2015 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Themes and Implications of the Heisei Era Shikoku Henro Literature Boom
| Project/Area Number |
26370074
|
|---|
| Research Institution | Kansai Gaidai University |
|---|
Principal Investigator |
John A.SHULTZ 関西外国語大学, 外国語学部, 講師 (90722728)
|
|---|
| Project Period (FY) |
2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
|
| Keywords | pilgrimage / Shikoku henro / asceticism |
|---|
| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
The largest single achievement for the year is the acceptance of a major 10,700-word research paper on henro-pilgrimage asceticism for the Japanese Journal of Religious Studies, a top-tier journal in this research area. This paper offers a pointed critique of several seminal theories regarding religion in Japan. The journal editor has plans to include the paper in the fall issue of the journal, so the research will be disseminated in a timely manner. Secondarily, a book review pertinent to the subject of asceticism was published in the Religious Studies Review in September of 2015.
Research results were also presented internationally in a panel titled “Commodified Spirituality: Marketing Pilgrimages in Japan” at the XXI World Congress of the International Association for the History of Religion, Erfurt, Germany on Aug. 25th. Feedback during the panel and other consultations with scholars about this project has greatly informed the efforts on the monograph.
Finally, FY 2015 included an important research trip to Kochi and Ehime prefecture in Shikoku. These field research journeys have been invaluable to inform and contextualize the literary research. Likewise, explorations along the henro trail have provided many photographs to include in research papers and, ultimately, in the monograph.
|
| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
Overall, this project has progressed in general accordance to the initial plan submitted in the Kaken Grant application. The research remains on schedule and has completed all of the stated intermediate goals.
|
| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
In FY 2016, efforts for the completion of the monograph will be finalized. To that end, data collection will be kept to a relative minimum. The book manuscript has progressed to a point where potential publishers will be solicited in the coming months. Secondarily, extra effort will be made to disseminate the research findings to Japanese scholars. I will give an overview presentation of this research to the Research Center for the Shikoku Henro and Pilgrimages of the World (四国遍路・世界の巡礼研究センター ) at their colloquium on July 3—31st. Most efforts this year will concentrate on finishing the book.
|
| Causes of Carryover |
The second year of the third year grant incurred the highest costs for a number of reasons. An early release of funds for the next FY was applied for, but the actual fiscal need was lower than anticipated.
|
| Expenditure Plan for Carryover Budget |
Research assistants have proven invaluable to the research project. Funds for FY 28 will be concentrated on funding research labor and other expenses which will enable the final book manuscript.
|
