Research on Czech Female Traveler B. M. Eliasova and Japonism in Modern Czech Literature

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K13142
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 02040:European literature-related
• Research Institution: Jissen Women's University
• Principal Investigator: BRUNA Lukas 実践女子大学, 文学部, 准教授 (10780827)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: ジャポニズム / Ｂ・Ｍ・エリアーショヴァー / 中欧文学 / 旅行文学 / 日本近代文学 / 網野菊

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This research has focused on "japonism literature" in late 19th century and early 20th century Central Europe, particularly on the figure of B. M. Eliasova, a female traveler and writer who visited Japan four times between the early Taisho and early Showa period, significantly contributing to the cultural exchange between Japan and the Czech. By examining previously unpublished materials and manuscripts, I have delved into Eliasova's life during her stays in Japan, her interactions with Japanese intellectuals, and her literary work upon returning home, thereby clarifying her immense achievements. Additionally, I have analyzed the representation of "Japan" in modern travelogues and novels set in Japan, and the significance of female narratives in this type of literature. Throughout the research period, I have published research papers, delivered numerous conference presentations, and organized several exhibitions related to this topic, thus widely communicating its significance.

Free Research Field

文学研究

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、チェコの旅行家Ｂ・Ｍ・エリアーショヴァーの多方面の活躍に光を当てた。数多くの新しい資料を紹介しながら、20世紀初頭の女性解放運動への関与と日本女子大学校の教員らによる影響のもとで形成された独特な〈日本観〉、日本とチェコの新聞雑誌に寄稿された記事にみる〈女性へのまなざし〉、帰国後に刊行された旅行記や〈日本もの〉の小説に描出される〈日本像〉など、従来注目されなかった多数の課題に取り組んだ。これらの諸問題に関する研究成果を公開し、シンポジウムなど議論や意見交換の場を設けることにより、エリアーショヴァーの人物像を大きく訂正し、西洋文学とジャポニズムをめぐる今後の研究に新しい方向性を示した。