Publications
Wood and Coatings in Japan
Japanese preservation practices, particularly at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Nikko's shrines and temples, face unprecedented challenges from climate change, including increased UV exposure, insect activity, and fluctuating humidity. Despite a long-standing tradition of reconstruction using identical materials and craftsmanship, modern environmental pressures threaten traditional structures. The study highlights Japan's proactive response through education, training, and research to mitigate these issues, ensuring the longevity of cultural heritage while addressing the loss of traditional knowledge.
A Study on the Bell of Shrines and Temples of Nikko, Japan made by Joseon in 1642
A rare 1642 bell from the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, Japan, was definitively traced to its origin as a ceremonial gift sent by Joseon (Korea) to the Edo shogunate. This discovery resolves longstanding debates about its manufacture, revealing it as part of a diplomatic exchange that included other treasures for the newly constructed Toshogu Shrine. The study analyzed historical records and stylistic elements, identifying hybrid features blending Korean and Japanese bell traditions—such as the 'Gomano-tsume' design, influenced by 14th-century Korean-Japanese hybrid bells. The bell's craftsmanship, attributed to Kim Yong-am, a prominent 17th-century bell-caster, provides valuable insight into little-documented Korean bell-making techniques of the period. Its influence is further evidenced in later Japanese bells, including the 1667 Joba-yamashi bell at Mito Toshogu.
The relationship between Shrines and Temples of Nikko and Higashimachi in tourism
Tourism experiences in Higashimachi, the traditional town adjacent to Nikko's shrines and temples, significantly enhance visitors' appreciation of the sacred landscape at Shrines and Temples of Nikko. This contrast between daily and spiritual environments fosters deeper engagement with the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study analyzed travelogues and paintings, revealing that as transportation developed, tourist routes shortened, reducing time spent at each location but also diminishing recognition of Higashimachi's cultural elements. However, when visitors encountered numerous objects in Higashimachi, their perception of Nikko's shrines and temples improved, indicating a positive correlation between the two areas' tourism experiences.
Nikko and Lake Chuzenji
Nikko, renowned for its Shogun chapels and the Shinto temple of Nantaizan, offers a unique blend of cultural and natural significance. The region's frequent downpours enhance the beauty of its dozen streams and waterfalls, contributing to its ecological richness. Additionally, Nikko hosts a notable missionary presence, including an English-language church built by the American Church Mission. The area's appeal extends beyond its religious sites, with some pilgrims undertaking multi-day expeditions that include nearby mountains like Chuzenji. This publication highlights Nikko's dual allure as both a cultural heritage site and a natural landscape, drawing attention to its diverse attractions and historical layers.
Pressures from long term environmental change at the shrines and temples of Nikkō
Long-term environmental changes pose significant and evolving threats to the historic shrines and temples of Nikkō, Japan. While earthquakes have historically been a primary concern, primarily affecting stone structures, emerging risks include increased flooding, fungal attacks due to rising temperatures, and insect infestations, particularly by wood-boring species like P. cylindricum. The study leverages historic records and projections to assess past damage and anticipate future threats, utilizing non-parametric statistics and Lorenz curves for analysis. Findings indicate that climate change may alter the life cycles of pests, the timing of flowering and autumn colors, and visitor patterns, challenging conservation efforts. Strategic planning must account for these shifts to protect both material structures and intangible heritage.
Designing Mobile Application To Motivate Young People To Visit Cultural Heritage Sites
A mobile application leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons effectively engages young people in exploring the cultural heritage of Nikko, Japan. By combining real-time information—such as historical context, maps, and local services—with interactive quizzes, the app capitalizes on psychological principles like the Zeigarnik effect to enhance learning. Trials demonstrated positive reception for basic features and improved cultural understanding among young users who utilized quiz functions. The application also facilitates community integration by providing notifications about local businesses and transportation, fostering a sense of living heritage. This innovative approach addresses challenges in traditional signage while offering scalable solutions for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Discussions on the Religious Space of Edo City: The Landscape and Functions of Temples and Shrines
A key discovery reveals that the City of Edo's design incorporated mystical and religious spatial strategies to protect it, with large temples and shrines strategically placed to face northeast/southwest—directions considered unlucky—and towards execution sites and red-light districts. This study examines how the Tokugawa shogunate harnessed these 'magical factors' for safeguarding the city, including the enshrinement of Ieyasu towards the North Star (Nikko). The research also explores the Honmatsu-seido system, which integrated temples into social order through government control and the Terauke seido, which compelled public affiliation with religious sites. Additionally, it highlights how urban expansion led to the forced relocation of temples to suburbs post-Meireki Fire, creating temple towns like Asakusa, Shitata, and Mita, some evolving into entertainment districts.
Japanese armour and the conservation of a Sakakibara family armour at the Royal Armouries
A late sixteenth-century Japanese armour, once owned by the Sakakibara family and now part of the Royal Armouries collection, underwent conservation to address material degradation and component interactions. The study revealed that armours constructed with layered materials—such as lacquered leather, silk, and metal plates—are susceptible to chemical reactions over time, leading to discoloration, brittleness, and structural instability. Conservation efforts included careful cleaning, stabilization of degraded components, and the use of reversible adhesives to restore the armour's integrity without compromising its historical authenticity. This case study highlights the challenges in preserving intricate cultural artifacts, offering insights that are applicable to similar objects worldwide, including those at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Nikko Tōshō-gū Shrine.
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