Collaborative Research
A Popular Magazines on Omens, Knowledge, Taboos and Magic
| Type of Research | Basic Research |
|---|---|
| Project Title | General Study of Lifestyle Magazines in the Japanese Archipelago |
| Supervising Head of the Research Team | TSUNEMITSU Toru |
| Research Title | A Popular Magazines on Omens, Knowledge, Taboos and Magic |
| Head of the Research Team | TSUNEMITSU Toru |
| Research Period | 2007–2009 |
| Research Team |
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| Purpose | This research examined the traditions surrounding omens, taboos, and magic as they relate to human life and death (e.g., human bodies, food, clothing, housing, etc.) in the forms of handed-down knowledge on human relations in daily Japanese life. Magic, as a device used to prevent or eliminate misfortune, often functions as a life technique; however, sufficient discussion has not yet taken place with respect to the relationship between such folk beliefs and knowledge or wisdom that supports the validity of these techniques. This study looks to obtain new insights into such techniques and knowledge, by integrating folklore-related findings with those of archaeology, history, cultural anthropology, and religion studies. An example of Cho ("omens") is the old saying that "a bad croak from a raven predicts somebody's death." In other words, an omen is knowledge used to predict a future event, using "hints" from present phenomena. The subjects of omens range widely, from natural phenomena to events involving human bodies, animals, and plants. Oh ("responses") are knowledge used to pinpoint a cause in the past, after confirming some result—that is, using "hints" from present phenomena. Kin ("taboos") are inhibitions that command one not to do something. Many Kin, when breached, are accompanied by predictable sanctions. In particular, Kin and Ju function as life techniques. There are many cases of folk belief being handed down in the forms of life knowledge and techniques, as found in various dimensions of folkloric culture throughout the Japanese Archipelago; the group found proof of such in many historical materials, literary works, and paintings. In this research, the group wanted to examine the possibilities of various studies on folk beliefs and reveal the true meanings of folk beliefs as found in documents and paintings, all while clarifying those beliefs' historical development and how they changed, based on various materials and a consideration of contemporary tradition. The group will also perform field surveys into folk beliefs, to reveal the restrictive characteristics and folkloric meanings of traditions that have specific functions in real life. Considering that Cho, Oh, Kin, and Ju have drawn considerable attention as traditions deeply related to mental phenomena, those themes that center on mental issues—such as people's ways of feeling and perceiving the world, both of which are deeply embedded in folk belief—will also be examined. In particular, in order to utilize this study's results in the new exhibition at Gallery 3, the group would like to deepen its discussion of views on the afterlife, focusing on monsters and ghosts. |
2008
Progress
The group had three workshops, one of which was held at the Kochi Prefectural Museum of History. The group also conducted fieldwork in February 2008 in Suzaki City, Tsuno Town, and Yasuhara Town, Kochi Prefecture.
Result
The group examined folk beliefs from various viewpoints, including early modern paintings and religious manners and customs (including those performed at funerals); it also deepened its discussion of the functions and influences of folk beliefs.
Itaru Katsuta analyzed many materials and folkloric cases with regards to Kasha (the burning car that takes into the afterlife the dead who had committed sinful deeds while alive); he also categorized the typology of the stories encountered and clarified their historical transitions and how they relate to various traditions.
Natsuki Ogino discussed folk beliefs handed down among people in the early Meiji period and the social phenomena observed in relation to them.
Mitsuoki Umeno considered the divination of Nomi-no-Shio-Bakari, a festival in which peopled prayed for a good catch of fish and a good harvest, by erecting a bamboo tree about 50 feet into the sea; this festival is designated as the cultural property of Kochi Prefecture.
The February 2008 meeting was held jointly with branch B; therein, the means of ethnological knowledge and techniques were discussed. Issues concerning the new exhibition at Gallery 3 were also discussed.
2007
Progress
The group held three workshops, one of which was held at the Kagoshima Prefectural Museum of Culture; the group also conducted fieldwork on the Osumi Peninsula, Kagoshima Prefecture.
Result
Toru Tsunemitsu reviewed the history of Japanese folk beliefs, examined the period in which the term "folk belief" was accepted as a term to indicate Cho, Oh, Kin, and Ju, and presented clear definitions for each of the research themes.
Koichi Matsuo revealed a religious aspect of architectural rituals, based on research on rituals and incantations among religious practitioners (i.e., persons who have religious functions) in the Monobe district of Kochi Prefecture, on beliefs in Yama-no-Kami ("mountain gods"), and on rituals and incantations handed down among shipbuilders in the Amami district of Kagoshima Prefecture.
Shuichi Kawashima clarified the folkloric meanings and propagation routes of incantations and taboos handed down among fishermen in the Tohoku district.
Shotaro Koike focused on divination and magic as recorded in documents of the Edo period, to reveal the relationship between folk beliefs and Japan's historical background, as well as the occupations of those involved.
Toru Shinohara focused on folk beliefs involving birds, pointing out that detailed observations of nature by farmers and fishermen lie at the heart of such apparent foreknowledge and omens; he also presented hypotheses vis-à-vis the relationship between the causes and results therein.
Chisato Kujirai focused on Engacho, presenting hypotheses regarding the etymology of that word, based on materials from the late Edo and Meiji periods; he also discussed the historical transition of Yubikiri-no-seigen ("words in vows made to make a promise").
