The State and Future of the Study of Premodern Japanese Religions

This roundtable seeks to examine the place of the premodern in study of Japanese religions, with an emphasis on its future trajectory. In recognition that the study of premodern Japanese religions is increasingly beleaguered in the present climate, six panelists from a wide range of institutional contexts will share perspectives on the current state of the field. This will be followed by an open discussion regarding concrete actions that can be taken for the further development of the study of Japanese religions. Topics for discussion will include the articulation of the value of the study of the premodern, potentials and limitations of both in-person and online modalities for collaborative projects, pedagogical concerns of language instruction and strategies for promoting student interest both at the undergrad and graduate levels, applying for funding individual and group projects, and strategies for creating opportunities for collaboration with colleagues working outside of premodern Japan.