Development of Research Programs Promoting
International Academic Exchange
Interdisciplinary Research Grants
Development of Research Programs Promoting International Academic Exchange
FY 2024 to FY 2025
Principal Investigator
Yasuro Abe (Visiting Researcher, Research Center for World Buddhist Cultures, Ryukoku University)
Co-Investigators
Mazumi Mitani (Professor, Faculty of Letters, Ryukoku University)
Tesshin Michimoto (Professor, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Ryukoku University)
Takashi Irisawa (Emeritus Professor, Ryukoku University)
James Robson (Professor, Harvard University)
Lucia Dolce (Professor, SOAS University of London)
Mika Abe (Part-time lecturer, Showa Women’s University)
Research Type
Joint Research
Overview
Since FY 2023, eight types of research projects have been carried out within the Basic Research Division. These include philological studies of the Mahāyāna-sūtrālaṅkāra and of Abhidharma treatises, as well as research on excavated documents from Central Asia, and on textual materials brought back by the Otani Expeditions. Other projects involve investigations of Buddhist art from Central Asia; a study of Jingmai’s Fodijinglunshu (preserved at Ishiyamadera); a study of Jōkei’s Yuishikiron Jinshishō (preserved at Minobusan University); and research on Hosso doctrinal manuscripts preserved at Muishinji. Further topics include a foundational study of Myoe’s Zaijarin; a study of Chikan’s Hokke Sanshū Sōtaishō (preserved at Shōchi-in, Mount Kōya); and research on the digital archiving of materials related to Jien, preserved at Shōren-in Yoshimizu. In addition, projects are underway on the creation of a Prince Shōtoku Cultural Heritage Archive; on inter-religious texts such as doctrinal debates and polemical writings; on Zonkaku’s Shoshin Honkeishū; and on Genchi’s Kōshinroku. There is also research on the reprinting of magazines associated with Ryukoku University from the Meiji and Taisho periods. In collaboration with the International Research Division, we aim to use these research results to build an international network and to promote joint research by the end of March 2026, in collaboration with overseas research institutions such as the University of London, Harvard University, University of California, Santa Barbara, and Columbia University.
Practical study on propagation methods, cultural creation, and community coexistence through mainly temple activities in a depopulated local area
Interdisciplinary Research Grants
Practical study on propagation methods, cultural creation, and community coexistence through mainly temple activities in a depopulated local area.
FY 2023 to FY 2025
Principal Investigator
Hiroaki Kadono (Professor, Faculty of Letters, Ryukoku University)
Co-Investigators
Ryohkei Nishiyama (Lecturer, Faculty of Letters, Ryukoku University)
Akai Tomoaki (Associate Professor, Soai University)
Junsyo Kusunoki (Emeritus Professor, Ryukoku University)
Nobuaki Toyama (Research Associate, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Research Institute)
Gakucyo Nagaoka (Lecturer, Chuo Bukkyo Gakuin)
Kimiaki Nasu (Researcher, Research Center for World Buddhist Cultures)
Tomoo Fujimaru (Part-time lecturer, Musashino University)
Research Type
Joint Research
Overview
With the trend towards a declining population and an aging society, depopulation is becoming more significant in various regions, and regional characteristics are being neglected. Buddhist temples in rural (depopulated) areas have practiced propagation as their primary activity, believing that the teachings they rely on provide the ultimate solution to the fundamental suffering of each individual. In accordance with this, religious sentiment has been cultivated based on these teachings, and distinctive events and cultures have been created and matured. In addition, they have become a part of local culture and have promoted regional coexistence.
This research will thus focus primarily on Jōdo Shinshū temples in depopulated areas, but will also look at collaborations and cooperation with other sects. It will investigate and analyze specific propagation methods and temple activities, and reinterpret and preserve Buddhist culture. The aim is to construct a new theory of propagation activities in depopulated areas, and to create a culture suited to contemporary society. Additionally, the knowledge and information revealed in this process will be archived and made widely available using academic methods.