2019 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
The Diaspora of Classical Japanese Literature: Early Japanese Books in America
| Project/Area Number |
18K12282
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| Research Institution | Yasuda Women's University |
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Principal Investigator |
Kuhn Michelle 安田女子大学, 文学部, 助教 (90752832)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2018-04-01 – 2022-03-31
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| Keywords | Art Institute of Chicago / 紅白源氏物語 / 小袖雛形本 / Kosode Pattern Books / 米国所在和古書 / Early Japanese Books / Kohaku genji |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
The purpose of this research is to discover how classical Japanese literature has been transmitted to the United States via translations and purchases of premodern Japanese books. This year, the main goal was to present on and publish research based on premodern Japanese books in US collections. First, the researcher published a study of the translation techniques employed in the Kohaku genji, Hoei 6 (1709). This book was chosen because a full copy of the text is housed in the Art Institute of Chicago and represents the trend of collecting illustrated texts related to classical literature in late 19th century US. Finally, a presentation on the Genji hinagata which was to be presented at American Association of Teachers of Japanese was published online.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
Data gathered during the March, 2019 survey trip was analyzed and the researcher published a study of the Kohaku genji, a colloquial translation of Genji monogatari from 1709. The researcher participated in a workshop on a premodern Sagoromo monogatari commentary printed in Joo 3 (1654) and learned valuable techniques in evaluating premodern texts that were then used in the publication.
Analysis of previous survey data continued throughout the year, however the COVID-19 pandemic caused the March, 2020 survey trip to be postponed. Fortunately, the March, 2020 conference was held online and the researcher’s presentation is available publicly on YouTube.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
The 2020 year may bring new challenges due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and international travel restrictions.
Nonetheless, the researcher will continue analysis of data gained in 2019. The research presentations planned for 2020 have been rescheduled for 2021 and will be improved during the interim. The researcher will continue to bring illustrated books in the AIC to international attention and publish widely over the next year.
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| Causes of Carryover |
As the funds planned to be used for the survey were not used, the amount will be carried over to next year. The funds will be used to continue publishing results, including purchasing image rights along with books and materials necessary for research.
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Research Products
(4 results)
