2022 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
The integration of mass trauma in collective identity through negative heritage preservation and disaster tourism in Tohoku after the Great East Japan Earthquake
| Project/Area Number |
21K13164
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| Research Institution | Tohoku University |
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Principal Investigator |
Gerster Julia 東北大学, 災害科学国際研究所, 助教 (90842716)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2021-04-01 – 2026-03-31
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| Keywords | collective memory / cultural memory / negative heritage / disaster / recovery / museums / tourism / trauma |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
Due to the ease of Covid-related travel restrictions I was able to analyze international examples of negative heritage preservation in France and Germany.I found that while more time has passed for narratives on WW2 memorials to be established discussions on how to preserve sites of negative heritage are still continuing. This is even more true for sites that represent traumatic events in recent history, such as prisons used during the dictatorship in East Germany. Due to the recent war against Ukraine, discussions on negative heritage preservation in Europe have gained momentum. Regarding domestic research, I was able to visit and compare several disaster memorial museums that are now also preparing for international tourists. Findings were presented as international conferences and in scientific journals.
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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
While there were still some Covid-19 related travel restrictions in place, I was able to visit sites of negative heritage preservation in Japan and abroad. I was able to attend some national and international conferences in person again and a couple of results was published in peer-reviewed and other journals. However, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, I might not be able to investigate the heritage sites and museums at Chornobyl.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
In the coming FY, I plan to continue this research with a stronger focus on gender related issues in cultural memory. I plan to discuss article drafts at international conferences in order to gain feedback to polish this research. Further, several book chapter drafts and an edited volume are in press. As it is unclear whether I can visit Chornobyl in person in the near future, I will try to focus on other type of negative heritage in Europe instead to understand international examples and the challenges they face. I also hope to conduct more interviews with survivors (eye witnesses) in Japan and abroad.
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| Causes of Carryover |
Due to Covid-19 related travel restrictions and online participation at conferences not all of the planned amount could be spent this FY. However, many important international conferences are taking place in FY 2023. Therefore, funding is needed for participation and related research abroad.
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