Holistic research on tales and phenomena of the"strange"and the culture of horror in Japan

This research project was conducted for three years to focus on the following four themes. The results outlined below were achieved. (1) Collection of documents, visual materials, and folk narrative research related to tales and phenomena of the "strange." Regions focused on were Aomori, Tokyo, Fukushima, Chiba, Ishikawa, Toyama, Niigata, Aichi, Kyoto, Kagawa, Ehime, Kochi, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Okinawa, and others. (2) Data collection and card production of cases to construct folk horror culture database : We collected documents of tales and phenomena of the "strange" from folklore research journals and essays in early modern Japan. The number of cards on individual cases reached 13, 364, and this bibliographical data was transcribed to digital memory, and an indexing software was developed for it. Although further discussion is necessary on the utilization of the folk horror database for use by the general public is necessary, at this time we can expect this data to contribute in practical ways to the discussion on the trends of folklore research on tales and phenomena of the "strange." (3) Investigation of research trends on the culture of horror in Japan : We made a comprehensive reference to fecilitate an understanding of trends in research. To broaden the limits of this investigation, we made a list of non-Japanese scholars engaged in research on horror culture in Japan. Through this investigation, it became clear that in resent years scholars abroad have shown a keen interest in Japanese horror culture. It is expected that easy accessibility for the general public and international academic community of the folk horror culture database through the Internet will be a significant contribution to research internationally. (4) Presentation of results to the general public : Part of the research results were useful for the exhibition IkaiMangekyo (異界万華鏡) at the National Museum of Japanese History. Also, a Space Collaboration System (SCS) debate-Ikai Renaissance (異界ルネッサンス) -was held between the International Research Center for Japanese Studies and National Museum ofJapanese History. It was an open TV debate transmitted via satellite. Both these events gained a high interest from the general public.