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.
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repairment, preservation and maintenance) of historical documents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.
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.
