International Center for Folk Culture Studies

Fundamental Research on Functional Analysis of Mingu

This is a basic study to explore ways of categorizing the functions of mingu that were invented to meet the needs of traditional lifestyles and used over generations in a variety of forms.
In other words, this research will raise anew the question of “what are the functions of mingu?” and take on the long-standing challenge of categorizing these functions. Based on quality data on mingu collections accumulated up till now, the functions of individual mingu will be identified and sorted, thereby revealing the relation of these with structures, materials and forms. We will endeavor to analyze the functions of mingu and propose a new way of functional classification for future studies.
By advancing this study, we are aiming to establish a new method to search for mingu by use and purpose, and not by name, among the vast collections gathered throughout Japan. The new findings can be used to compare overseas mingu beyond linguistic barriers and to identify the functions of archeological finds.

	Name	Specialty	Affiliation
PL	KAMINO Yoshiharu	Folklore, Mingu Studies	ex-Musashino Art University
PM	MAJIMA Shunichi	Mingu Studies, The Study of Tools, Architectural History, History of Shipbuilding	TEM Kenkyujo
PM	SANO Kenji	Folklore	Kanagawa University
PM	YAMADA Masahisa	Research on Wooden Tools from Archeological Excavations and Experimental Archaeology	University Education Center, Tokyo Metropolitan University
PM	YAMAKAWA Yukinori	Folklore, Cultural Heritage	Mt.Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka
RC	KAWANO Kazuaki	Folklore	Nanpo Minzoku Bunka Kenkyujo
RC	MIYAMOTO Yaeko	Mingu Studies	The Society for Mingu of Japan
RC	NABETA Naoko	Folklore	Thang Long University, Vietnam
RC	SASAKI Takeo	Folklore, Mingu Studies	The Folklore Society of Fukushima

PL-Project leader　PM-Project member　RC-Research cooperator

• [Second Term] Joint research projects(regular projects)
  1. Research on the history of maritime areas and people
• An Ethnographical Study of Traditional Female Divers in Taiwan Called Hailu, with the Aim of Developing Research on Traditional Female Divers in East Asia and the Pacific Rim
• Comparison of traditional wooden boat building and sailing techniques of East Asia

• 2. Research on mingu materials
• Fundamental Research on Functional Analysis of Mingu

• 4. Research on folk culture
• Research on the activities of Shibusawa Fisheries History Laboratory in the prewar period

• [Second Term] Joint research projects (grant project)
• Japanese Immigrants in Brazil and Their Lives As Seen through Mingu in Registro, the State of Sao Paulo
• Comprehensive Study of Archival Documents on a Kumano Pirate Clan – the Koyama Family
• Acceptance and Use of Folklore Studies by the Young Generation in the Prewar Showa Period
• Historical Study of Deep Sea Fishing in Oshima, Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture: Focus on Materials Salvaged from Great East Japan Earthquake
• Basic study on the research activities of the Attic Museum —Examination, analysis and folkloristic observations on the Oki research
• Study on Moriharu Kawarada’s application of herbal knowledge in modern industry

• [First Term]
  1. Integrated research on traditional maritime communities
• Comparative Research on Fishing Ground Use
• Integrated Research on the History of Marine Products in the Waters around the Japanese Archipelago
• Comparative Research on Traditional Boat-Building Techniques around the Pacific Rim

• 2. Presentation of folk implements and artifacts as cultural resources
• Basic Research on Nomenclature of Mingu (Folk Implements)
• Comparative Cultural History from the Perspective of East Asian Mingu and Material Culture

• 3. Systematization of nonwritten materials (Ebiki, physical techniques, landscape design)
• Comparative Study of Asian Ritual Performing Arts

• 4. Presentation of film materials as cultural resources
• Objects, Bodies, and Representation in the Attic Films and Photographs

• 5. Development of systems for sharing folk culture materials
• Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology during World War II and the Occupation