The aim of this theme is to obtain new academic knowledge in the fields of literature and philology by combining the study and investigation of the original text of The Tale of Genji using a combination of the two techniques described below.
The first of these is investigative research on fragments of ancient calligraphy from before the Kamakura Period. Examination of texts is an important field of research that forms the basis for all research on classics, and still remains an area that is the subject of much discussion and investigation today. Traditionally, examination of texts focused mainly on ancient copies from the Muromachi Period onward. One reason for this is that many of the copies of The Tale of Genji created before the Kamakura Period no longer maintain their form as booklets or scrolls, having been cut or fragmented, thus scattered as fragments of ancient calligraphy, rendering their use as research materials difficult. However, the proactive collection of materials and accumulation of research achievements by the university to date have made it possible to establish a research technique that makes use of ancient fragments of calligraphy, leading to achievements such as contributions to the restoration of missing text of “Wakefulness at Midnight,” a tale from the Heian Period, in 2014 through investigative research on ancient fragments of calligraphy. On this project too, investigative research is conducted into texts of The Tale of Genji from before the Kamakura Period as well as materials stored by collaborative research institutes based on the university’s world-leading collection of fragments of ancient calligraphy and newly collected materials to acquire new literary and philological knowledge.
The second technique uses non-destructive methods such as paper quality measurement and technology from the field of optics to scientifically identifying elements such as the age and writers of fragments of ancient calligraphy. Conventional investigation of elements such as the age of ancient fragments of calligraphy involved overall study of factors such as handwriting and written texts, as well as material distribution processes, with the result that in some cases, results lacked a scientific basis or objectivity. To address this problem, on this theme, methods were adopted such as observing and analyzing paper fiber using a 3D laser microscope, reading text on the back of mounted material using high-definition optical equipment to accurately identify elements objectively with a scientific basis such as the era when materials were created. Employing experts in paper research with an environment for measurement furnished with 3D laser microscopes, the university is also able to carry out investigations using technology from the field of optics by requesting the cooperation of entities such as the National Institute of Japanese Literature and the Nara Institute of Science and Technology.
The approach of accumulating achievements in research on materials using such cutting-edge scientific technologies to establish investigative techniques combined with research methods using ancient fragments of calligraphy is both novel and highly original and the university anticipates that it will not only contribute to the academic world, but also have a ripple effect into society and the world of industry.

The Tale of Genji also has a cultural status and, as such, has influenced all kinds of elements of Japanese society such as attire, cuisine, handicrafts and traditional culture up to modern times. For example, as well the use of patterns and designs with Genji-e, or pictures of Genji, or The Tale of Genji as their theme in designs for attire or furnishings, Japanese confectionary with designs based on the Tale of Genji are also popular. Understanding the culture of the times as depicted in The Tale of Genji and shedding light on how these various elements were perceived and received from the Muromachi Period onward makes it possible to portray the characteristics of Japanese culture with The Tale of Genji as its fountainhead. Moreover, based on scenes depicted in the Tale of Genji and a sensuous perception of Japanese culture, these cultural and social perspectives help to further an understanding of The Tale of Genji through images.
This theme comprises research on (i) The Tale of Genji as seen from the perspectives of attire and studies in usages and practices of the ancient court and military households (research on the culture of attire and etiquette); (ii) The Tale of Genji as seen from the perspective of “food” (research on culinary culture); (iii) research on children’s culture (play), and (iv) research on ancient Japanese culture.
Up the present time, the university has accumulated research in fields of culture and society such as illustrations of The Tale of Genji, Genji-e, or pictures of Genji, attire design and motifs, the culinary culture of the Heian Period (ingredients and food preparation) and etiquette and other aspects of traditional culture. For example, commentaries on visualization of food recorded in The Tale of Genji, culinary changes and traditions from the times the work appeared to modern times have contributed to the promotion and dissemination of the understanding of Japanese culture both at home and abroad. Under this theme, the areas of research (1) through (iv) above are further developed and the wide-ranging knowledge thus acquired and integrated to visualize and embody research on The Tale of Genji and disseminate The Tale of Genji in a sensuous manner internationally as a unique undertaking by the university.

The Tale of Genji has been highly acclaimed the world over as the oldest full-length novel written by a woman and an outstanding psychological depiction. At the present time, with translations of the work published in many countries around the world, research on The Tale of Genji is becoming evermore widespread. In France, for example, a country, like Japan, with a history of dynastic culture and female writers, recent years have seen the pursuit of wide-ranging comparative literary research. Moreover, English translations of classics by Arthur Waley of the British Museum have played a significant role in the dissemination of The Tale of Genji, and were reimported to Japan to publish a modern translation into Japanese in 2017. The existence of various translations such as this have promoted understanding and acceptance of different cultures such as that of The Tale of Genji and presented issues for comparative literary research.
Under this theme, research is conducted from a comparative literary perspective in collaboration with research institutes and researchers in four countries (France, the UK, Korea and Malaysia). As well as promoting evaluation and dissemination of The Tale of Genji as awork of world literature, the research incorporates the perspective of different cultures to realize new interpretations and analysis of the work.

Further advancing research on The Tale of Genji using the results of 1 to 3 above requires academic exchanges among researchers from diverse fields of specialty and nationalities to create and environment that ensure continued dissemination of research achievements. To realize this, the university will create a center for interdisciplinary international research on The Tale of Genji to realize further advances in research. The achievements realized by this project will be databased and a system established to enable use of the achievements by researchers around the world as open data. As well as contributing to invigoration of research on The Tale of Genji, this will enable even more extensive networking of research on The Tale of Genji with the university at the center. Continued implementation of this undertaking will further enhance interest in and understanding of The Tale of Genji and Japanese culture, an achievement of great cultural, social and international value.