Publications
Abnormal surges and the effects of the Seto Inland Sea circulation in Hiroshima Bay, Japan
A significant sea level rise, or abnormal surge, occurred in Hiroshima Bay approximately 8 days after a typhoon passed through the Seto Inland Sea (SIS) in September 2011. This event led to flooding at Itsukushima Shinto Shrine. Researchers used a high-resolution numerical ocean circulation model with bias correction for sea surface heights to investigate this phenomenon and its relationship with SIS circulation. The study found that the Bungo Channel primarily influenced net flux into the SIS, while the Kii Channel played a more significant role in shaping circulation and local sea level variations. The Kanmon Strait had minor impacts. The abnormal tide in Hiroshima Bay was attributed to seawater flux input from outer seas combined with subtidal internal seiche dynamics within the bay. These findings enhance understanding of oceanic processes and provide evidence for developing safety plans to mitigate natural hazard damage.
Research on the Construction of the Itsukushima Shrine on the Sea (Part 2): Consideration on the Flat Stage of Itsukushima Shrine
A re-evaluation of the Hirabutai (flat stage) of Itsukushima Shinto Shrine challenges the long-held belief that its construction served as a proactive disaster mitigation strategy. Unlike conventional assumptions, the study finds that the columns and girders of the flat stage were not interconnected by clamps or similar means, suggesting it was designed to remain consistently surfaced rather than adapt to tidal changes. This indicates that the structure was likely not intended to protect the main shrine from damage through a 'raft-like' mechanism, but rather functioned as a stable platform. The research employs architectural analysis and historical context to reconsider the engineering principles behind this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Abnormal high tides and flooding induced by the internal surge in Hiroshima Bay due to a remote typhoon
A remote typhoon can trigger abnormal high tides and flooding in semi-closed bays, even when it does not directly impact the area. Research on Hiroshima Bay revealed that a typhoon passing east of the bay destabilized density stratification, generating bay-scale internal waves. These waves, propagating southward before returning to the northern part of the bay, caused subtidal elevation increases 7–8 days post-typhoon, leading to unprecedented flooding at Itsukushima Shinto Shrinedespite its construction above the highest tide line. High-resolution numerical modeling using SCHISM demonstrated a positive correlation between typhoon intensity and abnormal tide levels, offering insights for coastal protection and disaster prevention in similar environments.
Research on the Construction of the Itsukushima Shrine on the Sea
A novel approach to understanding the resilience of Itsukushima Shinto Shrine against wave and storm surge impacts has been uncovered. The study reveals that the corridor's floorboards, traditionally overlooked, play a critical role in mitigating short-period wave energy directed toward the main hall. This finding challenges conventional interpretations by suggesting that the corridor was not merely decorative but functionally designed to screen waves, thereby reducing their destructive potential during adverse sea conditions. Researchers employed a methodical analysis of the shrine's construction, focusing on the floorboards' structural properties and their interaction with wave dynamics. This insight enhances our understanding of traditional architectural engineering in coastal environments, offering valuable lessons for modern heritage conservation and disaster mitigation strategies.
Dwelling Houses and Other Buildings
A notable finding from the study is that traditional Japanese architectural practices, such as the construction of dwelling houses and other buildings, continue to influence contemporary beliefs about luck and health. The research highlights the significance of elements like the irori (hearth) in ancient Japanese heating systems and the doma (earth floor), which persists in some urban areas like Kyoto. Additionally, it explores the cultural importance of toriis, with a focus on the iconic structure at Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, known for its size and unique location in the sea. The study also delves into the geographical impact of heavy snowfall in regions along the Northern Japan Sea, termed yukiguni. While the research does not explicitly state its methodology, it likely involves a combination of historical analysis, architectural examination, and cultural anthropology to elucidate these connections.
Kiyomori, Itsukushima, and Fukuhara
Taira no Kiyomori's strategic development of Itsukushima Shrine as both a religious and political hub marked the establishment of a new aristocratic tradition, blending emulation of existing court practices with innovative ritual displays. This 'ritual regime'—comprising signature sites, rites, and texts like the Heike nōkyō (Sūtras Dedicated by the Heike)—positioned Kiyomori as a pivotal figure in shaping the Heike imperial line's cultural legacy. The study reveals how Kiyomori leveraged piety and patronage to consolidate power, drawing parallels with the earlier regent Fujiwara no Michinaga while forging distinct Heike customs.
Managing “Buffer”
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, faces increasing threats from urban encroachment and natural disasters due to global warming. Despite its historical significance as a symbol of Japanese tradition and harmony with nature, the shrine's sensitive geographical setting is under pressure from residential and commercial development, particularly in surrounding hilly areas. The study highlights the need for integrated management strategies that balance tourism growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of considering both the protected property and its broader geographical context to ensure the long-term conservation of this iconic site.
Revisiting the Dragon Princess: Her Role in Medieval Engi Stories and Their Implications in Reading the Lotus Sutra
A new interpretation of the Dragon Princess from the Lotus Sutra challenges long-held assumptions about her role and transformation, revealing an intrinsic connection between medieval Japanese engi stories and Buddhist scriptural narratives. Unlike previous studies that emphasized her sudden sex change and metamorphosis into a Buddha, this research highlights her depiction in the Heike Nokyo sutra's Devadatta chapter frontispiece, where she offers a jewel to the Buddha without physical transformation. The study also proposes an alternative etymology for 'engi,' linking it to the Buddhist term nid?na (origin or provenance), which encompasses scriptural narratives about the origins of sermons and miracles linked to the Buddha's past lives. This reinterpretation provides fresh insights into the intersection of medieval Japanese storytelling and Buddhist doctrine, particularly in visual and textual representations preserved at Itsukushima Shrine.
Rites and Rule: Kiyomori at Itsukushima and Fukuhara
Historical research challenges the traditional focus on military and political narratives by demonstrating that ritual practices significantly influenced the rise of the Taira family during the Genpei War (1180-1185). Heather Blair's study highlights the central role of ritual regimes, particularly those involving Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa and Kiyomori, in shaping twelfth-century politics. Through a detailed analysis of Kiyomori's ritual activities at Itsukushima Shinto Shrine and Fukuhara, Blair constructs a new theoretical model that underscores the importance of symbolic and ceremonial practices in court culture, shifting the paradigm away from solely military success.
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