Introduction

Focusing on stories from the Muromachi period to the early Edo period, I am conducting extensive research on Muromachi literature, emphasizing the correlation with narratives, performing arts, and temple materials. In addition to analyzing texts and illustrations, I aim to elucidate the establishment and reception of these stories.

1. Analysis of the Correlation between Monogatari-sōshi and Temple Materials
Research Objective:
This research aims to analyze the interrelationship between monogatari-sōshi (medieval Japanese tale literature) and historical materials preserved in temples, thereby elucidating the religious, cultural, and social significance of these narratives.
Major Publications:
"The Tale of the Skeletons: A Reconsideration of Genchūsōda-ga," in Culture and Society in Medieval Japan from the Perspective of Zen, edited by Fumio Amano, Perikansha Publishing, 2016.
"A Development of Illustrated Buddhist Sutra Explanations: On Inga Gōkyō zu (Spencer Collection)," in Japan Narrated in Pictures, edited by the National Institute of Japanese Literature, Miyai Shoten, 2014.
Buddha and Women in the Muromachi Period: A Study of Monogatari-sōshi, Kasama Shoin, 2008.
2. Clarification of the Production and Reception of Illustrated Tales
Research Objective:
This research investigates the structure, iconography, and production background of illustrated tales in order to clarify the cultural and historical significance of emaki (picture scrolls) and Nara ehon (illustrated manuscripts).
Major Publications:
"A Study of Koyasu Monogatari: On Its Various Manuscripts and Sources," Geibun Kenkyū 123-1, December 2022.
"The Production of Kōwaka mai Picture Scrolls and Books in the Early Edo Period: Focusing on Taishokan and Atsumori," in Narrative and Painting in the Warring States Period: The World of Illustrated Monogatari, edited by Kenji Kobayashi, Miyai Shoten, 2020.
"The Cultural Background of Picture Scroll Production in the Early Edo Period: The Cultural Activities of Masatomo Nakai and Moriyasu Sugihara," Geibun Kenkyū 95, December 2008.
3. Exploring the Multifaceted Roles of Women in Medieval Literature
Research Objective:
Through a close analysis of monogatari-sōshi interpretation and the processes of manuscript transmission, this study seeks to elucidate the roles women played as transmitters, preservers, and recreators of narrative culture.
Major Publications:
"The Reception Sphere of Tokiwa no uba: The Significance as a Bridal Gift Book," Japanese Literature Research Journal 30, June 2024.
Women Leading into the Otherworld: Unraveling Emaki and Nara Ehon, Heibonsha, 2017.
The Taishokan Picture Scroll from the Usugumo Palace Collection at Jijuin Monzeki: Transcription and Commentary, Bensei Publishing, 2010.

Areas of Research

This research examines three key areas that contribute to broader academic fields:
First, the analysis of the correlation between monogatari-sōshi (medieval tale literature) and temple materials promotes the advancement of Buddhist studies and the history of religious culture. It also contributes significantly to regional and local cultural studies, while offering valuable perspectives on the preservation and effective utilization of cultural heritage.
Second, the clarification of the production and reception of illustrated tales (emaki and Nara ehon) facilitates new developments in art history and visual culture studies, and further extends its applicability to media history and the history of publishing.
Third, the exploration of the multifaceted roles of women in classical literature not only enriches women’s cultural history and the broader fields of cultural and educational history, but also provides a foundation for understanding and supporting contemporary cultural production.
Collectively, these studies open new pathways for interdisciplinary scholarship and demonstrate the enduring relevance of medieval Japanese narrative culture in modern academic and cultural contexts.

Social Contributions

・Enhancement of Religious and Cultural Understanding
・Accessibility to Historical Texts
・Preservation of Cultural Heritage