Theory and Methodology Seminars

The International Center for Japanese Studies aims to generate new areas of research on Japanese culture, which are not hindered by the extant academic canon or traditional scholarly approaches. Theory and Methodology Seminars are a means for scholars to examine the directions in which Japanese studies should orient in the future. Lead by Nichibunken faculty members, these projects provide forums for students and researchers from various institutions and academic fields to excavate and create new research mediums, to develop new research methodologies, and to seek original research perspectives.

Current Seminars:

Reading Historical Documents

Reading and interpretation of pre-modern historical documents, diaries, and records written in cursive script.

Organizer: KASAYA Kazuhiko, Professor

Reading and Decoding "Genre " Materials from the Edo Period

Reading and interpretation of unpublished "Genre" materials from the Edo Period owned by Nichibunken.

Organizer: HAYAKAWA Monta, Professor

Basic Concepts and Methods for Cultural Studies in Japan

Studies on basic methods for international and interdisciplinary aproach to Japanese culture, especially on basic concepts and conceptual systems.

Organizer: SUZUKI Sadami, Professor

Elementary Course/Applied Course of French Language

Practical training in modern French (oral) writing skills and reading competence.

Organizer: INAGA Shigemi, Professor

Standard Exercise of Korean

This seminar is intended to practice the conversation, reading and listening of Korean.

Organizer: MATSUDA Toshihiko, Associate Professor

Introduction to Comparative Studies in Japanese Culture

In addition to illuminating Japanese culture, we aim to clarify Japanese thought by analyzing important phenomena such as religious beliefs, ritual, and art.

Organizer: KOMATSU Kazuhiko, Professor

Basic and Practical Chinese Language

The purpose of this project is to provide training in Chinese conversation, reading and listening in order to enable research and other activities to be conducted smoothly when basic knowledge of the Chinese language is required.

Organizer: Nanyan GUO, Associate Professor

Fundamental problems on the history of Japanese religions

Discussion on the fundamental problems on the history of Japanese religions and reading some important texts.

Organizer: SUEKI Fumihiko, Professor