Department of Japanese and East-Asian Studies Research Close-up

Japanese is a globally rare language with three writing systems: kanji, hiragana, and katakana. Therefore, there are various variations and features in how it is notated. In my research, I aim to clarify the history of Japanese 'characters' and 'spellings.' The current theme I am working on is about rubi (furigana), which is familiar to everyone. For example, in J-POP lyrics, you may have seen characters write 'moment' and read it as 'omoide,' or manga special moves that use ruby that is completely different from kanji—these are examples you have also seen. The main role of ruby is to indicate the general reading of kanji, but sometimes there is a free correspondence between kanji and rubi. Tracing back history, it is actually during the Edo period that such notations began to be widely used. Through my research on the 'Gesaku Gesaku' (Casual Plays), which were popular reading materials at the time, I am trying to determine when such correspondence emerged, how it evolved, and how it has been passed down to the present.

Meanwhile, in the field of Japanese language, research methods using databases called "corpora" have recently developed. By utilizing a corpus containing vast linguistic materials, you can efficiently gather usage examples and conduct research based on quantitative analysis. Based on my past experience in building a 'Japanese History Corposter,' which collects classical materials, I have been promoting the use of various corpora in classes and seminars, and I personally collect and expand data to study my own writing and notation.

In the seminar, we research anything related to Japanese, such as phonetics, grammar, vocabulary, and notation. In the second and third years, the "Japanese Language and Culture Exercise" begins by helping students get an idea of what it means to study Japanese. In the spring semester, students study basic research methods for classical languages, using topics such as the 'Tosa Diary.' In the fall semester, we will focus on contemporary Japanese and examine the differences between synonyms such as "grasp" and "grasp," and "terrible" and "scary." Then, in the third- and fourth-year seminars where students prepare and write their graduation theses, each student begins their own research. From Heian period Japanese to recent buzzwords like "emoi," to how to write punctuation in novels to manga onomatopoeia and J-POP lyrics, the themes covered are truly diverse. When dealing with familiar words like buzzwords, there are many sharp points that reflect real-world situations during student discussions, which can be quite inspiring. However, what is important in Japanese research is not to grasp these words intuitively and discuss them, but to conduct "objective arguments based on data." In our seminar as well, we look for usage examples by reviewing literature materials, and also collect data by utilizing databases such as corpora, online resources such as social media, and surveys, aiming to logically draw conclusions. Through this process, you can uncover the patterns and characteristics behind words you use casually—this is one of the true joys of Japanese research.

Words are both personal and social. The experience of deeply exploring the meaning and background of each Japanese language will surely change not only the words you utter yourself but also how you approach language in literary works and social media. I hope all seminar students become people who can consciously use words in all aspects of daily life.