神奈川大学日本常民文化研究所

Research and Study

Main research themes

Joint research projects

At present, the institute is carrying out several academic research projects that relate to the following three categories.

A. Core Joint Research Project

Based on the founding concepts of the institute, the institute is carrying out leading mid- and long-term academic research projects. The institute members participate in research activities as a team.

The Advance of “The Comprehensive History of Everyday Life”

At present, the institute’s Core Joint Research Project has begun a study on the “Comprehensive History of Everyday Life.” The theme of this project is centered on clothing, food, and shelter, and it gathers and organizes various materials obtained through studies at actual locations, and analyses these materials from a variety of broad viewpoints, including history and folk customs.

B. Basic Joint Research Projects

The institute is carrying out research projects based on materials held by the institute itself. These projects lead to the strengthening of the function as a museum, which is a basic policy of this institute. Through these projects, the institute has advanced the process of turning the materials it owns—which have been made available to researchers both inside and outside the field of jomin (common people) research—into research resources. The ongoing “Comprehensive Surveys of Local Communities” project is also included in this category. These are considered to be mid- to long-term research projects.

The fishing grounds map (owned by the ISJFC) of Former Ichinomiya Village (Hakui-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture), “Comprehensive Studies on the Landscape and History of Sea Areas and Seaside Community” Basic Joint Research Project

C. Topical Joint Research Projects

These are ongoing, mid- to long-term research projects that are based on individual topics. These projects have the potential to become “core” or “basic” research projects in the future.

Sharing Research Results

The research developments shown above are shared via websites and through social networks. Research results are made public by publishing them as collections of documents, research reports, and collections of essays. Results are also shared through research groups and symposiums, including the Jomin (Common People) Culture Research Lecture.

Mingu Studies

Research focusing on the relation of folk implements and local history. Findings are shared through the publication of “Mingu Monthly.”

The Management of Documents and Mingu

Research on overall management (including compilation, recording,
repairment, preservation and maintenance) of historical documents
and Mingu.

Practical training on restoration techniques of historical documents is provided.

Turning the Materials Owned by the Institute into Research Resources

This institute organizes regional materials, such as ancient writings that are owned by this institute, and continuously publishes catalogs. The institute is striving to advance research on the history of each region of Japan by making the materials it owns widely available to the public through the organization of these catalogs.

The History of the Attic Museum and the ISJFC

Research on past activities and research materials of the Attic Museum and the ISJFC.

● Institute for the Study of Japanese Folk Culture Centennial Years
In 2021, this institute celebrates 100 years since its founding. Because of this, the years from 2021 to 2025 will be designated as the “100th Anniversary Years” and various events are being planned.