2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Nikkei Global Literature: Diaspora, Race, Identity & Belonging
| Project/Area Number |
21K12957
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| Research Institution | Kyoto Notre Dame University |
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Principal Investigator |
DeSouza Lyle 京都ノートルダム女子大学, 国際言語文化学部, 准教授 (00879687)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2021-04-01 – 2025-03-31
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| Keywords | Nikkei / diaspora / race / identity / belonging |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
This year focussed on diving deeper into the intricacies of primary sources. This involved meticulous close readings to not only grasp the content but also uncover the underlying messages and complexities within the materials. Secondary literature of materials procurred continued to play a crucial role, informing the analysis and its positioning within the ongoing scholarly discourse on race, diaspora, identity, and belonging. The note-taking database proved invaluable once again, facilitating cross-referencing and the identification of connections and patterns throughout the primary sources. This enriched understanding fuelled the development of a comprehensive outline for the planned monograph.
Significant progress was made on the manuscript itself, with drafts of the first two key chapters on Diaspora and Race completed. These chapters explore the complexities of displacement and relocation, examining how these experiences shape both individual and collective identities within the Nikkei community. Attention was paid to how perceptions of race, influenced by shifting social and political contexts, play a pivotal role in shaping the Japanese diasporic experience.
The third chapter, focusing on identity, was also drafted. This chapter explores the multifaceted nature of identity formation within the diaspora. It analyses the interplay between inherited cultural traditions, the influence of the host society, and individual agency in the construction of Nikkei identities. Chapter 4, focusing on Belonging, will be tackled in the coming year.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
External factors compelled the postponement of fieldwork in both the UK and Australia. The original dates became unworkable due to the unavailability of key collaborating academics. The fieldwork in Australia was eventually able to go ahead towards the end of the fiscal year, however, the fieldwork in Australia has still yet to be arranged.
Despite this setback, the drafting of the monograph, in areas not directly reliant on fieldwork findings, remains on schedule.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
The upcoming fiscal year will prioritise the completion of essential fieldwork in Australia, a critical component of the project's data collection and analysis. This fieldwork will provide vital insights necessary for the remaining chapters of the monograph.
Alongside the fieldwork, I will focus on drafting the outstanding chapters. Of particular interest is Chapter 4, which about the complex dynamics of belonging within the Nikkei diaspora. This analysis promises to shed light on the delicate balance between community, cultural heritage, and the desire for acceptance within host societies.
Alongside drafting these chapters, substantial work remains in crafting a compelling introduction and conclusion, as well as the essential front and end matter for the monograph. Also required are discussions with potential publishers to secure the best possible platform for disseminating this research. The primary goal of this fiscal year remains completing the academic monograph. Therefore, conference presentations will be carefully considered to ensure they strategically contribute towards enhancing these remaining chapters.
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| Causes of Carryover |
External factors compelled the postponement of fieldwork in FY2023 in both the UK and Australia. The original dates became unworkable due to the unavailability of key collaborating academics.The allocated funds for the upcoming fiscal year will prioritise the monograph's completion. Expenses are anticipated as follows:
1. Fieldwork Travel (Australia): The majority of funding will be dedicated to the essential fieldwork expedition in Australia. This research directly contributes to the monograph's analysis and conclusions.
2. Conference Travel: Limited funds may be allocated for conferences that significantly benefit the monograph. This includes presentations to relevant scholars or networking with potential publishers.
3. Publication Support: A portion of the budget will ensure professional assistance for tasks like final data analysis, manuscript preparation, and copyediting. This investment will enhance the monograph's quality and global reach.
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