2016 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Experiences at the Edge of Science and Religion: a Comparative Research on Exorcism in Contemporary Japan, Italy and Austria
| Project/Area Number |
15K16905
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| Research Institution | Ritsumeikan University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
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| Keywords | Exorcism / Spirit Possession / Religious Healing / Ritual / Psychiatry |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
During the AY 2016, I focused on fieldwork both in Italy and in Japan. I could go to fieldwork to Italy in late August-early September and in March, whereas I went to fieldwork in Japan (Tokushima Pref) in July.
As for Italy, I met several exorcists and continued participant observation as a helper during Roman Catholic exorcisms in Central Italy. Unfortunately, only one person gave me permission to take part. However, I have known her case for one and a half years now, and I have been able to collect quite precious data. Moreover, I continued interviewing exorcists and, at the moment, I am confident that I have more than enough data about the exorcists' side, as well as on the "structural" aspects of exorcism and on the intersections and collaborations with psychiatrists.
As for Japan, I continued my fieldwork in Kenmi Jinja (Tokushima Pref). The fieldwork has given very good results both about (inugami) possession and ritual healing.
I also continued bibliographic and archival research on the topics, focusing particularly on theoretical frameworks on the anthropology of the body and affect, as well as medical science.
Some research results will be published in an article, part of a special issue of the Japanese Review of Cultural Anthropology that I am co-editing with Paul Dumouchel, and that is currently under review. I also gave a number of presentations at International Conferences, invited lectures in several Universities both in Japan and in Europe, as well as at an International Workshop that I co-organized with Paul Dumouchel in Ritsumeikan University (January 2017).
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
Leaving for fieldwork is very difficult due to continuous teaching and administrative commitments, which keep me in Kyoto even during breaks. Moreover, although leaving for instance in August would be possible, it is a time when everything is closed and everyone is away in Italy. Therefore meeting people and carrying out participant observation is very difficult. Similarly, also going to Tokushima has proven difficult for the same reasons. However, I asked for a sabbatical next year, and I hope I can focus on fieldwork more at that time.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
Similarly to the AY 2016, in the AY 2017, I will do fieldwork in Italy and Austria in late August-early September and March. I will continue focusing on Central Italy and on the case of the possessed woman I am following.
I will go to Tokushima in July and as soon as I have time during weekends. I would like to improve and intensify the fieldwork there, possibly extending observation to some of the people who are central in the shrine's network and who live in Tokushima city.
I will also continue bibliographical and archival research on the topic.
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