Publications
Inbound Tourism in Japan: An Economic Success Story or Sustainability Crisis?
Japan's tourism sector, now the second-largest export after automobiles, faces a critical juncture where economic success risks sustainability due to overtourism. A study analyzing global measures to mitigate overtourism—such as demand management (e.g., two-tiered pricing at Himeji Castle), supply control (e.g., hotel restrictions in Amsterdam), and access management (e.g., reservation systems)—reveals no universal solution. Effective implementation hinges on stakeholder involvement, transparent communication, and prioritizing local welfare over visitor numbers. The paper argues for a qualitative shift in tourism strategy, emphasizing sustainable practices, revenue transparency, and localized decision-making. Urgent actions for Japan include implementing time-slot reservations in Kyoto, disclosing tourist tax revenues, and establishing consulting boards to engage locals in tourism management.
Media, Power and Heritage Policy: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Himeji Castle’s Entry Fee Proposal
A critical discourse analysis of media coverage reveals how strategic language and authoritative quotes shape public perception around Himeji Castle's proposed foreign tourist fee increase, framing it as essential for sustainable tourism while omitting diverse perspectives. The study highlights the media's role in influencing policy debates and public opinion, situating this discourse within broader socio-economic tensions between economic benefits and cultural preservation. Using Norman Fairclough's three-level model—textual, discursive practice, and social practice—the research underscores the need for balanced tourism practices that preserve heritage while addressing local and global interests.
Possibilities and Challenges of Utilizing World Heritage Site Himeji Castle from the Perspective of Unique Venues
A new approach to utilizing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Himeji Castle (Himeji-jo), has been identified through the 'UV HIMEJI Plan,' which balances preservation with innovative use. The study found that current utilization methods preserve the site's cultural value while providing unique venue experiences. However, risks include potential degradation of heritage significance and loss of uniqueness if usage increases significantly. Future considerations must focus on carefully selecting content to mitigate these risks.
Additional neighborhood effects following renovation of historical heritage: an empirical investigation of the case of Himeji Castle
Renovating historical heritage sites, such as Himeji Castle, can trigger sustained increases in neighboring land prices. A study analyzing the 5.5-year renovation project (2009) found that while the upward trend in land prices accelerated during construction, its post-renovation momentum persisted in some areas—contrasting with a diminishing effect observed elsewhere. This 'neighborhood effect' suggests that heritage restoration may offer long-term economic benefits beyond immediate conservation goals. The research employed land price trends as key indicators to quantify these impacts.
Military heritage in Japanese cities: between historical memory and symbol of identity
Japanese military architectural heritage, particularly castles like Himeji-jo, plays a multifaceted role as both a tangible link to historical memory and a symbolic marker of national identity. This study highlights the significance of such structures in urban landscapes, emphasizing their quantitative prevalence—with thousands documented across Japan—and their cultural resonance. The research approach combines archaeological and historical analysis to explore how these monuments serve dual functions: preserving collective memory while simultaneously reinforcing modern identity narratives. By focusing on Himeji-jo as a case study, the work underscores the tension between commemorating military history and its contemporary reinterpretation in civic spaces.
Japan’s Castles: Citadels of Modernity in War and Peace, by Oleg Benesch and Ran Zwigenberg
Japan's castles, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Himeji-jo, have complex modern histories that reflect shifting national and local dynamics. A study by Oleg Benesch and Ran Zwigenberg reveals these castles as citadels of modernity, shaped by conflicts and coalitions since the 1868 Meiji Restoration. The research highlights their evolution from early modern era structures to post-1945 reconstructions or repurposed sites, providing a comprehensive account of their relationship with Japan's broader historical trends.
Ota Gyuichi. «Shincho-ko Ki», Book XIII (Russian Translation with Comments). Part II
A Russian translation of Book XIII of the 'Shincho̅-ko̅ ki' chronicle reveals key insights into Nobunaga's military campaigns, including Hideyoshi's consolidation of power in Western Japan and Shibata Katsuie's strategic defeat of Ikko̅-ikki leaders. The text also details Nobunaga's diplomatic gift exchanges with daimyo Cho̅sokabe Motochika and the establishment of Christian missions near Lake Biwa, alongside vibrant sumo tournaments that served as both entertainment and a means to elevate fighters to vassal status. This translation, enriched with comparative comments, offers a unique lens into Nobunaga's governance, military tactics, and cultural practices during this pivotal period.
Japan's Castles: Citadels of Modernity in War and Peace by Oleg Benesch and Ran Zwigenberg
Japan's Castles: Citadels of Modernity in War and Peace offers a transformative perspective on the role of Japanese castles, shifting them from mere military history artifacts to comprehensive indicators of societal evolution since the sixteenth century. The study identifies seven key themes—scale and location, local vs. national identities, civil society-state interactions, power dynamics among state actors, religious significance, authenticity in reconstruction, and global parallels—that frame castles as contested yet enduring symbols shaping Japan's trajectory through feudalism, imperial expansion, World War II, and the postwar era. By treating castles as they were perceived contemporaneously, the authors provide a nuanced analysis that bridges historical, cultural, political, and economic dimensions, revealing continuity in challenges faced by castles across prewar and postwar periods. This approach not only enriches our understanding of Japanese heritage but also draws parallels with European castle histories, underscoring their universal significance as sites of symbolism and heritage.
A Restorative Consideration of Sannomaru Mukou Samurai Residences Garden in Himeji Castle
A previously unknown garden within Himeji Castle, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been identified through historical records. The 'Sannomaru Mukou Samurai Residences Garden,' constructed during the reign of Lord Tadaaki Honda in 1997, was revealed by the 'Banshu Himeji Castle Map' (a large-scale map). This discovery was further supported by entries from the 'Genbu Diary,' written approximately 80 years later by Lord Tadazane Sakai, which described tea ceremonies and garden tours. Despite the garden's current non-existence, researchers have attempted a restorative analysis using surviving documents and related case studies. The study underscores the need for continued investigation through literature reviews, garden composition analysis, and archaeological surveys to reconstruct this historical landscape.
Mitigating simultaneous returning home after large-scale earthquakes: changing tourists’ intentions to stay through public support
A critical factor influencing tourists' decisions to return home or stay during large-scale earthquakes at Himeji Castle is the level of public support, particularly for those traveling from distant areas. The study found that proximity to one's residential area and available transportation significantly impacted behavior when combined with public support. Using decision tree analysis on 467 valid responses, researchers identified that tourists from afar were most strongly affected by public support in their behavioral intentions. This insight highlights the potential for targeted public interventions to mitigate simultaneous returns home during disasters.
Modernity and preservation in Casa Forte: The dialogue between the frontier of the new and the protection of the ancient
This study reveals the profound impact of castle cities, particularly Himeji-jo and Edo, on Japan's transformation during the late sixteenth century. These urban centers, beyond their military significance, served as catalysts for cultural evolution and political reform, shifting power from Kyoto to emerging cities. Himeji-jo, with its innovative defense structures, and Edo, as the new capital of the shogunate, exemplified this shift, fostering new ways of thinking and cultural forms that laid the foundation for Japan's peaceful modernization under a unified rule. The research analyzes how these urban developments contributed to the country's transition from a warring state to a culturally advanced nation.
Experimental Study on Conservation and Preservation for Historical Architecture Using Plaster Finishing Material
A key finding from this study is that the mechanical strength of ceilings in historical architectures, such as Himeji Castleis influenced by plaster density and carbonation conditions when natural plant fibers are incorporated. The research investigated how varying mix proportions of water, plaster, sand, and plant fiber affect the fundamental properties of plaster finishing materials (Shikkui), which are commonly used in Japanese historical structures. By conducting detailed experiments on plaster specimens, the study revealed that optimizing the use ratio of these materials can enhance durability while preserving authenticity. This insight is critical for conservation efforts, particularly in harsh environments or disaster-prone areas where such structures face significant risks.
Staging Mass Participation Marathons in Heritage Tourism Destinations: Seeing Through the Eyes of Distance Runners
Marathon organizers leveraging World Heritage sites as a unique selling point must prioritize operational quality and community engagement to enhance the value proposition for runners. A study analyzing feedback from 530 participants in the Himeji Castle Marathon and Mt. Fuji Marathon revealed that while heritage status is pivotal, operational efficiency and social interactions significantly influence the co-creation of value during such events. This insight underscores the need for organizers to integrate local businesses and residents more actively to foster a richer experience, balancing heritage appeal with practical and social dimensions.
Night Scene of the Building Facade with the Possibility of the Communication(2014 IALD International Lighting Design Awards - Special Citations / 2014 IES Illumination Awards - Award of Merit, Japanese Illumination Designs Highly Recognized in Overseas as Well 2013/2014)
Award-winning lighting design for Himeji-jo's building facade introduces innovative, emotionally resonant projections that blend historical and contemporary themes. The approach uses light as a 'project' to evoke innovation and advancement, aligning with the town's development axis connecting Himeji Station and Castle. Keywords like 'projection,' 'on the leading edge,' and 'full of plans' guide the design, structured around time ('past, present, future') and themes ('history and climate,' 'Real Time,' 'dream'). Recognized internationally for its emotional impact and technical sophistication, this design transforms nighttime perception while preserving cultural significance.
A Study on Evacuation Simulation for Guiding Tourists in Himeji Castle Based on a Survey of Tourists’ Intentions in Evacuation After Earthquake
A study on Himeji Castle identifies two effective measures for guiding tourists during earthquake evacuations. The research reveals that tourists heavily rely on information from signboards and staff when deciding to evacuate and choosing routes. Using analytic hierarchy process and cluster analysis, the study categorized tourists into four groups based on their evacuation intentions. An evacuation simulation, employing SOARS platform and a Spot-Link model, evaluated six scenarios with varying evacuee flows near Bizen-gate. Findings indicate that strategic guidance can significantly reduce bottlenecks and improve evacuation efficiency, offering critical insights for disaster preparedness in historic sites.
Asian Heritage Management
Asian Heritage Management presents a comprehensive exploration of the ideological, cultural, and practical challenges faced in preserving heritage sites across Asia. The book highlights that heritage conservation is not merely a technical process but is deeply intertwined with philosophical, religious, and societal values, which vary significantly across different regions and contexts. It identifies key conflicts, such as those between modern development and traditional preservation, and the commodification of intangible cultural heritage, which threaten the sustainability of these sites. The study employs comparative analysis, case studies from Japan, Nepal, India, China, Malaysia, and other Asian countries, and theoretical frameworks to examine how heritage management can be adapted to respect both local values and global standards. A central insight is that successful conservation requires a balance between preserving historical integrity and accommodating contemporary needs, such as tourism and urban development.
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