 Research into Okinawa is very important
when considering Japan as a part of Asia and the influence of Asia on
Japan. Professor Hokama Shuzen is accredited for the creation of Okinawan
studies, which is an amalgam of research into Okinawan language, literature,
and culture. He has also made great contributions to its dissemination.
Okinawa has always been critical for understanding the culture and history of
other areas of Japan. The islands have maintained close cultural and historical
ties with various regions inside Asia. They have been exceptionally active in
other Asian regions in a relationship different from those with other areas of
Japan. Today, research into Okinawa is important to help understand the dynamic
approach of Okinawa towards Asia and Asia towards Okinawa.
A core researcher
in Okinawan studies, Professor Hokama has created and developed a basis for research
to study the traditional fields in particular. He has continued
his studies of "Omorososhi", the oldest written record of songs and poetry used
in the Ryukyu court. In particular, his research into "Nanto-kayo", songs of
the Southern Islands of Amami, Okinawa, Miyako and Yaeyama is the first to have
demonstrated
the distinctive characteristics and the commonality in the basic cultures of
these four island groups. He has been a leading figure in the research of "Nanto-kayo-taisei",
a compilation of songs of the Southern Islands, which he gathered through his
on-site fieldwork throughout the islands. He used this work to identify the bedrock
of Okinawan culture. Naturally, the focus of his work is directed to the broader
Asian aspects, and is headed toward the creation of a new type of Okinawan research
such as a joint international research into Okinawan studies.
In addition
to his studies, Professor Hokama played a central role in establishing Hosei
University's Institute of Okinawan Studies in order to conduct further
research into Okinawa and raise the awareness of the general public of the broad
category of Okinawan studies. He currently serves as the President of the Japanese
Society for the Okinawan Studies, a position he has held for 25 years, in which
role he has delivered lectures on Okinawan studies throughout the islands. In
addition, he has conducted fieldwork throughout the islands and has worked as
an organizer for the International Symposium on Okinawan Studies, which has been
held in such locations as Tokyo, Okinawa, Sydney, and Bonn. He has also trained
young researchers at Hosei University, the University of Tokyo and Kokugakuin
University.
Thus, Professor Hokama has been constantly involved in Okinawan studies from
its inception to the position it has attained today. Furthermore he aims to widen
his research to incorporate Asia as a whole. For this work, he is indeed a worthy
laureate of the Grand Prize of the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prizes. |
Lecture Archive
