Japanese Studies

Research areas

The department of Japanese Studies in the Tübingen Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies (AOI) is distinguished in its broad range of research foci with emphases in pre-modern and modern Japanese culture. Four full-time professors and an honorary professor represent the areas of Cultural Studies, Linguistics, the area modern Japan, and Religion and Intellectual History.

 

Research areas at the Tübingen department of Japanese Studies

Research area Cultural Studies, Prof. Klaus Antoni

  • Intellectual and religious history of Japan: Shintō in past and present
  • Reception of religion(s) in the political ideologies of Japan (kokutai)
  • "Invented Traditions" and "Traditionalism"
  • Sacred Texts of Japan (esp. Kojiki)
  • Comparative studies of myth, esp. Izumo mythology
  • Japanese folklore studies/ narratology (fairy tales, legends, setsuwa)
  • Cultural theory of Japan (esp. on cultural stereotypes)
  • Japan's relationship with Asia, with a regional focus on Ryūkyū (Okinawa)
  • Intercultural communication

Further information can be found here

Research area Linguistics, Prof. Viktoria Eschbach-Szabo

  • Semiotic and linguistic studies
  • Names in Japanese culture
  • Japanese language in context (language policy, migration, aging society, translation)
  • European - East Asian scientific relations

Further information can be found here

Research area modern Japan, Prof. Robert Horres

  • Media development in research and society
  • Media-based research of cultural resources
  • New media and didactic methods
  • Intercultural studies

Further information can be found here

Research area Japanese value systems, Prof. Monika Schrimpf

  • Gender and religion in contemporary Japan
  • Medicine and religion in contemporary Japan
  • New religions

Further information can be found here