We researched all gravestones and necrology belonging to the Edo period in Matsumae, Hokkaidou Prefecture, where was the northernmost castle town and the north important position on the trade over the Sea of Japan. We could explain the changes in population and the social system of early modern period in Matsumae by comparing more than ten thousand records of dead persons with documentary historical material

1. Collecting data and Analyses:(1) All investigators collected and referenced published matters and studies deal with the archaeological data such 'essentialism' or 'nationalism', additionally, analyzed the discourses of the past in their fields.(2) TANIGAWA and TAKANASHI, O (Amami museum) organized their Nansei Shoto area materials, and revealed many archaeological problems caused by the boundary recognitions of past researchers. (3) SASAKI, M (Waseda University Honjo Senior High School) connected with korean experts, and clarified Japan-Korea differences of historical perception about past people and technology exchanges. (4) YOGO and OGAWA made firsthand observations about ideas of cultural policies and the status of archaeological sites as tourism resources in southeast asia (Philippines, Indonesia). (5) TERASAKI conducted field surveys in Honduras and Guatemala, As a result, demonstrated the close connection between rights of indigenous peoples and values of cultural heritages.2. Workshops:The collaboration workshops were held 11 times in Tokyo, Amami-oshima, Fukuoka, and Manila (Philippines). The topic of the workshops were about such as "Afterimage of Wildness-Ideological Magnetic Field on the Past", "Symbol of Indigenous Cultural Heritage/Resource in Central America", "Recent Criticized Points in Japanese Archaeology", "Archaeological methodology and representational activity", "Cultural heritage and Archaeology in Modern Japan", "Differences of Historical Consciousness between Ryukyu and Amami", "Remarkable Transition of JOMON Period Images" and "Reconsideration the Relationship between Modern Philippines Archaeology and National Identity".Then investigators analyzed local characteristics and problems in archaeological activities, and make suggestions on how to offer solutions on issues concerning in their fields

This study focuses on the dynamics of complexity, stratification, and urbanization of prehistoric and ancient societies. We investigated several cases in Japan, Korea, China, Egypt, Western Asia, North America, Mesoamerica, and South America, and have conducted cross-cultural studies attempting to establish methodology for comparative archaeology.For instance, in 2002, Kikuchi (the head investigator) along with four other investigators studied the ancient cities of the Mayan civilization in Mesoamerica. We consider these as primary and crucial examples for our research topic. In fact, these examples provided us valuable insights in our respective investigations.Kikuchi, Takahashi, and a few other members conducted archaeological and ethnological fieldwork along the Northwest Coast (2003), Queen Charlotte Islands (2004), and some sites of the Mississippian culture (2005) in North America. From this series of studies, we accumulated important evidences for comparative studies of prehistoric societies in the world, and produced three articles for publication in a scholarly journal.In December 2004, we held an international conference titled "Kokogaku kara Mita Shakai no Fukuzatsuka (Archaeological Approaches to the Organizational Dynamics of Social Complexity)," and along with the investigators of this project (Kikuchi, Okauchi, Takahashi, Kondo, Terasaki, and nine other researchers presented their respective case studies. This was a very good opportunity to compare the outcomes of our work, and all the researchers once again congregated to discuss the same issue in January 2005. The results of the meeting were published by Doseisha, Tokyo, in a book titled"Shakai Kokogaku no Kokoromi (Preliminary Approaches of Social Archaeology)."We conducted several case studies to improve our research in 2005. However, in a limited period of our years, it is very difficult to conclude this ambitious project concerning the major theme. Therefore, if possible, we hope to follow up on this research issue

In this research, the data of excavations with cremation graves were collected from early modern cities Edo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Sakai, etc. The analysis of the following points was tried.1. The transition of the ratio of cremations and burials2. The relation of structure of burial facilities and cremations3. The classification and transition of cinerary urns4. Sex, age, and weight of cremated bones5. The relation to crematoryIn the 17th century, graveyard where the ratio of cremations was high and a low were seen in Edo, and there might be the relation between the temple and the crematory in the background of the difference. As for such a situation, the comparative study of graveyards in Sakai where the ratio of the cremations is high and a low is needed.After the 18th century in Edo, as the whole the ratio of cremation graves decreased. It is thought that crematories were integrated in the background. At the same time, the order of the grave system of Edo was completed. The decrease of the ratio of cremations, is thought possibility with the influence of Confucianism and the orientation to Shogun graves that were burials. At this time, it was recognized to be the high ratio of cremations in the graveyard of the Jodoshin sect, and the tendency that the weight of the cremated bones increased.In this research, it was demonstrated that the transition of cremation graves, and the relation of the cremation and the burial in the grave system of Japa

Between 2000 and 2002, the Silk Road research Institute of Waseda University conducted a research on the history of the Silk Road. The main focus of the research was on the Military Viceroy's Office in the Western Region (Xiyu duhufu 西域都護府) of the Western Han Empire. The Military Viceroy's Office is a management base in the Western Han Empire and its approximate location can be assumed through the record of"History".The expansion of Han Empire to the west is one of the important factors considering the formation of the Silk Road. The Military Viceroy's Office in the Western Region is attested to the city-state of Wulei(烏壘城), which its location is unknown. If we can identify its location, it will contribute to the understanding of the administration system of the Western Han Empire in the Western Region. With such research aim in mind, we conducted a survey in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region jointly with the Xinjiang Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology.The survey was carried out in three seasons : September 2000, May 2001, and May 2002. We assumed that Wulei must be located either in the Luntai(輪台) prefecture or the chaidir(策大爾) village. In both locations we found structural remains and artifact scatters. Since we could not excavate both locations, we were not able to obtain the defiant evidence of Wulei. However, from the result of the survey, we have collected valuable information on the possible settlement plan of the Military Viceroy's Office in the region.In addition, we conducted the survey in the Tianshan northern (天山北路) and southern (天山南路) routes of the Silk Road. We also observed artifacts stored in the local museums along the above routes. Through this, we collected data on the ancient cities in the Xinjiang region.In 2001 we held an international workshop on the Silk Road at Waseda University. In 2002 we presented our results at the 8th Symposium of the Japan Society for Chinese Archaeology. In both meetings we were able to exchange opinions and information with other scholars.Currently we are processing the data obtained from the three survey seasons and hope to publish the final report soon. We are also constructing a database of our survey to contribute to the future study of the Xinjiang region

This year, we had an eye to arrangement and analysis of data we have ever collected. In our study, we thought an arrangement of foundation data most impossible, and made a plan to prepare topographical map and tomb distribution map. We almost accomplished that until last year. This year, we had follow-up survey, and supplemented data. Those map and data support us to understand character of tombs. We input data with pictures, and formed data-base. Based on data-base, we are able to grasp some tendency of tombs formation. Next we suggest possibility of study, based on data-base by pointing out our result to analyze dataFor Jushi Gaochang state period, we show five points.(1) Distinction in each district as to whether constructing tombs in or out Rang yu.(2) tendency of Rang yu entrance direction.(3) difference in each district as to Rang yu scale.(4) Inconplete finish of tombs construction in Rang yu(5) Almost Rang yu has a large tomb in more inner part. For Tang-Xizhou period we show that tradition were followed against intervention by Tang dynasty.In the future, we need identification of tombs investigated by Huang-wenpi as inner development and comparison with circunference region as exterior development

The purpose of this study was to examine the graves in Edo and the surrounding villages. Especially, I took a look gravestones and burial facilities to examine changes in the graves of Edo and the surrounding villages, and to point out similarity and difference between city and villages.I made lists of cemeteries of daimyo (lords) and hatamoto (bannerman) in document, excaveted burial facilities and grave goods in Edo and the surrounding villages.In conclusion of this study, I pointed out similar changes in the graves between. Edo and the surrounding villages, but Edo's graves reflected status and class

前年度までと同様、メンバーを「葬送班」と「墓制班」に二分し、各班ごとの共同研究作業を行うと同時に、全体会において研究成果を発表し合い、統合的な討論を行うことで、研究のより精緻化を目指してきた。しかし、年度が始まる直前の３月、東日本大震災が勃発したために、研究代表者の所属する東北大学は大きな被害を受け、本研究プロジェクトの研究作業が半年余り中断されることになった。他のメンバーの多くも、震災の影響で通常の研究環境が確保できず、その意味で本年の研究は、未完成のままに繰越課題となった点が含まれた。「葬送班」は、葬儀社に対する郵送調査を実施する予定であったが、研究メンバーの打合せ機会が秋まで設定できず、質問項目の検討に手間取ることとなった。最終的には、質問項目も第７版まで検討してブラシュアップを図ってきたが、最終的な質問項目作成は、次年度に持ち越すこととなった。「墓制班」は東京下町の近世から続く寺院墓地と前年度から始めている大阪府内の公営墓地「大阪南霊園」の墓石悉皆調査を実施した。前者に関しては震災後の影響もあってなかなか協力の得られる寺院が見つからず、対象を川を挟んだ対岸の千葉県に移して検討することにした。その結果千葉県松戸市の自在院から協力の申し出をいただくことができ、夏休みから谷川・朽木両先生の指示のもと悉皆調査を開始した。また大阪南霊園の悉皆調査についても、槇村先生が中心となって昨年度に続く悉皆調査に着手した。ただし、両墓地とも墓石数が多く、完成は次年度に持ち越すこととなった。翌２４年度は、本研究課題の最終年度に相当するため、国際シンポジウムでその成果を発表した。そのため、全体会を中心に準備作業に着手した。その結果、中国・韓国・台湾から研究者を招請し、７月に大正大学を会場に国立歴史民俗博物館との共催という形で実施した。24年度が最終年度であるため、記入しない。24年度が最終年度であるため、記入しない