Category: Fieldwork

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Fieldwork Report: Insights from Sydney’s Alleyway Revitalization


During a recent fieldwork trip to Sydney, funded by Senshu University, we examined the revitalization of urban alleyways in Darlinghurst’s Crown Lane, Surrey Hills, and McElhone Place. These neighborhoods showcase how alleyways have been transformed into vibrant social, cultural, and economic hubs.

Crown Lane (Darlinghurst)
Originally serving as a functional route for industrial and commercial activities, Crown Lane in Darlinghurst has become a bustling mixed-use space. The new Sydney Street program on November 2 2024 was a standout feature, blending cultural expression with commercial vitality (more here https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/sydney-streets-on-crown-street). Initiatives like this have significantly boosted foot traffic and economic activity while preserving the historical essence of the area.

Surrey Hills
Surrey Hills has a rich history, transitioning from a residential area supporting the garment industry to a vibrant cultural hub. The alleyways now serve as venues for artistic expression and community gatherings. Crown Street, in particular, hosts the annual Surry Hills Festival, which turns the neighborhood’s alleyways into dynamic stages for art and music (more here https://shnc.org/surry-hills-festival) This cultural vibrancy has enhanced community engagement and established Surrey Hills as a key cultural destination in Sydney.

McElhone Place
Known as “Cat Alley” due to its feline residents, McElhone Place in Woolloomooloo has been transformed into a serene, green urban retreat. Community-led initiatives have introduced extensive greenery and art, creating a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing space. The lane has become a model for community-driven urban renewal, highlighting the potential of small spaces to foster environmental sustainability and social cohesion (more here https://thedesignfiles.net/2015/05/cat-alley)

What Tokyo Can Learn

Tokyo can gain valuable insights from the revitalization efforts in Crown Lane, Surrey Hills, and McElhone Place: Engaging residents in the planning and transformation of alleyways ensures that the spaces meet local needs and foster a sense of ownership. This can be achieved through workshops, art projects, and participatory urban planning. Tokyo’s alleyways, rich in history and culture, could be revitalized by preserving their historical character while integrating modern amenities such as sustainable infrastructure, improved lighting, and seating areas. Implementing green features like community gardens, rainwater harvesting systems, and eco-friendly materials can enhance the ecological resilience of Tokyo’s alleyways, making them greener and more livable. Furthermore it can be argued that Tokyo can transform its alleyways into vibrant cultural spaces by hosting festivals, art exhibitions, and community events, similar to the Surry Hills Festival. This could foster a sense of community and attract both residents and tourists. Ensuring that revitalization efforts benefit all residents, including long-standing businesses, is crucial. The final report will suggest poicies to maintain affordable rents and support local entrepreneurs, preserving the unique character of its neighborhoods.

Open Words and Next Steps in Comparative Analysis
The revitalization of Sydney’s alleyways in Darlinghurst, Surrey Hills, and McElhone Place demonstrates the potential of these spaces to enhance urban resilience, community cohesion, and cultural vibrancy. Tokyo can adopt similar strategies to transform its own alleyways into thriving urban spaces that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and modern urban needs. This fieldwork provided a valuable foundation for future fieldwork planned in Taipei, Seoul and other cities with a focus on community-driven, sustainable, and inclusive urban revitalization initiatives, Tokyo could learn from.

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Research in and Outside the Classroom: Understanding How a Neighborhood is Made

When we think of the dynamic development of urban areas, the neighborhood of Jimbocho in Tokyo offers an excellent case study. Known for its unique mix of bookstores, publishing houses, and cozy cafes, Jimbocho showcases the intersection of cultural preservation and modern development. Understanding how a neighborhood like Jimbocho is shaped requires both academic research and hands-on fieldwork.

In the classroom, we explore theories of urban development, discussing concepts like placemaking, the impact of social networks, and the role of community in shaping neighborhoods. Students dive into the intricacies of urban planning theory, exploring how historical, social, and economic forces contribute to the identity and transformation of neighborhoods. These theoretical frameworks help guide the research process, providing a strong foundation for analyzing how urban spaces evolve.

However, true understanding often comes from stepping outside the classroom and immersing oneself in the environment. Fieldwork in Jimbocho reveals more than just the physical layout of streets and buildings. It involves observing the way businesses operate, the cultural practices of locals, and the interactions between new developments and long-standing traditions. For example, as office buildings rise in Jimbocho, some worry about the loss of the area’s identity as a haven for book lovers and food enthusiasts, particularly its famous curry and ramen shops.

During fieldwork, students learn to observe not only what is present but also what might be disappearing. Jimbocho, with its blend of old and new, demonstrates how urban areas can maintain a delicate balance between modern demands and historical roots. While some see new developments as progress, others mourn the potential loss of what made Jimbocho special in the first place—its rich history of books, local eateries, and cultural vibrancy.

A key takeaway from studying Jimbocho is that urban neighborhoods are never static. They evolve based on the needs of residents, businesses, and the broader city. Whether you’re researching in a classroom or conducting fieldwork, understanding a neighborhood like Jimbocho requires looking at both its past and present, recognizing the forces at play, and thinking critically about what the future might hold for such unique urban spaces.

Graduation projects, like those developed by students researching Jimbocho, often illustrate this blend of learning theory inside the classroom and practice outside in the field. Through their work, students are tasked with applying urban development theory to real-world challenges, such as the growing issue of tabearuki (食べ歩き or street eating) and overtourism in some neighborhoods. They also explore how traditional sweets like wagashi are adapted in places like Jimbocho, reflecting the tension between commodity and cultural preservation. Similarly, projects focusing on the rise of vegetarianism or the ideal café concept in a neighborhood steeped in nostalgia and modernity require both academic rigor and practical observation.

By integrating classroom knowledge with real-world observations, students can better grasp how neighborhoods are not just made but constantly remade, influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. Jimbocho serves as a perfect example of this dynamic, where history and modernity coexist, sometimes uneasily, but always in fascinating ways. Through their research, students uncover the hidden narratives that define neighborhoods and understand the balance required to preserve their unique character while allowing for growth and innovation.

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Kanazawa’s Urban Heritage and Post-2024 Noto Earthquake Recovery

Introduction

This years two-day seminar field trip to Kanazawa, joined by 3rd and 4th year students, was an enriching exploration of how an historial city like Kanazawa blends historical preservation with modern urban development. The purpose of the trip was to examine the integration of Kanazawa’s urban planning, its cultural heritage, and its recovery following the 2024 Noto Earthquake. The seminar group visited significant landmarks, including Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, the Suzuki Museum and the Higashi Chaya district. Our goal was to gain insight into how the city maintains its historical identity while adapting to contemporary urban needs.

Day 1: Examining Historical and Modern Integration

Kanazawa Castle
We began our exploration at Kanazawa Castle, a key historical site and designated heritage site since 2008. The restoration work, which is lasting now since several decades, carefully balances traditional techniques with modern engineering, ensuring both historical authenticity and structural resilience. However, after the 2024 Noto earthquake the progress slowed down as the attention was shifted to the recovery of the northern pensisula. Also on this day we were reminded that the recovery process has been slower than anticipated as the region continues to feel the lingering effects of the earthquake, with progress hindered by ongoing challenges such as a slow reconstruction procress, financial struggles and heavy rain/ flooding.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Due to the heavy rain, our next stop was the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where we explored the striking contrast between modern architectural design and the traditional urban layout of Kanazawa. This museum provided a glimpse into how contemporary urban planning integrates with the city’s historical fabric. The modern architecture of the museum, designed to interact seamlessly with the city, also highlighted how Kanazawa is positioning itself as a cultural hub in the 21st century while still honoring its historical roots.

Day 2: Reflections on Simplicity, Religion, and Urban Harmony

D.T. Suzuki Museum
On the second day, we visited the D.T. Suzuki Museum, a serene space dedicated to the Zen philosopher D.T. Suzuki. The museum’s minimalist architecture deeply resonated with our exploration of urban planning principles, as it embodied a perfect balance between simplicity and harmony in design. We reflected on how the museum integrates the natural environment into the urban landscape, using design to create a meditative atmosphere, representing an ideal fusion of nature, space, and culture in urban contexts.

Adjacent to the castle, we explored Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most renowned landscape gardens. Here, we observed the careful design principles from the Edo period and noted how recent restoration efforts continued to preserve its historic charm while enhancing durability against natural disasters.

Higashi Chaya District
Our final stop was the Higashi Chaya District, a beautifully preserved area known for its traditional teahouses and the cultural atmosphere of old Kanazawa. The district allowed us to observe firsthand how Kanazawa’s cultural identity is preserved in a modern urban setting. Walking through the narrow streets and alleys, we felt the district’s vibrant energy, where historical buildings continue to serve as a vital part of the community’s daily life. The district offered a perfect conclusion to our trip, demonstrating how Kanazawa’s cultural past continues to thrive amidst modern development.

Conclusion

The seminar’s zemitrip to Kanazawa provided invaluable insights into how the city successfully blends historical preservation with modern urban planning. Kanazawa’s ability to recover from the 2024 Noto Earthquake while maintaining its cultural and architectural integrity left a strong impression on us. The visit allowed us to see how a city with such a deep history can evolve without compromising its heritage, providing a model for balancing urban growth with cultural preservation.

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Euljiro, Seoul: Dynamic Neighbourhood of Change

During a recent visit to Seoul we were able to visit Euljiro, a significant and evolving neighborhood, which serves as a vivid illustration of the intersection between history and modernity, community and gentrification. Originally established during the Joseon Dynasty as a central area for governmental offices, Euljiro has transformed through various historical epochs—each leaving its own layer of influence on the district. During the Japanese occupation, the region was heavily industrialized, which continued into the post-liberation era, shaping Euljiro as a vital industrial hub.

The social and economic dynamics of Euljiro are reflective of a district caught between its historical significance and the pressures of modern development. Its economy has been traditionally anchored by small-scale industries, such as printing and metalwork, which have defined its character for decades. However, the area is also undergoing rapid changes due to gentrification. The rising appeal of ‘Hipjiro’ to younger generations and entrepreneurs has led to an influx of new businesses, including trendy cafes, bars, and cultural venues, juxtaposed against the traditional workshops and hardware stores.

These transformations have not been without struggle. The traditional businesses and older residents face the risk of displacement as property values soar and the area’s character shifts. Gentrification has sparked a complex debate involving community preservation, economic development, and cultural heritage. Efforts to designate parts of Euljiro as heritage sites or special industrial zones attempt to balance these forces, aiming to maintain the unique identity of the area while accommodating growth and modernization.

The future of Euljiro is a topic of vibrant discussion. There are initiatives to blend the old with the new by integrating historical preservation with modern urban planning. This involves supporting the older industries while also promoting Euljiro as a cultural and artistic hub. The challenge lies in ensuring that development is inclusive and respects the district’s rich history.

Conceptually, Euljiro embodies the ongoing global conversation about urban renewal and gentrification. It highlights critical questions about how cities evolve and who benefits from these changes. The district’s ongoing transformation is a case study in managing growth in a way that honors its past, supports its present residents, and welcomes new opportunities. This makes Euljiro not just a physical space, but a living dialogue about the future of urban life and community cohesion.

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New Semester 2024

2024 Semester Plan

2024 Semester Plan

As we embark on the new academic year this April, we are excited to introduce a dynamic and enriching semester for our students. The focus will be on fostering innovative research, practical engagement, and critical thinking across all levels.

For 3rd Seminar Students:
The theme for the new 3rd seminar students will be “Resilient Cities.” These students will explore how cities can adapt to and mitigate the impacts of disasters and climate change and especially exploreTokyo neighborhoods, including Jinbocho, to identify strategies for enhancing resilience through sustainable infrastructure, community cohesion, and adaptive urban design.

For 4th Year Students:
The 4th year students will be focusing on finalizing and presenting their research theses. Their topics will cover:

  • Coffee Culture: Investigating the socio-cultural and economic impacts of coffee culture in urban areas.
  • Overtourism in Japan: Analyzing the effects of excessive tourism on local communities and proposing sustainable tourism practices.
  • Gentrification: Examining the causes and consequences of gentrification in various neighborhoods and suggesting strategies for equitable development.
  • Adaptation of Traditional Culinary Tokyo: Exploring how traditional culinary practices are maintained and adapted in the modern urban context.

Throughout the semester, these students will refine their research questions, conduct in-depth data collection and analysis, and prepare comprehensive presentations of their findings. They will also engage in peer review sessions and receive guidance from faculty to ensure the rigor and relevance of their work.

General Seminar Goals and Initiatives:

  • Urban Studies and Sustainability: This content will cover key concepts and contemporary issues in urban sustainability, including green infrastructure, sustainable transportation, and urban planning.
  • Critical Thinking and Research Methods: Students will be equipped with the skills necessary for conducting robust research, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies, data analysis, and critical thinking.
  • Cultural Studies and Urban Diversity: This part will explore the cultural dimensions of urban life, focusing on diversity, inclusivity, and the role of cultural practices in shaping urban spaces.
  • Fieldwork and Practical Engagement: Students will participate in field trips, exploratory walks, and hands-on projects to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world urban settings. These activities will be designed to enhance their understanding of urban dynamics and foster practical problem-solving skills.

New Initiatives:

  • Collaborative Projects: Students will have the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects that address complex urban issues. These projects will encourage collaboration across different areas of study and promote innovative solutions.
  • Community Partnerships: We will establish partnerships with local communities and organizations to facilitate community-engaged research and service learning. This will allow students to contribute to local development initiatives and gain valuable practical experience.

This semester plan aims to provide a comprehensive and stimulating educational experience that prepares our students for future academic and professional success. We are committed to supporting their growth and ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to excel in their studies and beyond.

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Exploring Urban Alleys: Enhancing Communities and Resilience in Japan, Australia and Taiwan

In a new international and university funded research project we set to explore the untapped potential of urban alleys to boost resilience and community spirit in cities facing increasing risks from environmental and climatic challenges. The project, which spans Japan, Australia, and Taiwan, aims to transform these often-overlooked urban spaces into vibrant, functional parts of the cityscape.

Focusing on comparative analysis between Sydney, Taipei, and Tokyo, the study seeks to uncover how urban alleys can be redesigned to foster community engagement and enhance urban sustainability. By integrating innovative design strategies and community feedback, the project hopes to offer practical guidelines that could reshape Tokyo’s alleys into more inclusive and resilient public spaces.

The research will be supported by Senshu University and happen in form of a collaboration between different international research institutions in the three countries, emphasizing a mix of visual analysis and secondary data to craft tailored urban solutions.

The study will have several key goals, such as:

  1. Enhancing Urban Resilience: To determine how alley redesign can contribute to a city’s ability to withstand and adapt to environmental and social challenges.
  2. Promoting Sustainability: To explore sustainable urban design practices that utilize alleys for green spaces, waste management, and energy-efficient initiatives.
  3. Increasing Community Engagement: To engage local communities in the redesign process, ensuring that the changes reflect their needs and enhance their quality of life.
  4. Boosting Economic Opportunities: To examine how revitalized alleys can stimulate local economies by supporting small businesses, markets, and tourism.
  5. Improving Public Health and Wellbeing: To create safer and healthier environments through improved alley designs that encourage physical activity and social interactions.
  6. Preserving Cultural Heritage: To respect and incorporate historical and cultural elements of the alleys in the redesign, preserving the unique character of each city.
  7. Encouraging Innovation in Urban Design: To use the project as a laboratory for testing new urban design ideas that could be applied to other parts of the city or exported to different urban settings.

More details can be found here https://heideimai.com/research/

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Resilience, Social Capital and Community

A recent FAZ article (https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wissen/geist-soziales/verarbeitung-der-pandemie-in-china-und-japan-19339874.html) discusses the cultural and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia, particularly through the lens of art and social resilience in China and Japan. The article highlights a special issue of the “Asian Studies” journal by the University of Ljubljana, which delves into the artistic processing of the COVID-19 pandemic in these countries. The research we conducted remotely in 2020/21 in the vicinity of Ishinomaki, Japan, is specifically mentioned as an example of how disasters historically prompt the mobilization of social capital. Following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the area witnessed significant contributions from civil society towards reconstruction, involving not just local communities but also migrants. A decade later, the pandemic has further catalyzed the development of social networks and creative place-making, with the researchers interviewing various local figures, such as a guesthouse owner pivoting to accommodate students and a drive-in cinema operator using a sea wall as a screen.

This article underscores the importance of social capital in crisis management and recovery, demonstrating how communities in Asia have adapted creatively to the challenges posed by the pandemic, fostering resilience and transformation in the process. Social capital emerges as vital, with networks, norms, and trust enabling shared objectives’ pursuit, essential for community spirit and cooperation during hardships. Expanding this research for presentation at the 2024 Asian Studies Conference (ASAA), the focus will broaden to include similar cases across Japan and the Pacific Rim. This initiative aims to explore social capital’s nuanced impact in diverse cultural contexts, offering valuable lessons on resilience and recovery strategies adaptable globally.

Further reading:

Social Capital, Innovation, and Local Resilience -Tokyo Neighbourhood in Times of Crisis

https://journals.uni-lj.si/as/article/view/9410

Creative Revitalization in Rural Japan- Lessons from Ishinomaki

https://journals.uni-lj.si/as/article/view/9991

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Kobe as Blueprint for Urban Resilience and Community Revival 

The Kobe Fieldwork, conducted at the beginning of November 2023, aimed to examine the town planning mechanisms implemented by the city government to protect diverse communities and strengthen their resilience. Upon arrival, we commenced our visit to Mount Rokko, observing the city’s development since the 1995 Earthquake. Our exploration included the recovery process and a visit to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum, which featured a guided tour and a movie screening. 

 The following day, we delved into the history of the foreign settlement quarter and explored the local farmers market, renowned for its innovative approach to connect producers, consumers, and people from various backgrounds. The market, held every Saturday in a picturesque park, provided us with the opportunity to conduct interviews with over ten food stand operators, discussing their contributions to local farming, food security, and different recovery initiatives, as well as the establishment of local farm networks and distribution channels for wine, cheese, beer, and of course, vegetables. Additionally, we learned about collaborative workspaces, the utilization of akiya (vacant homes) for various purposes, startup promotions, and local tourism initiatives. 

The field trip concluded with a comprehensive tour of the Kobe harbor development, which included visits to the Tadao Ando Children’s Library, the Kiito Design Centre, and the Atoa Complex, along with the newly developed Tooth Tooth Food Market and the iconic Kobe Sign. The Kobe Fieldwork provided the participants with a broad spectrum of experiences, from historical sites and cultural landmarks to insights into disaster management and recovery strategies. More fieldtrips will follow in 2024.

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New Semester and Zemi

For some students it will be final semester and seminar work will be concluded resulting in diverse research projects related to urban sociology and cultural experiences. These projects encompass a wide range of topics and areas of investigation, including:

  1. Urban Renewal and Gentrification: Students explore how urban renewal initiatives and gentrification are impacting the fabric of neighborhoods in Tokyo and other Asian cities, considering their effects on local communities, businesses, and cultural heritage.
  2. Community Revitalization: Research projects delve into the efforts to revitalize local communities within urban settings. This might involve studying the role of local businesses, grassroots initiatives, and community engagement in driving revitalization.
  3. Urban Planning and Development: Students investigate the urban planning strategies and development projects shaping the physical and social landscape of Tokyo and other cities. This could include an examination of transportation infrastructure, green spaces, and architectural design.
  4. Cultural Diversity: Exploring the cultural diversity within urban environments is another avenue of research. This might involve studying cultural festivals, immigrant communities, or the influence of globalization on local traditions.
  5. Everyday Life in the City: Projects also focus on the daily experiences of residents in urban areas, shedding light on routines, challenges, and opportunities. This could encompass studies of work-life balance, commuting patterns, and leisure activities.
  6. Historical Perspectives: Some projects take a historical approach, tracing the evolution of urban areas and examining how past events and decisions have shaped the current urban landscape.
  7. Comparative Studies: Comparative research could involve analyzing similarities and differences between Tokyo and other Asian cities, drawing out lessons and insights that can be applied globally.

These research projects aim to deepen our understanding of urban life, culture, and society, with a focus on Tokyo and its counterparts in Asia. Students apply sociological and ethnographic research methods to explore these topics, and their findings will contribute to broader discussions about the dynamics of modern cities. More soon about the upcoming results

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Fieldtrip London and Paris 2023

This years summer fieldwork trip brought us to London and Paris, where we had the chance to walk and discover different neighbourhoods, present our recent research about urban walking methods and made new connections for upcoming seminar projects.

When the next semester starts in some weeks, the new seminar students will not just discuss the human scale of global cities, but also learn about different methods to visualize their diversity, creativity and subcultural spaces.

More can be soon found here:

Seminar 2023/24 Global Cities Research Group
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Chiyoda Diaries Documentary

In May students started to prepare a new series of interviews for the upcoming screening of a documentary about everyday life and challenges in Tokyo’s neighbourhoods, this time focussing on Jinbocho, Kanda. The aim it is to highlight the challenges the residents and visitors face everyday to live and access this neighbourhood. This forms a unique chance for the students to conduct town walks and interviews at the same time, documenting their work and research not just in form of fieldnotes, visual sketches but also videomaterial which they can utilize to recall the fieldwork and support their findings.

As the work just started, the time of the screening and exhibition will be announced at a later date. More can be found here: https://heideimai.com/seminar-cities-culture-and-everyday-life-2022%e5%b9%b4%e5%be%8c%e6%9c%9f/

Image taken at https://www.instagram.com/coffeehousedue/

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New Semester 2023

After some eventful weeks, a new semester and academic year has started in April. We will enter the second year back F2F and final year for some of the students who started at this faculty in 2020, survived covid-19 and went abroad in 2022. It will be my honor to guide these and all new students to learn more about communication, connections and the city which has so much creativity and dynamics to offer. In some new research project we will also address more current problems as post-pandemic public spaces under pressure, how to achieve urban sustainability/ diversity and support urban-rural linkages to learn more about urban and rural Japan common and different problems. A not complete list:

More updates can be found here https://heideimai.com/bio/ and here https://chiyolab.jp/archives/17284

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Fieldtrip New York City

A recent fieldwork trip brought us to New York City, where we had the chance to walk and discover different neighbourhoods, present our recent research about global cities and creative clusters to a small audience and make new connections for upcoming projects.

What a fascinating city, which was hit hard by the pandemic, yet always seems to be able to rise like phenix out of the ash. So many facets, faces and feelings, so many communities, creativity and connections were made.

Some interviewees stated during our fieldwork that the people need a thick skin to survive in the city, especially people which belong to the creative sector. Is that the case also in other cities like Tokyo, London or Paris, and what does that mean for their daily life, practice and creative work? Many questions which we hope to answers with more in-depth data.

More can be found on the research and project website

Research Project Tokyo Diversity
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Modelling 神田神保町 – Semester Progress 2022

After a general introduction and weekly theoretical lectures covering topics such as urban renewal and gentrification, students learned a toolset of fieldwork techniques such as city walks, visual mapping, observation, and interviews. To better get to know the community, the students took ten walks around Jimbocho. First interviews were conducted in October (which was also published in the Nikkei Shimbun in December 2022), and a list of people we want to interview in the future was created.

In the second stage, the students began to discuss the usage of local parks, highways and skyscraper rooftops, etc., and began to create their own research questions. . To consolidate these topics, Kanda Jimbocho’s Mock-up Model was built.

More updates can be also be found here: https://www.senshu-u.ac.jp/education/howto/seminar/search/global/le02.html

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Nikkei Shinbun Interview 7/12/2022

Recently our seminar was interviewed by Nikkei Shinbun. We talked about the fieldwork we currently conduct in Kanda Jinbocho and we were more than delighted to introduce the journalists to the connections we made overthe last months in the local community and how this will help to improve the character of this neighbourhood.

The article can be found here: /https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUB256M20V21C22A1000000/

English Version:

Senshu University, School of International Communication, Learning Culture through Experiences in Exchange
2022/12/07 Nihon Keizai Shimbun Morning Edition Page 31

　Senshu University’s School of International Communication is a new faculty created in the 2020 academic year. It provides opportunities for fieldwork, study abroad, and practical educational experiences. It aims to develop human resources who are well versed in Japanese culture and cross-cultural understanding and who can respond to globalization.
　In late November, five students from the Faculty of Intercultural Communication visited Yamatoya Shokumoten, a long-established geta store in Kanda Jimbocho, Tokyo. The purpose of their visit was to report their findings through SNS (social networking site).
　The store rents a part of the store to other kimono businesses. On the day of the visit, haori (Japanese traditional haori coat) and hand towels using a technique called chusen (tie-dyeing) were on display. Ryuhei Funabiki, the fifth-generation owner of the store, explained that he wanted to convey the charm of kimono, and the students exchanged opinions, saying, “It looks good even when worn over Western clothes.
　Associate Professor Imai Heide, who is teaching the seminar students, is from Germany and has practical experience in architecture and urban design. “Without the backing of a culture that is easy to empathize with, a community cannot be created. I hope to make students aware of this through a familiar city,” she says about the aim of this fieldwork.
　

The Faculty of International Communication has approximately 700 students in the Department of Intercultural Communication and the Department of Japanese Language. In the first year, all students learn the basics of Japanese culture and cross-cultural understanding. After that, each department cultivates expertise through study abroad, seminars, and practical experience.
　Communication across borders requires not only the ability to understand and use language, but also an understanding of cultural diversity and universality. In order to enable students to study a wide variety of topics, the department has assembled a faculty specializing in languages and interdisciplinary themes. Dean Tetsuro Negishi explains the department’s aim: “We provide students with a three-dimensional approach to the world and society.
　The Department of Intercultural Communication places emphasis on fieldwork and other practical activities. For the first time at Senshu University, students are required to study abroad. Department Chair Kenro Suzuki says, “We hope that students will gain a broad understanding of communication through local experiences.
　The Japanese Language Department, on the other hand, teaches Japanese as a global lingua franca. The students will deepen their knowledge in a practical manner by utilizing literature and materials. The leftward-facing face on the wall visually indicates the rule of reading characters from the left,” he said. Tomoe Konno, a second-year student in Professor Tatsuya Saito’s seminar on Japanese phonology and notation, shows and explains a manuscript of the “Shinkokin Wakashu.
　In Professor Saito’s seminar, students choose a subject of their choice, compile their findings into panels, and display them in the university library. Professor Saito says, “We devise ways for students to learn practical skills such as presentation, planning, and negotiation through the transmission of Japanese language. Journalists and actors are invited as lecturers to deepen students’ practical understanding of the Japanese language.
　For students who wish to become Japanese language teachers, a program to teach Japanese at schools in Japan and abroad is also available. More and more foreigners are becoming interested in Japan through animation and food culture. We will nurture human resources who can transmit the Japanese language, backed up by academic studies, to foreign countries.
　For the department, which focuses on real-life exchanges, the outbreak of the new coronavirus was a blow to the department. Some students had to postpone their planned study abroad programs. On the other hand, there were some positive outcomes, such as the start of online Japanese language joint research with a Croatian university with which the department had been in contact.
　The 2023 academic year will see the first graduates of the program. Dean Negishi is enthusiastic, saying, “We hope to send out people who can make use of what they have learned through their five senses in society.”

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Chiyoda-ku – diversity, differences and divisions

With the start of a new research project, which is part of the Chiyoda Studies Project(千代田学) students, staff and teachers aim to obtain diverse opinions and suggestions from a wide range of community members to analyse how the everyday life in Chiyoda-ku, especially in the Kudanshita, Jimbocho and Ogawamachi neighbourhoods has changed. In accurately reflecting on the diverse opinions of the residents, we can consider and develop better approaches for the revitalization of local communities and re-integrate various policies, including different machizukuri, tourist and local branding plans.

2022-2044 Next Steps include:

Understanding the local community setup

Interviewing different members of the community

Reflecting on the different social problems (as result of in depth data analysis)

Formulating and Suggesting specific approaches for each community

More updates can be found on

Seminar 2022/23 Cities, Culture and Everyday Life

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New Semester 2022

After some eventful weeks, a new semester is starting in April and we will be back in the classroom from next week F2F. I am not sure what will come out of this as the pandemic has still not ended, but several new courses and research projects have been set up and organized so students will hopefully learn a diversity of skills this academic year. Just a short but not complete list:

Course Area Studies Eastern Europe (with special attention given to Ukraine)

Course Environment and Culture

Course Urban Studies Seminar

Research Project: Urban Ethnographies and Narratives of Asian Cities

Research Project: Qualitative Methodology and Interviews with different Community Leader

All courses and results will be featured here over the next month:

Seminar 2022/23 Cities, Culture and Everyday Life

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Symposium PUBLIC SPACES IN CENTRAL RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOODS IN CANBERRA AND TOKYO March 16 2022

This symposium invites internationally recognised urban designers/thinkers/academics to discuss the role and future of public spaces.

About this event

The definition of the public space and its significance has been gaining importance in academic discussions recognising the crisis and the need to rethink them. COVID-19 has provoked changes in our everyday life and as we emerge (perhaps only temporary) from the pandemic we invite you to a discussion on the role and future of public spaces. The symposium reviews some of the findings from two cities Tokyo and Canberra and invites internationally recognised urban designers to open discussion through the multicultural exchange.

Please register here:

Register on Eventbrite
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INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECT

We, a research team based at Senshu University Japan and University of Canberra, Australia, made a short survey to find out how outdoor activities and the use of different public spaces changed due to covid-19. The survey takes only 3-5min and we would appreciate all the help we can get, especially if you live in Japan. Many thanks in advance.

Survey in English and Japanese available

https://lnkd.in/e6Dra_Rk

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First Paper 2022, Creative Revitalization in Rural Japan: Lessons from Ishinomaki (Ji and Imai, 2022)

Special Issue: The present issue of Asian Studies is devoted to the investigation of the causes, effects, and ethical and ideological implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia, particularly in East and South-East Asia. COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on global societies. There have been enormous changes in the economy, lifestyles, education, culture, and many other aspects of social life (Caron 2021, 1). The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed societies, cultures, organizations, infrastructures, and many social services into a completely new reality. In this respect, the COVID-19 pandemic is without doubt a crisis of global proportions. Therefore, the whole of humanity should try to find a strategic solution to it, and to this end, the importance of intercultural dialog is manifested in a particularly clear and unambiguous way.

Paper Abstract: Different disasters throughout history have prompted Japan to develop diverse approach-es to recovery, revitalization, and local resilience. The current global COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. In this paper, we argue the need to study the impacts of COVID-19 on outside major cities such as Tokyo as such areas were already experiencing socioeconomic decline. Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture is a city that has also been undergoing extensive post-disaster reconstruction after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE), nota-bly through various bottom-up approaches, often initiated by volunteers and migrants bringing new, creative ideas to community revitalization. These efforts continue to shape the social life of its residents during COVID-19, making Ishinomaki an important case study in both disaster reconstruction and rural revitalization. This paper examines exam-ples in which creativity played a key role in revitalization, recovery, and community re-silience in Ishinomaki over the last decade to shed light on current creative revitalization initiatives at the grassroots level, initiated and carried out by citizens. Drawing on an eth-nographic approach conducted remotely in the form of semi-structured interviews, the paper presents the personal narratives of a diverse range of residents and social networks committed to rebuilding the soft infrastructure that is often overlooked compared to hard infrastructure. The paper proposes suggestions for the future based on lessons learned from the past decade, and hopes to illuminate how Japan’s rural areas are adapting to a new normal in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More here: https://revije.ff.uni-lj.si/as/article/view/9991/10050?fbclid=IwAR0ySGsaZQXZ-0KjkNphRyTZTAU-LkUmkuBwHLYfhyUoVfusq1T1e8nS2BM

Full Issue: https://revije.ff.uni-lj.si/as/issue/view/754

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Sustainability Live Talk Interview

Today I was invited by Joy Jarman-Walsh, hosting regular Sustainability Live Talks, to talk about different research projects in Japan and Asia, about backstreet heritage, traditions and the wisdoms of the locals to inspire new approaches of revitalization, resilience, creativity, innovation and sustainable practices including tourism. Many thanks and hopefully more chances for exchange follow 🙂

Please watch the interview here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBQmzvy020Y

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Rural Creativity and Resilience

Local Yonezawa

Different disasters throughout history have prompted Japan to develop diverse approaches to recovery, revitalization, and local resilience. The current global COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. In this project, we argue the need to study its impacts on Japan’s rural areas, which were already experiencing socioeconomic decline. Rural Japan, including Ishinomaki has also been undergoing extensive post-disaster reconstruction after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE), notably through diverse bottom-up approaches, often initiated by volunteers and migrants bringing new, creative ideas to community revitalization. These efforts continue to shape the social life of its residents during COVID-19, making Ishinomaki an important case study in both disaster reconstruction and rural revitalization. This research examines also other interesting examples in which creativity played a key role in revitalization, recovery, and community resilience. The project proposes suggestions for the future based on lessons learned from the past decade and hopes to illuminate how Japan’s rural areas are adapting to a new normal in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More information and updates can be found here:

https://www.researchgate.net/project/Rural-Creativity-in-Japan

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Study tour Ise

Fuji Museum

To make good use of the semester break another domestic study tour brought us on the first day to Fujinomiya and the Fuji World Heritage Centre in Shizuoka (https://mtfuji-whc.jp/en/), designed by Shigeru Ban and open since 2018. Due to the lack of crowds avoiding to travel in Japan caused by the worldwide corona virus outbreak, the museum was literally empty. This allowed us to take pictures from all angles on this sunny yet very windy day.

On the second day we were able to first visit the Yokoayama Observatory (https://www.iseshima-kanko.jp/en/see-and-do/1249) which allows the visitor to overlook the beautiful Ago Bay, where austers and pearls are farmed and which reminds us much of Finlands’ rough cliff landscape. Afterwards we finally arrived at the Ise Jingu Geku – the outer shrine of the very famous Ise Shrine where in 2019 the new emperor was enthroned. The shrine building which was rebuilt in 2013 and will be rebuilt in 2033 again (thus every 20 years) cannot be photographed but the atmosphere was transquil and very special. A visit to the Ise Jingu Naiku -the inner shrine of the Ise Shrine completed this visit to this grand heritage site.

On the third day we were able to visit another famous site, the Mikimoto Pearl Island (http://www.mikimoto-pearl-museum.co.jp/index.html) where Mikimoto Kokichi, a local entrepreneur, succeeded in 1893 to produce cultured pearls on an island called Ojima (相島). The trip ended with a ferry ride over the Ise Bay to reach Irago with its impressive lighthouse tower and beautiful strawberry fields.

More about Ise Jingu’s architecture can be found here:

https://www.isejingu.or.jp/en/about/index.html

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Study tour West Japan

Kohtei Fukuyama, Kohei Nawa

A recent study tour brought us to Shimonoseki (Yamaguchi) and Kitakyushu (Fukuoka), located between Japanese main island of Honshu and Kyushu, the third largest of the main islands. Starting to discover different revitalization processes in urban Mojiko, Shimonoseki and Kitakyushu (including the very interesting Toto Museum), we further discovered more local areas as the remote island of Tsunoshima (known for its colbalt blue water) and Kawatana Onsen town, kown for Kawatana Soba and Kengo Kuma small exhibition centre.

The next day we discovered Kiwanosato (Kutsuwai, Shimonoseki), a small village which tries to bring back (new) life into the community with the help of creative, local ideas and international collaborations. In comparison, Onoda village, well known for its cement and brickstone production, surprised with a very well maintained, rural development at the seaside, known as Kirarara Yakeno Beach. Almost 20 years ago Kengo Kuma was involved in the development and the area is now featuring a small glass museum/workshop and restaurant with stunning setting, especially during sunrise and sunset.

The third and final day brought us to the outskirts of Fukuyama where the the remote, yet tranquil Shinsoji Zen Garden and Museum complex first ask wellknown architect and historian Terunobu Fujimori to built a central building in 2014. In 2016, artist Kohei Nawa developed together with Sandwich Architects a floating, almost spaceship-like building which features inside an impressive Zen installation. As the bathhouse and several cafes where closed, it will be for sure not the last visit to this beautiful spot in West Japan.

More on https://szmg.jp/en/explore/kohtei/

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Visitors from Oxford Brookes

Visitors

A student from Oxford Brookes University, doing a Master in Architecture (how small the world can be as I was doing my master there 2004-2005) approached me a while ago to talk semi-public and semi-private spaces in the case of Tokyo, especially in relation to different housing projects which are either preserved/revitalzided, refurbished or newly built. Coming to Tokyo, in early January we had the chance to talk about more specific aspects including the situation of low rise, traditional neighbourhoods, their appeal and problems, how the government and local municipalities are reacting to these and how a better, medium type of housing (not being either an old, wooden low rise building or sparkling new (tower) manshon) can be planned or realized. Questions about general or personal lifestyle choices, diversity, mixed use, gentrification, commodification, akiya banks and alternatives came to mind and I look forward to see what the student will come up with in the end. Good luck and looking forward to discuss more during your next visit.

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Kagurazaka Fieldwork

Fieldwork

The lecture “Urban Space, Identity and Gender”, given for the ESOP course “Multiple Japan: Stability and Flux”, raised interesting questions about the conceptual and physical set-up of different public spaces. In connection, students were asked to conduct fieldwork in the Kagurazaka neighbourhood to observe for example how many women and men use the place, how they move across space and what kind of positions, behaviour and different relations/ interactions they are engaging in. The main aim was to analyse and understand the importance of (inangible) aspects as informal rules, bodily exposure, performance, feeling of comfort and belonging in comparison to formal aspects as regulations, security cameras or similar. These characteristics are often overlooked but are crucial when trying to understand what contemporary urban spaces are lacking and how to design better, gender-conscious spaces.

For more refer to:

https://www.researchgate.net/project/Shared-City-and-Japan

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The Future of Onagawa

onagawa

In July 2019, we had the chance to visit Onagawa to conduct interviews with local residents about the current stage of recovery work and development, more than 8 years after the Great Tohoku Earthquake which hit on March 11 2011. The situation in Onagawa is something we plan to observe over the coming years, as a lot of ‘flagship’ projects (e.g, a new station and public bath by Shigeru Ban) were realized but residents have their doubts about their lasting efforts as on weekends many tourists come, but on normal weekdays the city can look deserted. In our coming fieldwork we would like to focus on questions as 1) what will happen to the neighbourhood and city in the next coming years, 2) how can local residents make a living, not relying alone on the tourism sector and 3) how are basic needs, including tangible (e.g. facilities as super markets, school/kindergarten, bank etc) and intangible aspects addressed. Thus, how is the community network functioning day in day out and what problems are overlooked but should be solved to secure a livable community development.  In a final step we plan to compare the case of Onagawa with other cases in Yamagata (Tsuruoka) and Fukushima (Kitakata).

Shigeru Bans Suiden Terrace in Tsuruoka

Suiden Terrace in Tsuruoka (by Shigery Ban) opened in 2018.

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Update Research Projects 2019

Kiyosumi Shirakawa

The second half of 2019 is already in full swing and next to existing research projects which will be out in print soon (update follows) new research projects focus on alternative lifestyles and new social entrepreneurs in areas as for example Koenji, Kyojima or Kiyosumi Shirakwa.

In a recent fieldnote about Kiyosumi Shirakawa:
“Many similar cafes have popped up in the last year, turning Kiyosumi Shirakawa more and more into Tokyo coffee paradise, a trend the neighbourhood is already known for. Shop owners offer you happily something to try, the tofu store is crowded with locals who look for healthy and cheap products just before dinner time, and hip places like the Artichoke chocolate store or the newest shop Cheese no Koe, a cheeseshop specializing in cheese from Hokkaido, blend in a unique way into the local neighbourhood. Nevertheless, some locals fear that also this neighbourhood becomes a burgeoning place in which hip and new alternatives settle, causing a new wave of gentrification.” (19th June 2019)

For more updates, please check the research project site: https://heideimai.com/portfolio/gentrifying-japan/

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Urban and Rural Contestation in Vietnam, Fieldwork 2019

Hanoi

In early May 2019 Dr. Heide Imai was able to visit Vietnam (Hanoi and Ninb Binh) to compare urban and rural landscape of contestation. The fieldwork was conducted with the help of students from different local universities, who would like to compare Vietnams urban and rural contestation with the case of Japan. At the end of the year a visit in Japan (Tokyo and Chiba) is planned, during which the students will compare the case of Hanoi and Tokyo, trying to figuring out what both can learn from each other. A joint conference and journal paper will be published in 2020.

More information will follow soon on the research website.