協定機関であるデンマーク・オーフス高等研究所との研究者相互派遣プログラムを開始しました
早稲田大学高等研究所は、本年度より当研究所の協定機関である Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies（デンマーク・オーフス高等研究所。略称：AIAS）と、研究交流を目的とした所属研究者の相互派遣を開始しました。第1号として今月よりオーフス大学に滞在中のアンダソヴァ マラル 講師より今回の訪問の動機や1か月の滞在中の研究予定をご紹介します。
研究者プロフィール
当プログラムを利用するに至った経緯
At the beginning of this academic year, I learned that there was an exchange programme for researchers between WIAS (Waseda University) and AIAS (Aarhus University). I was particularly interested in this programme because Aarhus University is widely regarded as one of the leading universities, and the Aarhus Institute for Advanced Studies is renowned for offering an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
I study the history of the reception and translation of the Japanese mythology captured in Kojiki (The Record of Ancient Matters, 712) and Nihonshoki (The Chronicles of Japan, 720), into English. The focus of my research at AIAS is the Meiji period (1868-1912), during which the first translations of Kojiki and Nihonshoki were conducted. This investigation involves studies on literature, history, political thought, and religion. I anticipated that the research environment provided by the AIAS would facilitate networking with scholars specialising in literature, history, religion, and politics, as well as fostering an interdisciplinary perspective on the study of translation in this period. This was one of the motivations behind my decision to apply for the programme.
Furthermore, a research visit to Aarhus University will allow me to engage in academic discourse with the Assistant Professor of Japan Studies at the AU’s Global Studies Department, Eiko Honda, a historian and interdisciplinary scholar who has written insightful articles on the Meiji period polymath Minakata Kumagusu. This unique opportunity will enable me to capture the historical, cultural, and ideological peculiarities of the Meiji era and shed light on the significance of the translation of Kojiki and its reception among Western scholars and readers. These factors motivated my decision to apply for this research programme.
研究計画
As previously stated, this research will examine the initial translations of Japanese mythology into English during the Meiji period, with a particular focus on Kojiki and Nihonshoki. In order to contextualise these translations, it is necessary to consider the cultural, historical and political background of this period. This will enable a clearer understanding of the reasons behind the decision of European scholars to translate ancient Japanese texts.
During my research visit, I plan to conduct the following activities to produce preliminary results. First, I will conduct research at the Aarhus University library, reading works and materials related to B.H. Chamberlain and his study of Japan. I will also find literature related to the image of Japan, Shinto, and mythology among Western scholars and journalists, such as Lafcadio Hearn.
Secondly, I am keen to develop a collaborative research network with Professor Honda. Professor Honda’s interest in the historical connection between literature and science in the Meiji period will provide a unique perspective for positioning the Kojiki and Nihonshoki in the academic world of Meiji Japan.
As part of the knowledge exchange and research activities, I will be giving a short presentation at the lunch event at AIAS on 9 September. In addition, I will be giving a lecture entitled ‘The Study of the Translation of Japanese Mythology into English during the Meiji Era (1868-1912)’ as part of Professor Honda’s course on ‘Topics in Modern Japanese History and Culture’ on 19 September. I am looking forward to receiving feedback from the interdisciplinary scholars at the AIAS and the Global Studies Department. The visiting fellowship at the AIAS will allow me to further develop my current research focus on the history of reception and translation of Kojiki and Nihonshoki.
