Insights into Japan-related Overseas Artifacts and Documents from 19th-century Europe, Research and Use: Developing the Foundation for International Collaboration in Transmitting Japanese Culture
Representative: Kaori Hidaka (Rekihaku)
This project investigates resources in Europe relating to nineteenth century Japan. The investigations are conducted in three locations, Austria, England and Switzerland, through collaboration with their museums and universities. Each location has a different focus. In Vienna, Austria, the focus is on the traditional approach to surveying resources; in England, the interactive approach to exhibition development is the focus; in Switzerland, human resource development is highlighted. The results of these investigations are made available to the public through our databases, exhibitions, symposiums and educational programs.
To find out more about the project see here.
Research, Conservation and Utilization of the Marega Collection Preserved in the Vatican Library
Representative: Ota Naohiro (NIJL)
In 2011, over 10,000 documents relating to Christians in the Japanese province of Bungo (now Oita prefecture) that were collected by Father Mario Marega were discovered at the Vatican Library. This project raises awareness about the existence of these documents, their historical significance, and their potential as resources for research. The project also assists researchers worldwide by providing guidance on methodologies for studying resources on Japan. It also provides support to the Vatican Library in establishing an archive management system and in making the collected documents available online.
To find out more about the project see here (Japanese).
A Survey, Study and Use of the Japan-related Documents and Artifacts in North America: Socio-historical Approach to ‘Modern Overseas Material Informatics’
Representative: Yoshiyuki Asahi (NINJAL)
This project salvages and evaluates materials related to Japanese society focusing primarily on modern Japanese immigrants in North America. These materials that are in audio and video format have been increasingly at risk of degradation and disposal. We will propose new theories and methodologies for investigating immigration by looking at the language, social and life records of Japanese ancestry.
To find out more about the project see here.
Coordination between Projects to Make Effective Use of Research Results
Representative: Takii Kazuhiro (Nichibunken)
These four-project initiatives on Japan-related resources provide scholars in Japan and overseas access to Japan-related resources from multiple disciplines through seminars, exhibits, and other events. The project encourages Japanese specialization among international scholars, advance comparative research through international cooperation, and further greater understanding of Japanese culture around the world.
To find out more about the project see here (Japanese).
The Archives of the Dutch Factory in Hirado: Reconstruction, Research, and Analysis
Representative: Frederik Cryns (Nichibunken)
This project examines the correspondence of the Dutch Factory in Hirado, Japan (1609-1633) in the possession of the National Archives of the Netherlands. Together with our international partners, we will publish annotated transcriptions and Japanese translations of these sources, in order to make them available to researchers in the related disciplines. A special effort will be made to introduce the historic significance of the archives and the research results in a comprehensive way to the general public through international symposiums, exhibitions, a website, an educational program and publications.