Support Projects for Enhancing Function

Outline of the projects

The previous research results of our research center were highly evaluated, we were able to obtain a grant for “Tokushoku aru Kyōdō Kenkyū Kyoten no Seibi Suishin Jigyō: Kinō Kyōka Shien (a scheme to “Promote the Maintenance of Distinguished Joint Research Centers”: Support for Enhancing Function)” from 2016 to 2018. This project consists of four pillars:

1) collaboration with universities overseas and fostering next generation;
2) development of comprehensive database of pre-modern books by using kuzushiji (characters in cursive style) OCR technology;
3) building of digital archives of kabuki and ningyo joruri-related magazines; and
4) digitization and sharing of theatre and film-related materials (e.g., magazines, scripts, photographs, videos, etc.).

Taking full advantage of our links to enormous collection of artifacts and related materials, we are striving to promote joint research and human resource exchanges through collaborations with research institutions and universities overseas, such as the University of Birmingham, and facilitate the establishment, utilization, and release of digital archive of theatre and film materials. We aim to promote international academic exchanges and worldwide appeals, and build a new research foundation that contributes to exponential development of theatre and film research in Japan and overseas.


Collaboration with Overseas Universities and Fostering Next Generation


The center collaborates with excellent, internationally renowned theatre-related research institutions to promote joint research and the sharing of academic resources and, through holding events such as international symposiums, promote human resource exchanges and training of young researchers.

Summary of research findings, fiscal 2018
Summary of research findings, fiscal 2017
Summary of research findings, fiscal 2016

Developing a Comprehensive Database of Pre-modern Books Using Kuzushiji Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Technology


We aim to improve dramatically the utilization of rare books and old materials held at the Theatre Museum by using the kuzushiji OCR technology system, create a new environment to promote research, and enhance databases related to rare books.

[Kuzushiji-Viewer]
Summary of research findings, fiscal 2018
Summary of research findings, fiscal 2017
Summary of research findings, fiscal 2016

Building a Digital Archive for Kabuki and Ningyo Joruri Magazines


The number of theatre magazines held by the Theatre Museum is one of the largest in Japan; in advancing the digital viewing of magazine materials, we can expect it to benefit theatre research as well as adjacent academic fields in Japan and abroad.

Summary of research findings, fiscal 2018
Summary of research findings, fiscal 2017
Summary of research findings, fiscal 2016

Digitization and Sharing of Theatre and Film-related Materials


We will strengthen the Center’s function by promoting the digitization of film-related non-film materials and numerous paper-based primary source materials (scripts, magazines, drafts, etc.) held at the Theatre Museum. We shall also propose a new form of digital archive to be used for international academic exchanges.

Summary of research findings, fiscal 2018
Summary of research findings, fiscal 2017
Summary of research findings, fiscal 2016