The significance of community relations in democracy and peace-building: the case of Komeito-Soka Gakkai in realising SDG16

2020 年度 実施状況報告書

• 研究課題/領域番号: 20K01486
• 研究機関: 創価大学
• 研究代表者: フィスカーネルセン アネメッテ 創価大学, 文学部, 准教授 (20817192)
• 研究期間 (年度): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• キーワード: local governance / identity politics / Komeito-Okinawa

研究実績の概要

1) I presented the first results of research conducted at an international conference held on 6-7 of November, 2020. The conference was held on line due to Covid-19. My paper was titled, "Negotiating Historical Memory in an Era of Purity Politics: The case of Komeito’s paradoxical position in Okinawa"
The Conference was titled, "Contesting Memorial Spaces in the Asia-Pacific", 6-7 November, 2020, organised by Kyushu University, Faculty of Law, Border Studies.
2) I completed a forthcoming book chapter and the first draft has been submitted. This chapter is titled,"Negotiating Historical Memory in an Era of Purity Politics". This chapter will be published in a book titled, Contesting memorial spaces of Japan’s Empire, edited by Edward Boyle, Kyushu University.
3) I prepared and submitted an abstract on the issue of religion and politics and Komeito and Soka Gakkai to the journal Religion. The article proposal was accepted.

現在までの達成度 (区分)

3: やや遅れている

理由

Parts of the research are progressing smoothly: review of recent relevant research publications, review of local media representations in Okinawa Times and Ryukyu Shinbun of Henoko-related politics have been completed; transcription of previous interviews with local municipalities and local people have been completed. Some of these research findings were used for presentation at international conference and the basis for the first upcoming publication.

Some parts of the data collection have been delayed: Fieldwork has been delayed due to the Covid-19 situation. This means no new fieldwork has been conducted in Okinawa as it was not possible to travel there. Partial interviews have been conducted online; other interviews have been conducted in Tokyo.

今後の研究の推進方策

!) June to July I plan to conduct interviews online with national politicians of Komeito from the Kyushu block, as well as some local level politicians.
2) August/September I plan to conduct interviews if possible with local people in Okinawa
3) Continue to review relevant source materials
4) Complete an article accepted for the journal Religion titled: Soka Gakkai’s Contemporary Practice of Rissho Ankoku in the Age of ‘Religion’. Deadline for completion is 31 October.
5) February to March conduct fieldwork in Okinawa

次年度使用額が生じた理由

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 conference took place online and incurred no travel cost. Fieldwork in Okinawa was postponed for the same reason, and no funds were used for travel.
Given the current Covid-19 situation, fieldwork in Okinawa is likely to take place in February and March, 2022. To maximise output of fieldwork I plan to bring the research assistant with me to Okinawa for some of the time.
The research assistant will continue to assist with reviewing relevant media articles and other resources, and will continue to assist with transcribing interviews conducted.