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Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Collaborative Researches
3 International Exchanges
4 Researches by the Department
5 Researches under the Grant-in-Aid
6 Individual Activities
7 Exhibitions
8 Museum Collections
9 Information Management
10 Library
11 Research Equipments
12 Public Relations
13 Publications
14 Education for Graduate Students
In the academic year of 2002, the National Museum of Japanese History (hereafter NMJH) conducted research primarily in accordance with the Collaborative Research Plan 2002. We aimed to promote research, holding research exchange meetings at the museum in October and exchanging information regarding the progress of research and research issues such as problems and the execution of budgets, in addition to accepting submissions of reports on the holding of study groups and publishing these on our website. Three basic research projects were conducted, two continuing projects and one new project called "The Advanced Digitalization of Historical Materials and General Scholarly Research of Materials: The Advanced History Computerization of the Materials and a Study of the Materials Like, Synthetic Research". Of these three, "Diversification and Integration of Historical Materials Analysis: Diversified Analysis of Materials elated to Production and Usage" (organizer: IMAMURA Mineo) began its last year of research, entering the phrase for results to be summarized. During this process, it was reported that methods of analyzing the clay of Jomon earthenware and haniwa (clay images) were developed and the results of scientific analysis were able to be used in the estimation of sites of manufacture and classification of models.
Eight specific collaborative research projects were carried out, six continuing projects and two new ones. Of these, "Floras that Migrated" (organizer: TSUJI Sei-ichiro) and "Philological Studies in the Diversity of Shrines" (organizer: SHINTANI Takanori) began their last year of research. The former project revealed that a surprisingly large number of flora have crossed the ocean, and were not limited to cases of flora arriving from overseas but also included many cases of Japanese flora crossing over to foreign lands, and that flora did not spread across the archipelago in one crossing over, but that they came in waves throughout history, with types from different families being introduced and spreading throughout Japan. The latter project reported that the diversity and information exchange of shrine materials was increased through interdisciplinary research into temples and shrines in fields such as architectural history, the history of plants in landscaping, the history of the performing arts and rituals, folklore, archaeology, the history of art and crafts, and literature.
Secondly, the NMJH carried out special project research in large-scale collaborative research projects based on leadership donations. Under the Research Committee, we established working groups and discussed within the museum the appropriateness of large-scale collaborative research, which is based on individual research at the NMJH. As a result, we decided to have individual research topics submitted to the entire museum in order to investigate the original individual research that is based on collaborative research, and carried out research after reaching the approval of the entire museum. In addition to research for the research plan proposals in preparation for incorporation, the Research Committee produced summaries outlining the kind of collaborative research topics that were possible based on summaries made of individual research topics submitted by all teaching staff. At a meeting of teaching staff on March 4, 2003, the original proposal, "For the research plan proposal for the NMJH's first year as a corporation", was presented, and the attending members agreed that the Research Cooperation Committee would continue consideration of the proposal in the next academic year. Individual research, and the importance we place on its organization, had been previously pointed out as issues even in external evaluations. The fact that this is the first time for individual research topics to be evaluated by the entire museum, new policies have been confirmed in which collaborative research proposals will be made based on these topics, and concrete steps have begun along these lines is producing hopes that this will lead to new developments for the NMJH in the twenty first century. At the same time, the museum made disbursements for research expenses from a special budget for collaborative research expenses for carbon 14 dating related to the beginning of the Yayoi period. In this way, a large amount of material analysis data was accumulated and the NMJH International Research Meeting "The Real Chronology of the Yayoi Period" was held on March 22, 2003. As a result of this, the possibility became more likely that the Yayoi period began 500 years earlier than previously thought. The Sixth NMJH International Symposium entitled "New Developments in History and Culture Research Using Information Technology" was held as part of the research activities made possible through leadership funding. The symposium was held for the two days from February 5 to 6, 2003, successfully enabling international exchange and research.
Thirdly, the NMJH engaged in creating a proposal for a Collaborative Research Plan in the academic year of 2003. We also held discussions in line with policy for "The future direction of research at the NMJH", which was approved at last year's Teaching Staff Meeting, General Affairs Liaison Meeting, and Management Council. As a result of this, it was decided to establish a "Scientific Research" framework, in addition to the pre-existing frameworks for basic research and specific collaborative research, to promote materials research that focuses on materials in the NMJH's possession, to develop new methods for conducting materials analysis, in addition to pursuing the advanced digitalization of historical materials, and to promote collaborative research that aims to develop new study of source materials. To this end, the three fields of "Scientific study of materials and general chronological research", "Advanced digitalization of historical materials and general materials studies research", and "General scholarly museum research" were established, and applications were accepted from within the museum. As a result, three new Scientific Research projects were created as collaborative research in the academic year of 2003 - "General Research on the Application of High-precision Dating Techniques to Historical Materials" (organizer: IMAMURA Mineo; Aims to establish a real chronology introducing natural sciences chronological measurement methods into historical materials research), "Basic Research on Takamatsunomiya-ke Denrai Kinribon" (organizer: YOSHIOKA Masayuki; Aims to collect bibliographical data and clarify the position of Takamatsunomiya-ke in imperial household documents), and "Basic Research on the Representation of ‘Foreign Cultures’ in History Exhibits" (organizer: KURUSHIMA Hiroshi; Investigates how the cultures of foreign lands and people were perceived through the relationships between methods of exhibiting foreign cultures). And three specific collaborative research projects were launched - "Re-examinng the Hirata Kokugaku: The Documents of Atsutane, Kanetane, Nobutane, and Moritane as Historical Materials" (organizer: MIYACHI Masato, Director-General, the NMJH; Aims to sort out historical documents related to Hirata Kokugaku), "Miyaza and Society: History and Structure" (organizer: YAGI Toru, professor, Bukkyo University; Reveals the processes by which miyaza, which formed in medieval times, have undergone great transformation and describes characteristics of modern miyaza), and "The Bodies of Religious Figures and Society" (organizer: MATSUO Kouichi; Reveals to what extent the abilities and world views of religious believers and entertainers were accepted and needed by society).
Fourthly, in preparation for incorporation, we also continued discussions from last year within the museum regarding various issues in which research reports (Bulletin of the NMJH) in the collaborative research projects up until now had gone unpublished. As a result, in the academic year of 2002, nine research reports (Bulletin of the NMJH) were published, in addition to our regular publications. If the efforts towards publishing reports continue next year, the issue of unpublished reports should be resolved for the time being. The NMJH also announced that it would be accepting manuscripts in preparation for the publication of the twentieth anniversary edition.
Next academic year, in addition to the measures for our incorporation, the Research Committee, which has led our research activities up until now, will be reorganized as the Research Cooperation Committee. The organizational reform of the NMJH has begun. The NMJH is approaching the moment of truth when people will discover whether the NMJH of the twenty first century is worthy to be known as Japan's leading historical research institute
Chairman of the Research Committee: IHARA Kesao
Collaborative researches are the projects that the NMJH, as an interuniversity research institute, conducts in collaboration with scholars from universities and research institutes throughout Japan. The research topics have been selected according to various current issues related to Japanese history in a broader sense. Besides administrating colloquiums to be held at the Museum, the NMJH, since its establishment in 1981, has attached great importance to field works in material / document researches, archaeological site visits, and folklore studies. These collaborative researches are largely classified into two categories: Basic Research and Specific Research. The Basic Research is designed for interdisciplinary approaches in the studies of history, archaeology, folklore and other related science fields according to the four key concepts: "Environment", "Urban Life", "Basic Beliefs" and "Scientific Analysis of Historical Materials". The Specific Research, on the other hand, is based upon issues peculiar to each of the disciplines.
Furthermore, in order to actively promote diversity in research topics, a new framework added Scientific Research, Exhibition, and Open Application (composed of Exhibition and Materials Analysis) to the category of Specific Research.
The following is the list of on going projects.
(1) Diversification and Integration of Historical Materials Analysis (1999-2002)
General Organizer: IMAMURA Mineo (Museum Science Dep.)
A. Diversified Analysis of Materials Elated to Production and Usage (1999-2002)
Organizer: IMAMURA Mineo (Museum Science Dep.)
(2) Formation of Agricultural Society and Its Impact on Environment (2001-2003)
General Organizer: NISHIMOTO Toyohiro (Archaeology Dep.)
A. Problems in Agriculture in the Jomon and Yayoi Periods (2001-2003)
Organizer: NISHIMOTO Toyohiro (Archaeology Dep.)
B. The Variety of Systems Utilizing Environment and Worlds of Living (2001-2003)
Organizer: YASUMURO Satoru (Folklore and Folklife Dep.)
(3) Advanced Digitalization of Historical Materials and General Materials Studies Research (2002-2004)
General Organizer: NAGASHIMA Masaharu (Museum Science Dep.)
A. The Advanced History Computerization of the Materials and a Study of the Materials Like, Synthetic Research (2002-2004)
Organizer: NAGASHIMA Masaharu (Museum Science Dep.)
(1) Study on Problems Related to Soldiers in Modern Japan (2001-2003)
Organizer: ICHINOSE Toshiya (History Dep.)
(2) Study on Contemporary Culture in Folklore (2001-2003)
Organizer: SHIMAMURA Takanori (Faculty of Education and Human Studies, Akita University)
(3) Floras that Migrated (2001-2002)
Organizer: TSUJI Sei-ichiro (History Dep.)
(4) Philological Studies in the Diversity of Shrines (2001-2002)
Organizer: SHINTANI Takanori (Folklore and Folklife Dep.)
(5) Exchange of People, Commodities, and Technical Skills, and the System in Pre-modern East Asia (2001-2003)
Organizer: ONO Masatoshi (Archaeology Dep.)
(6) The Formation on Process of Mizuki Collection and Its Historical Significance (2001-2003)
Organizer: TAKAGI Hiroshi (Institute for Research in Humanities, Kyoto University)
(7) Sakura Regiment and the Area People (2002-2004)
Organizer: HIGUCHI Takehiko (History Dep.)
(8) City and the Royal Authority on the Turning Point of "Ritsuryou" Nation (2002-2004)
Organizer: YAMANAKA Akira (The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mie University)
(1) Application of Cosmogenic Nuclides to Geoarchaeology (Sep.7, 2002)
General Organizer: IMAMURA Mineo (Museum Science Dep.)
(2) The Real Chronology of the Yayoi Period (Mar.22, 2003)
Organizer: HARUNARI Hideji (Archaeology Dep.)
(1) The Control of Space by Ancient Royal Authority (Nov.17-18, 2002)
(2) Comprehensive Study of Rangaku: the Study of Western Science in the Edo Era through the Dutch Language (Mar.22-23, 2003)
Organizer: AOKI Toshiyuki (Ueda High School)
Von Siebold and Plants (Apr.29, 2002)
Organizer: TSUJI Sei-ichiiro (History Dep.)
The NMJH has a history of promoting international exchange, and was once identified as a Center of Excellence promoting leading-edge research on an international scale by a research advancement support project conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. In addition to publishing information such as research data and materials on an international scale, the museum conducts programs for the advancement of international exchange from the research end as well.
New Developments in History and Culture Research Using Information Technology
Session 1: Written Literature and Information Technology
Session 2: Applications of Visual Information
Session 3: Applications of Temporal and Spatial Information
Organizer: ADACHI Fumio
With the extraordinary advances in computer technology, written data, such as catalog information, and ultra-high-resolution image and video data can now be processed easily. And telecommunications advances have also made it possible to exchange vast amounts of information throughout the world. Given the advances in information technology, research using IT is progressing in many fields related to history and culture. Also, in the field of information studies, research on applications for museums is underway, in addition to multifaceted research in Japan and abroad related to applications for historical research. We believe it is important to collect data on the latest examples of the application of IT for historical and cultural research in order to contribute to the development of the study of history and folklore. For that reason, we shall hold an international symposium that will gather information on the latest technologies in these fields.
The research section of the NMJH consists of four departments: Museum Science, History, Archaeology, and Folklore and Folklife Studies. Each department conducts research projects on special grants for the purpose of contributing to the development of the discipline it specializes in. Museum Science Department are engaged in the "Study and Analysis of Important Historical Materials" according to analyses by natural science. History Department is involved in the "Fundamental Analysis of Non-literature Historical Materials", which is to collect and analyze non-literature materials that have not been regarded as important in the conventional studies of history. Archaeology Department conducts "Researches Based upon Compiled Archaeological Data", in which it compiles such as representational haniwa excavated throughout Japan. Folklore and Folklife Department strives to produce ethnographical films in its "Visual Anthropology" project as part of its folk-cultural studies, by making full use of audio-visual techniques developing rapidly these days.
Studies on Materials, Manufacturing-technique and Chronology of Cultural Properties (2002)
General Organizer: IMAMURA Mineo (Museum Science Dep.)
Compilation Research on Meiji Land Register Cadastres (2002)
General Organizer: AOYAMA Hiroo (History Dep.)
A Comprehensive Study of the Kyozuka Materials (2001-2003)
General Organizer: MURAKI Jiro (Archaeology Dep.)
Izanagi-ryu Sect Worship and Folklore in Monobe District
General Organizer: MATSUO Kouichi (Folklore and Folklife Dep.)
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)(1)
Trade in Goods from China and Nanban within Pre-modern East Asia and Its Significance
ONO Masatoshi
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)(1)
General Research on Folding Screens of Nanban
HIDAKA Kaori
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)(2)
Archeological Research on Hometown Graves in the Kinki Region
SHIRAISHI Taichiro
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)(1)
General Research on the Kujo-ke Engishiki
YOSHIOKA Masayuki
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)(2)
Basic Research on the History of Debts in Medieval Japan
IHARA Kesao
* Grant-in-Aid for Encouragement of Young Scientists (B)(2)
Comparative Research Concerning Systems and Theories of Training Programmes in Shamanism and Psychoanalysis: As an Attempt to Research Psychoanalysis from Viewpoints of Studies of the Oral Tradition
UCHIDA Junko
* Grant-in-Aid for Encouragement of Young Scientists (B)(2)
Studies on the Influence and Behaviour of Airborne Aldehyde in Exhibition Facilities
KOSETO-HORYU Emi
* Grant-in-Aid for Specific Research (2)
Scientific Research Related to the Technology of Manufacturing and Operating Guns in the Edo Period
SAITO Tsutomu
* Grant-in-Aid for Specific Research (2)
Research on Support Systems for Field Surveys of Historical Materials from Modern History Using a Free-viewing System for Images
ADACHI Fumio
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)(1)
Comparative Study of Regional Characteristics of Traditional Local Cities and Their Transformation: with Particular Attention to the Kanto and Chubu Districts
UENO Kazuo
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)(1)
Establishment of High-precision Chronoly for the Jomon and Yayoi periods
IMAMURA Mineo
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)(1)
Icongraphical Studies of Japanese Primitive Paintings
FUJIO Shin'ichiro
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)(1)
A Comparative Study of Pre-modern Metalwork Techniques with Chemical Analysis
UDAGAWA Takehisa
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)(2)
Comprehensive Study of Multi-faceted Aspects of Documents Related to Shinto Shrines: based upon the analysis of existent documents handed down by old shrines
SHINTANI Takanori
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)(2)
Comprehensive Study of Museum Education, Educators' Training, and Historical Exhibitions in the Time of Life-long Education
KOJIMA Michihiro
* (Overseas) Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)(2)
Comparative Folklore Studies in the Mixture of Folk Beliefs and Advocated Religions:
Research and Analysis of the Fete of Pardon in Bretagne, France
SHINTANI Takanori
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)(2)
A Historical Background of the World of "Yoakemae": Collection and Presentation of Materials Related to Nakatsugawa Kokugaku Scolaras in the Bakumatsu Period
MIYACHI Masato
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)(2)
Research and Study in the Folklore Based upon Regional Differences in Roles and Reasons for Living for the Aged in Aging Society
SEKIZAWA Mayumi
* Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)(2)
Folklore Research Related to Inland Fishing Seen from Its Relationship with Rice-growing Culture
YASUMURO Satoru
* Grant-in-Aid for Exploratory Research (2)
Studies on the Land Bridges in the Prehistoric Age by Cosmic Rays Exposure Dating
IMAMURA Mineo
* Grant-in-Aid for Encouragement of Young Scientists (B)(2)
Anthropological Study in the Relation between People and Rural Forest / Land, from the Point of Change and Diversity of Their Subsistences
YOSHIMURA Satoko
* Grant-in-Aid for Encouragement of Young Scientists (B)(2)
Castle Towns and Residential Warrior Districts in Early Modern Japan
IWABUCHI Reiji
* Grant-in-Aid for Encouragement of Young Scientists (B)(2)
The study of Schools of Manufacturing Han Mirrors from B.C. 1C to A.D. 1C.
UENO Yoshifumi
* The Origin and Spread of Pig Omestication on the Japanese Archipelago Based on Zoo
Archaeological Studies.
ANEZAKI Satoko
* A Study on the Rule of Retired Emperor Gotoba
SHIMOGORI Takeshi
* Analytical / Chronological Research on Ancient Japanese / Chinese Metals, etc.
CHEN Jianl
The socio political history of the Bakumatsu Ishin period
Information systems for historical research and exhibition
Studies on arcaeometry in particular the high-precision radiocarbon dating and its applications to historical and archaeological researches, and development of scientific methodologie for historical and archaeological applications
Case study research on the history of guns and gun technology in Japan and research on the history of weapons trading in East Asia
Ukiyoe prints and landscapes in the latter part of the Edo period
Studies in the relationship between air environment and deterioration of cultural objects, mainly deterioration mechanism of works of art with chemical composition
Chemical studies of materials, manufacturing-technique and provinance on cultural properties
Dating and provenance research on historical and archaeological materials by isotope measurement
Relationship between material, technique and idea of clothes
Vestment of Buddhist priest mainly in the Muromachi period
Museum information system to support research activities, exhibition, and public relations. Especially interested in computer network, database, and information processing of color and image
Historical materials from the standpoint of technological history and cultural history by nondestructive research method
Materials involved in lacquer and red pigments in terms of technological history and cultural history
History of Japanese lacquerwork
Study on the methods of digital imaging for museum objects and its applications
Historical geography and landscape in medieval Japan
The formation and transition of geographical knowledge from the standpoint of the history of cartography
Society's views on war before and after World War II
Human life in the middle ages
Financial obligations history in the middle age
History of cities, and consideration of social groups
Historical characteristics of regional communities in the latter part of early modern Japan
Ceremonies, rituals, and festivals in early modern societies
Educational programs at the museums of history
Towns, villages and castles in medieval Japan
Museum education
Theoretical studies of the manor system, and studies of medieval documents
Japanese history of popular education, life culture, and society
Ecosystem history, taxonomy and phylogeny of cultivated plants
Establishment process of Japanese ancient capital cities
Theoretical study of ancient sovereignty
Society and culture of the Meiji era and the behavioral study of the old ministers of the Tokugawa shogunate
Ancient local societies: through the study of excavated written materials
History of traffic, traveling in early modern Japan
Historical study of farmers in early modern Japan
Ancient philology
Anthropological study on the socio-ecological change and diversity
Archaeological studies in ancient cities, castles, local government, villages, etc.
Mutual interchanges of cultures within the Japanese Archipelago
Development of ancient East Asia in the period of the Han three countries and six dynasties
Archaeological study of medieval society
The beginning of the Yayoi period
The entombment system, cults, and folkways of the Jomon and Yayoi period
Kofun (mounded tombs) and the histories of society, politics and culture in the Kofun (Tumulus) period
Studies of society and basic beliefs based on the entombment systems from the ancient to the medieval
Haniwa in the Kofun period
The Japanese medieval and early modern castles and castle town sites
Comparative study of castles and defense cities in Japan and Europe
History of East Asia
Environmental archaeology in the Jomon and Yayoi periods
Social structures, festivals, rites and customs of the Palaeolitic to Kofun periods
Transition to agriculture in prehistory
The history of iron production
History of Japanese religions
Brewing industry
Moral precepts
Traditional technologies and their transfigurations
Family, kinship and ancestor worship
Substantiation and theoretical researches of the relation between man and sound
Ethno-scientific study in indigenous folk-knowledge
Comprehensive studies in folklore
Comprehensive studies in folklore, especially the research on cult groups and rituals, and a folkloric study of the old and age, view of life and view of death, discussion on the transformation and transmission of folklore
Studies of the literature by oral transmission and folk beliefs
Research on ceremonies at temples and shrines in the southern capitol, and the magic and performing arts of craftsmen
Folklore and cultural research related to the degree of relationship between people and nature
Funeral systems and views of life and death, contemporary society and folk customs, and thanatology
Folklore study of Okinawa
The interchange of material and culture around the Ryukyu Islands
Political anthropology
Popular culture in pre-modern Japan, with a focus on art history
Topics of socio-cultural change on modern Korea and Japan
A study on the performing groups and the commercial entertainment system in pre-modern times
Mathematical color science and color engineering
Theoretical and practical analysis of color images
Preservation and application of color information of museum materials
Analysis of Japanese traditional color
History of the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the Meiji Restoration
History of social diplomacy surrounding modern Japan-China relations
Basic and applied studies on radiation-induced luminescence from minerals
Environmental behavior of natural radionuclides
A study of the neolithic and Bronze Age in East Asia
History of postwar Japanese thought and the culture, and methods and history of thought of learning
History of Japanese ancient city
History of Japanese ancient salt product
History of Japanese ancient writs
Urban festivals
Shamanism
Anthropological study for the socio-cultural factors of the sex difference in mortality
Ecological anthropological study for the traditional cultivation in Highlands Fringe region of Papua New Guinea
Memory
Public sphere and museum
The development of "landownership" and the community in pre-modern Japan
i ) Considering and preparing for the implementation of the General Exhibition Renewal Plan
Among other decisions, the schedule for the coming renewal was considered and implementation starting with Gallery 3 was agreed upon in accordance with the General Exhibition Renewal Basic Plan Proposal, which was put together by the Second Term Exhibition Committee, which included external committee members. Based on this, the Gallery 3 Renewal Exhibit Project Committee was provisionally launched by in-house committee members only. Next fiscal year, the official Renewal Exhibition Project Committee, which will include external committee members, will have to be launched as soon as possible.
ii ) General exhibition improvements
Because the commentary video "Prototype of Japanese" in the display of "The Dawn of Japanese Civilization" in Gallery 1 become inappropriate content due to the Paleolithic hoax issue, new commentary videos-"Measuring chronological age" and "The Lacquer culture of the Jomon and Yayoi periods"-were made as replacements. The museum also took the opportunity to re-equip the room with video equipment that made it easier for children and people in wheelchairs to view the video. A touch panel device was also designed and installed that enabled visitors to view the model of the Sannai-Maruyama site in greater detail.
iii ) Countermeasures against pests endangering cultural properties
As a countermeasure against pests that endanger cultural properties, the museum cleans and applies anti-pest spray under all exhibit cases and models. Due to the discovery of museum beetles (Anthrenus verbasci) in "Court Culture", "History of Printing", and "Life and Culture of Commoners" in Gallery 2 and "Documents and Maps", "Activities of Commoners during the Late Tokugawa Period", and "The Culture of Silkworm Farming" in Gallery 3, exhibit cases and exhibit items were immediately removed temporarily from the exhibit rooms, which were then cleaned and fumigated. As a result, there was a partial change in exhibition rooms, including the temporary closure of the whole auxiliary area surrounding the infestation. Devising countermeasures against pests that endanger cultural properties is an urgent item for future deliberation.
iv ) On the handling of the loss of exhibit items
In addition to confirming the appropriate response when exhibit items go missing, such as the lines of communication and submission of damage reports, it was agreed that the chairpersons of the Exhibition Committee and Materials Committee and one person each from the exhibition, materials, and accounting sections, as well as the person with overall responsibility for exhibitions, shall consult with one another immediately.
This year, a variety of projects run including "Exhibition of New Acquisitions" and "Japanese Architecture", as well as four planed exhibitions and five special exhibitions at the Botanical Garden of Everyday Life.
In spring, the NMJH held a twentieth foundation anniversary exhibition called "Ancient Japanese Writing Symbols: From the Golden Stamp to Documents from the Shoso-in", which featured reproductions of Shoso-in documents, which have continued to be produced since the museum's founding, as well as ancient documents with written characters from the Republic of Korea. Since the exhibition at Rekihaku ended, it has taken to the road, traveling to five museums over the course of about one year.
Our summer exhibition, "Male and Female Accessories: Techniques and Designs from the Edo and Meiji Periods", revealed the Japanese world of decoration through a range of accessories created with refined design and ingenious technique. This exhibition toured three museums after wrapping up at the NMJH.
"The Function of Medieval Temples and Monasteries: Esoteric Ceremonies, Zen Monks, Bathing Facilities" was an autumn exhibition that depicted the functions of medieval temples in terms of how people live, and achieved the goal of making public materials related to medieval temples that had never before been seen by the public. This special exhibition was held in conjunction with the feature exhibition "Japanese Architecture", which featured temple architecture.
"Haniwa: Form and Meaning", a twentieth foundation anniversary exhibition that began at the end of the fiscal year, used haniwa (clay images placed in burial mounds) to explain the characteristics of the faith and lifestyle of the Kofun (Tumulus) period people. The aim was to make this exhibition easy to understand through the use of guide receivers and various "hands-on" corners, such as one corner that allowed visitors to try on clothing from the Kofun period.
In addition to our annual "Japanese Morning Glory" in summer, four special exhibitions were held under the theme "Traditional Plants of the Seasons" at the Botanical Garden of Everyday Life. It has been pointed out that the NMJH must make decisions regarding mid-term plans for feature exhibitions and the positioning and management policies for the Botanical Garden of Everyday Life series in exhibitions held throughout the entire museum.
In this year's "Exhibition of New Acquisitions", we mainly exhibited newly acquired items as usual, as well as items that had not had an opportunity to be exhibited in recent years. There was some debate as to whether an appropriate name should be considered which took into account the fact that the exhibit was not exclusively made up of newly acquired items. However, this year, some also argued during deliberations over the mid-and long-term exhibition plans that the established process for planning proposals for "Exhibition of New Acquisitions" exhibits needed to be reconsidered.
(1) Ancient Japanese Writing Symbols: From the Golden Stamp to Documents from the Shoso-in
March 19 - June 9, 2002
About the details of the exhibition, please refer to Annual Report on Research Activity 10 of NMJH at page 232.
(2) Male and Female Accessories: Techniques and Designs from the Edo and Meiji Periods
July 23 - September 1, 2002
Various kinds of accessories such as bags and pouches, seal cases, and hair ornaments that were fashionable during at the Edo period (1603-1868) through the Meiji period (1868-1912) throw into relief the rich cultural life that prospered mainly in Japan's cities and the elaborate craft techniques that were developed to unparalleled levels.
Over the many centuries that people have adorned themselves, these adornments have performed an important role in the spiritual history of the people. Rather than being used as accessories, they were originally used more for their magical properties of protecting the wearer from evil and also as an indicator of a person's social status. However, by the early modern period the aesthetic side to these accessories had developed to the extent that greater importance was placed on their decorative qualities rather than their practical uses.
Individuality and flair were 'de rigueur' not only among the warrior class but amongst the townspeople as well, resulting in the utilization of techniques that were developed to sophisticated levels and the refinement of decorations used for accessories. The unconventional and witty designs and elaborate techniques using a wide range of materials and methods from the past may well appear refreshing to a citizen of the early twenty first century.
This exhibition takes a close look at the world of Japanese adornments while explicating the roles and characteristics of accessories such as bags and pouches, seal cases, and hair ornaments that were used during the Edo period through to the Meiji period during which time the kimono came to be first recognized as Japan's traditional form of dress. Although today accessories tend to be regarded as belonging to the realm of the female, it is hoped that through the various kinds of accessories displayed in this exhibition, which are more than a match for today's fashion items, visitors will be transported back to a time when both men and women were concerned with fashion.
(3) The Function of Medieval Temples and Monasteries: Esoteric Ceremonies, Zen Monks, Bathing Facilities
October 1 - November 24, 2002
i ) To exhibit in a clear and accessible fashion documents from medieval temples and monasteries in the Museum's collections which have previously never been made public.
The NMJH has previously displayed material from its Medieval Collections in exhibits such as the "Medieval Samurai Documents" exhibit and the "Medieval Diaries" exhibit and has also, in the year 2000, published a "Catalogue of Historical Documents from the library of TANAKA Yutaka."
However, these documents from temples and monasteries in the Museum's collections have never before been publicly exhibited and will now be on display in a new style of exhibition, free from the conventional stylistic display used in diplomatics. The exhibit will introduce the results of the latest research on temple and monastery documentation in a clear, easy to understand way, as well as display the documents in their context in the historical perspective, landscape, and historical space reconstructed through such research.
ii ) To organize, from a "life history" perspective, the results of research on medieval temples and monasteries and to give an overall view of the various functions and roles played by temples and monasteries in medieval times.
Recent research on the history of medieval temples and monasteries has begun to move away from the conventional study of religious history and of religious doctrines to reveal a view of the various aspects of medieval temples and monasteries in a social history context. In place of the traditional historical view equating medieval Buddhism with the new Kamakura Buddhism, the latest studies provide a new picture of medieval temples and monasteries by showing the existence of Esoteric Buddhist state rituals and the involvement of Zen monks in diplomacy. The NMJH presents this new image of medieval temples and monasteries with a focus on the connection between religion and daily life for the people of this time, prompting modern-day viewers to reflect upon their own daily lives.
(4) Haniwa: Form and Meaning
March 18 - June 8, 2003
Clay Haniwa forms were installed in the Kofun (tumuli) that were built throughout Japan from the fourth to the sixth centuries. The Haniwa formed part of the rites used in farewelling the dead. Today, these Haniwa, made in the shape of buildings and possessions which do not exist now, and also in the form animals and even people, show us what things were like in those times.
This special exhibition focuses on haniwa as a means of exploring the religious and social characteristics and international activities of the people of the Kofun period, a period which saw the earliest beginnings in the development of the ancient kingdoms of the Japanese archipelago. We must also remember that throughout the ancient Far East, the sacrifice of substitutionary clay forms to the dead developed from the elaborate funerary rites prevalent in the nation-building period.
In the First Exhibition Room, the displays ponder the significance of the haniwa of the Fourth and Fifth Centuries. "The Beginnings of Haniwa" covers the cylindrical haniwa which appeared together with the earliest tumuli, while "The Halls of the Dead" displays haniwa depicting the family and possessions which watch over the corpse buried under the highest point of the circular mound of the tumulus. The "Graveside Ritual" display shows haniwa of boats and aquatic birds, from the projecting platform area of the tumuli. The displays in the Second Exhibition Room invite us to consider prayer and commemorative activities, through the haniwa of people and animals popular in the sixth century. Guardian haniwa from areas such as tumuli embankments are shown guarding the tumulus in the "The Guardians" display. "Haniwa Groupings in the Graves of the Great Kings" displays the haniwa grouped in typical arrays. "Praying and Watching Over the Dead" shows the main figures in the groups of human forms, while the "People and Animals" display deals with hunters and a variety of animals. "People and Commemoration" shows people busy dancing, singing, and making music.
The Third Exhibition Room deals with haniwa production. "The Making of Haniwa" depicts the effort that went into the construction and supply of haniwa for the tombs of great kings, while the "Transporting Haniwa" shows that haniwa were transported over long distances, and the "Different Haniwa" indicates how the differences in finished haniwa can be attributed to different workmen. This room will also include a "Touch It and See" corner. A display entitled "Death and the World View in Ancient China", which deals with how death fit into the world view in China and surrounding continental areas. The "Haniwa in Korean Peninsula" display shows keyhole-shaped tumuli and haniwa-like terracotta figurines from outside the Japanese archipelago.
* Special Program at the Botanical Garden of Everyday Life:
Japanese Morning Glory (Aug.6-25, 2002)
Traditional plants of the Seasons:
Spring: Japanese primrose (Apr.23 - May 6, 2002)
Summer: Melon and gourd (Jun.23 - Sep.29, 2002)
Autumn: Classical chrysanthemum (Oct.29 - Nov.10, 2002)
Winter: Sasanqua (Nov.14-24, 2002)
* Exhibition of New Acquisitions (Jan.15 - Feb.16, 2003)
For activities related to the museum collections of the academic year of 2002, the NMJH collected materials, made replicas, held New Collections of Exhibits, published museum collection catalogs, and called meetings for the Investigative Committee on Museum Collections and the Examination Committee on Museum Storage Environment. The directions in the collection, as well as the methods of arrangement, management, and exhibition to the public, were also discussed at the Material Committee.
Furthermore, the Committee on Museum Collections discussed implementing a review of the way the NMJH has been collecting materials until now, creating a manual on taking care of materials, making arrangements for holding an audit committee meeting, and establishing a same-day viewing system for material in the Museum's collections. Of these, the discussions on making arrangements for holding an audit committee meeting yielded some results and the Committee proposed to the chairman of next year's Committee that the idea be implemented, on a trial basis, within the Committee. As for creating a manual on taking care of materials and establishing a same-day viewing system for material in the NMJH's collections, these also resulted in a draft proposal. However, the finer points need to be refined before the plans can be put to actual use and so much expectation is placed on future Committees. Establishing guidelines for the collection of materials by the NMJH is an important task to be undertaken by the Committee on Museum Collections and the 2002 Committee laid the foundations for this task by conducting a review of the Museum's conventional collecting methods but could not arrive at a common conclusion. Nevertheless, as the financial conditions surrounding the NMJH grow ever more strict, it will become essential to establish clear guidelines on collecting material for the entire museum so that the limited funds can be used effectively. The Committee on Museum Collections will need, therefore, to proceed promptly in carrying out the necessary reviews for this purpose.
As of March 2003, the NMJH collection has amounted to approximately 168,000 items in total, which is the sum of purchases, donations, and in-house products.
An inventory of items and illustrated catalogs for the major collections have already been issued at the appropriate times. In order to continue presenting the material to the public, however, it will be necessary to continue to publish as well as maintain coordination with the database.
Information management of the NMJH is conducted under the support of the Committee of Information System. The Committee promoted the formation of databases based on compilation of research outcomes as well as the publication of databases for museum materials, in particular, the database of detailed contents. In addition to these, as a means of information services for the visitors (the REKIHAKU Cross Road), the Committee promoted electronic services of museum materials, their contents formation such as those of super fine digital data and for broadcast terminal, and the service of the "Virtual Exhibitions" to the public through the INTERNET. These activities are based on the "NMJH Fifth Stage of Information System Program" planned in July 1998, and the "Action Plan" of March 2000. To accommodate to the progress in the Information System thereafter and to reflect its outcome on the plan, the Committee revised the Action Plan in November, 2001, and schemed its embodiment.
In addition to the above services, the Committee settled on the "NMJH Sixth Stage of Information System Program" forming the foundation of the introduction program of the next stage system.
The Library Committee maintains the museum's basic position as an interuniversity research institute to promote research on Japanese history and culture based on cooperation between the fields of history, archaeology, and folklore. It also takes the standpoint of promoting graduate education in the Graduate University for Advanced Studies in cultural and social studies, which began in 1999, and collects books that cover all research areas and related fields, in addition to providing an outlook on interdisciplinary and international research.
The committee strives to systematically collect the following:
(1) Books related to basic and collaborative research themes at the NMJH
(2) Historical journals published by local governments deeply related to historical research on the lives of common people based on regional history
(3) Archaeological and folklore-related field reports
(4) Basic textbooks on Asian history
(5) Collections of historical documents
(6) Museum-related books and pictorial records
Specifically, we determine the field of books of importance based on our mid-term plan, and adopt a method of focusing on filling out the museum's collection of books in these fields. It was along these lines that the museum, continuing on from last fiscal year, collected books with an emphasis on books in the following fields:
i ) Books related to Asian history (books related to Chinese / Korean archaeology / folklore)
ii ) Field reports of archeological excavations
iii ) Historical and folklore-related journals published by local governments
iv ) Texts on basic history
Also, the information searching services provided by The National Institute of Informatics (NII) became available for a fixed fee according to the researcher's affiliation.
The museum also continued the bulletin board that was started on a trial basis in 1997 for the convenience of museum visitors as a bulletin board of book references located in the library room used by visitors, to which 165 postings were made this year.
One of the important research activities in NMJH is the research on historical materials analysis in a broader sense. It includes analysis of the historical materials by means of new methodologies based on the state of art technology. To this aim the NMJH has endeavored at introducing research equipments since its establishment, as well as promoting the collaboration with scholars and researchers outside the museum who engage in the development of methodology.
Fourteen equipments, which include analytical instruments, computers, and audio-visual equipments, have been installed in the last five years. The equipments that were introduced in the academic year of 2002 are Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy device and large micro region analysis device for use with historical materials which has been added to our list of earlier equipments such as an X-ray diffractometer, and an automatic sample preparation system for radiocarbon dating, 3-dimensional image input equipment, extremely large image display system, digital HF microscope, vacuum line system for sample preparation of radiocarbon dating, X-ray film digitizer, high frequency furnace for carbon and sulfur analysis of metal and CO2 extraction, inductively coupled plasma / glow-discharge mass spectrometer: ICP / GD-MS, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer: FT-IR, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer: XRF, scanning electron microscopes: SEM, X-ray CT scanner, thermal ionization mass spectrometer: TI-MS, etc. Most of he research equipments are open for use to the researchers who engage in the collaboration research programs of the museum.
Although the NMJH has always been active in holding many different types of activities since its founding, since 1998 the NMJH "Education Project Team" has been in charge of various efforts in coordinating with schools and promoting the use of the NMJH in life-long education.
The academic year of 2001 saw the continuation of the "Rekihaku Lecture Series" (monthly), the "Rekihaku Forums" (four sessions) and the "Observation Gatherings at the Botanical Garden of Everyday Life" (monthly) for adults, and the "Rekihaku Exploration" (monthly) for elementary and junior high school students. On a trial basis, the "Rekihaku Seminar for Teachers" (one session) was held again this academic year.
Furthermore, the Museum supports various seminars organized by "Friends of Rekihaku" and the "Museum Tour Seminar" organized by Sakura City Hall. The Museum is open to accepting interns from various organizations at all times.
The NMJH currently prepares various materials for group visits by schools and provides them to the children on a trial basis. Teaching staff and research promotion staff are also available to help when appropriate and upon request. The Museum is also considering future coordination with schools such as supporting experimental classes given by cooperating schools or holding "Seminars on effective use of Rekihaku".
The "Family Quiz Program" and the "Summer Holidays Independent Project Consultation Room" were continued on a trial basis while a "Sketching Day" was newly introduced. In addition, an experiment was conducted on museum labels for children.
The NMJH continue to issue the journal "Rekihaku" (bimonthly). A new guidebook on the general exhibitions was prepared both in English and Korean alphabet. Through publishing companies and the NMJH Publicity Committee, the Museum also published chronicles of its forums, the "Rekihaku booklet series".
The NMJH enriched the content of the information made available via the Internet website and installed additional broadcast-type terminal software in the exhibition room.
The visitor survey project continuously checks the movements and awareness of the visitors in the exhibition rooms, as well as their evaluation of individual services such as museum labels for children and volunteers, and prepares a report for reference in making improvements.
The NMJH began using a considerable number of volunteers, on a trial basis, in the planned exhibition "Ancient Japanese writing symbols: From the Golden Stamp to Documents from the Shoso-in".
PR for the planned exhibitions consisted of running advertisements in various media through an advertising agency. PR for the planned exhibitions consisted of running advertisements in various media through an advertising agency.
Vol.98 Research on Shrine and Village Rituals-Specific Research: Village Society and the People of the Kinki Region
Vol.99 Historical Studies on Discrimination in Modern Society-Specific Research: Village Society and the People of the Kinki Region
Vol.100
Vol.101 Village and Battle Front-Collaborative Research: The Real Image of Modern Soldiers I
Vol.102 Memorial Service and Cemeteries-Collaborative Research: The Real Image of Modern Soldiers II
Vol.103 Formation and Development Process of the Regional Characteristics of Cities: Focusing on Distribution and Culture from the Modern Period and Beyond-Collaborative Research: Studies in the Urban History in Japan
Vol.104 Collaborative Research: Study on Medieval Shoen-System in the Muromachi Period
Vol.105 Collaborative Research: Environment and Indigenous Praxis in Asian Regions
Vol.106 National Museum of Japanese History International Symposium-Cultural Exchanges in East Asia: Confucianism and Oral Tradition
Vol.107 Specific Research: Formation Process of Ainu Culture Vol.2
* Ancient Japanese Writing Symbols: From the Golden Stamp to Documents from the Shoso-in (2002.3)
* Male and Female Accessories: Techniques and Designs from the Edo and Meiji Periods (2002.7)
* The Function of Medieval Temples and Monasteries: Esoteric Ceremonies, Zen Monks, Bathing Facilities (2002.10)
* Haniwa: Form and Meaning (2003.3)
* Traditional Plants of the Seasons (2002.8)
Basic research on non-documentary materials report: Monuments related to modern wars (2003.3)
* Okubo Toshimichi Papers and Related Artifacts (2003.3)
* The Mizuki Collection (2003.3)
No.112-117
* Talk on the other world (2002.7.19)
* The funeral and grave at the present time: Transformation in folk custums (2002.12.20)
* Landscapes in which gods and Buddha appear: Deciphering temple and shrine plans (2003.2.15)
The course of specialized studies in Japanese History at the Graduate University for Advanced Studies is a graduate program for doctoral students whose base organization is the National Museum of Japanese History. The NMJH is an interuniversity research institute with a focus on historical studies with four research specializations-the study of historical materials history, archaeology, and folklore-and over fifty affiliated scholars and researchers. A characteristic feature of the NMJH is that it not only supports individual researches but also actively pursues collaborative research with researchers outside the Museum.
The NMJH exhibitions are also not merely displays of valuable material. They have been planned as a result of collaborative research and, therefore, are also presentations of research results.
The objective of the Graduate University for Advanced Studies is to foster scholars and researchers with a high level of specialized knowledge and research skills. The specific goal is to use the results of research conducted while in the graduate course to prepare a doctoral dissertation and obtain a doctorate degree. The dissertation should deal with the frontier discoveries and theories in that field so that by preparing the dissertation one can expect progress to be made both by the author in his or her studies as well by the discipline itself. In this respect, doctoral dissertations deal with very specialized fields so that their subjects and outlook are likely to become narrow.
However, if one is to construct an entire academic system through the preparation of the dissertation, this requires a broad perspective and diversified methodology, from defining issues to developing the logic and making deductions. Therefore, as a prerequisite to beginning the dissertation, it is necessary, to cultivate broad knowledge without specializing in one narrow area. In this respect, the course of specialized studies in Japanese History at the Graduate University for Advanced Studies is home to many researchers in the four closely-linked fields, and the education given here offers many different outlooks for the students. It is not easy to deepen one's understanding of one's specialization and broaden one's horizon in the limited timeframe of three years. Nevertheless, the curriculum for this course is based on the requests of the students.
Furthermore, the fact that the core organization for this course is a museum provides access to a great collection of research material. There is also a generous amount of analytical equipment used to obtain new information from such material and computers used to process the data. Therefore, it is expected that students will make the most of this course of specialized studies in Japanese History, which enjoys both plentiful human resources and facilities as an interuniversity research institute.
This year, the course is in its forth year since its founding. Sixteen students are enrolled in various specializations such as history, archaeology, and folklore. An abundance of lectures are scheduled to meet the academic needs of the students, given by enthusiastic professors. There are currently two students who are studying in this course while working on a local board of education or museum. That is another characteristic of this course-that it gives people who have work in their own region the chance to obtain a higher level of knowledge without giving up their jobs.
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