1868) to the Meiji period (1868–1912) and throughout the Showa period (1926–89) from the viewpoints of history, architecture, and human geography. Specifically, it will:

1. Examine the changes in Yokohama’s waterfront and canals through photographs of the coastal area of Yokohama in the 1970s recorded by the Mikio Takagi Lab, in the Department of Architecture at Kanagawa University, and study the changes in canals, architecture, fishing, longshoring, and the living environment in relation to changes in the environment and scenery.
2. Observe the depictions of Yokohama’s canals in Yokohama-e woodblock prints produced between the late Edo period and the early Meiji period, and compare them with photographs of Yokohama’s canals in the prewar period.
3. Draw a comparison between the changes in Yokohama’s canals and other regions such as the Jiangnan area of China (Shanghai), the Korean Peninsula (Seoul and Busan), and Taiwan (Taipei).The project also seeks to explore the influence of the seaside and canals on lifestyle, industry, and the environment in Yokohama, Shanghai, Seoul, and other large Asian cities that developed amid great waves of modernization based on illustrated materials.

Period　2023-2025（3 years）

Members

Research leader	UCHIDA Seizo
Researchers	SON An Suk, YAMAGUCHI Taro, NAKABAYASHI Hirokazu, KANG Myungchae
Research collaborators	MATSUMOTO Kazuki, KANAMARU Hisao

8.Systematic Research on Lodgings in Modern Japan

8.Systematic Research on Lodgings in Modern Japan

Aim of the joint research project

Travel in Japan gained popularity with the masses with the establishment of kaido roads and shukuba post stations in the Edo period (1603–1868). A substantial body of research results exists on the functions of post stations and the types of lodgings in this early modern period; however, very few systematic studies have been conducted on lodgings in modern Japan onward, such as practices that were carried over or modified. Some literature remains on the advent and expansion of Western-style hotels. Unique accommodations were also set up around new transportation hubs like railway stations, and ports servicing international routes, which emerged in the modern period, but many of them have already vanished without ever being properly documented.
This research team aims to collect basic information on lodgings in modern Japan from nonwritten cultural materials such as illustrations and experiences, organize the data by type, location, function, characteristics, and changes, and by doing so, form a structural understanding of the complete picture. Finally, it seeks to look beyond Japan at lodgings that played a role in the overseas activities of the Japanese in modern times, and shed light on the dynamism of travel through its relationship with lodgings.

Period　2023-2026（4 years）

Members

Research leader	YAMAMOTO Shino
Researchers	MARUYAMA Yasuaki
Visiting researchers	KAWASHIMA Shuichi, MATSUDA Mutsuhiko, ZHAO Yi, TSUNEMITSU Toru

9.Basic Research on Voice and Body in Artistic Expression—Performing Art, Classical Entertainment, and Contemporary Art

9.Basic Research on Voice and Body in Artistic Expression—Performing Art, Classical Entertainment, and Contemporary Art

Aim of the joint research project

This research project is a developmental extension of the FY2022 Preparatory Joint Research Project C themed Basic Research on Voice and Body in Artistic Expression—Performing Art, Classical Entertainment, and Contemporary Art. In FY2022, we invited performers and organized presentations ranging from contemporary theater to the Satsuma biwa lute, and obtained a great amount of knowledge from those activities. Moving forward, we will share this knowledge among the team, including our new members, and by exchanging our awareness of issues and working across our fields of specialty, continue to carry out diversified research activities, setting our sights on the physical techniques of performances including kabuki, modern theater, butoh dance, rakugo storytelling, films, and contemporary art, while shining the spotlight on the voice and body.
In addition to live performances, this project seeks to also look into recordings on paper and video media in order to investigate, analyze, and explore the various forms of voice and body expression and reception amid the historical and genre-related limits and possibilities of modern Japan.

Period　2023-2025（3 years）

Members

Research leader	MATSUMOTO Katsuya
Researchers	FUJISAWA Akane, MIZUKAWA Hirofumi
Visiting researchers	GOTO Ryuki

10.Reconsidering Nonwritten Cultural Materials: Possibilities and Issues Regarding Nonwritten Cultural Materials

10.Reconsidering Nonwritten Cultural Materials: Possibilities and Issues Regarding Nonwritten Cultural Materials

Aim of the joint research project

This research group will focus on Nonwritten Cultural Materials themselves and define the purpose on sharing perspectives to view them. Although the Center has been active for 20 years, it has yet to reach a definitive understanding of Nonwritten Cultural Materials. One of the reasons for this is the nature of Nonwritten Cultural Materials themselves, which makes it difficult to define the scope and methods of research. It is also necessary to focus on the gaps in understanding that exist among individual researchers toward Nonwritten Cultural Materials.
In view of the current situation, this research group would like to reexamine what Nonwritten Cultural Materials are and provide an opportunity to compare the understanding among participants through discussion. It is hoped that this work will lead to a more refined understanding of Nonwritten Cultural Materials, and that it will also advance research into areas that have not been explored in the past.
The research group will carry out its activities with the above objectives in mind, and in addition to discussions among researchers at study workshops, will actively plan and organize lecture meetings. By holding lectures on a variety of themes and topics, it is expected that participants will engage in fruitful discussions and share and deepen their knowledge of Nonwritten Cultural Materials.

Period　2024-2025（two years）

Members

Research leader	NAKABAYASHI Hirokazu
Researchers	KUMAGAI Kensuke, SHIITADA Atsushi

Preparatory joint research project: Life, Culture and Physical Expression in China

Preparatory joint research project:
Life, Culture and Physical Expression in China

Aim of the joint research project

This research group plans to launch a research project focusing on body expression with the aim of deepening our understanding of Chinese society and culture. Gestures made with various parts of the body and sounds emitted from the body have a variety of styles depending on the region and historical background, and the meanings contained in such physical expressions vary greatly. Physical expressions can be found in a wide range of materials, from everyday life to creative works and literature such as novels and plays, where the feelings, values and rules shared by the society concerned lie at the root. The task of reading these expressions is a useful approach to understanding Chinese society and culture. This research group will promote an understanding of physical expression through various materials such as novels, plays, paintings and photographs. The research will focus on the period from the 13th to the first half of the 20th century, as it will be possible to use materials that reflect the content of the common people in each field and area from this period.

Period　2024（one year）

Members

Research leader	MATSUURA Satoko
Researchers	OKI Yasushi, KIKKAWA Yoshikazu, FAN Keren