Tradition and Creation of Yokai Culture.
Moving Towards Expanding the Parameters of the Field

Organizer: KOMATSU Kazuhiko, Professor

　The purpose of this project is to build on and refine the gains and advances made in previous Nichibunken collaborative research projects such as the preceding project titled, “Tradition and Creation of Yokai Culture in Japan.” In addition, this research project will encourage and promote the development of interdisciplinary and comprehensive approaches to further advance this growing field of study.
　Below is a list of the activities and topics the research project plans to pursue and focus on:
　1. The study of horror, strange phenomena, monsters and ghosts has made significant gains in recent years. Yet because these subjects are represented in a variety of mediums, they have an essence and character that cannot be captured or defined in one exclusive traditional scholarly framework. The growth of specific vocabularies and concepts associated with specific scholarly disciplines has exacerbated this situation and stands as the main cause preventing the application of more interdisciplinary approaches. Accordingly, this project will examine concepts and methodologies from a variety of fields to encourage the development of interdisciplinary approaches.
　2. To organize and examine the wealth of accumulated materials associated with premodern Yokai studies by Kokugaku scholars and essayists of the Edo period.
　3. Research generated to this point has exclusively focused on horror, strange phenomena, ghosts and monsters within Japan. Many guest speakers will be invited to participate in this project as a means to expand the parameters of research beyond Japan. Comparative analysis and the broadening of viewpoints based on topics associated with Yokai culture in foreign and global contexts will be encouraged and explored.
　4. The project will continue to uncover and examine materials traditionally associated with Yokai culture and promote their application in Yokai studies research. This research project is scheduled for a period of three years. During the final year, the research team plans to host an international conference. Overseas researchers on Yokai culture will be invited to participate in this event.

Back to top