Publications
Inbound Tourism in Japan: An Economic Success Story or Sustainability Crisis?
Japan's tourism sector, now the second-largest export after automobiles, faces a critical juncture where economic success risks sustainability due to overtourism. A study analyzing global measures to mitigate overtourism—such as demand management (e.g., two-tiered pricing at Himeji Castle), supply control (e.g., hotel restrictions in Amsterdam), and access management (e.g., reservation systems)—reveals no universal solution. Effective implementation hinges on stakeholder involvement, transparent communication, and prioritizing local welfare over visitor numbers. The paper argues for a qualitative shift in tourism strategy, emphasizing sustainable practices, revenue transparency, and localized decision-making. Urgent actions for Japan include implementing time-slot reservations in Kyoto, disclosing tourist tax revenues, and establishing consulting boards to engage locals in tourism management.
Media, Power and Heritage Policy: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Himeji Castle’s Entry Fee Proposal
A critical discourse analysis of media coverage reveals how strategic language and authoritative quotes shape public perception around Himeji Castle's proposed foreign tourist fee increase, framing it as essential for sustainable tourism while omitting diverse perspectives. The study highlights the media's role in influencing policy debates and public opinion, situating this discourse within broader socio-economic tensions between economic benefits and cultural preservation. Using Norman Fairclough's three-level model—textual, discursive practice, and social practice—the research underscores the need for balanced tourism practices that preserve heritage while addressing local and global interests.
Possibilities and Challenges of Utilizing World Heritage Site Himeji Castle from the Perspective of Unique Venues
A new approach to utilizing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Himeji Castle (Himeji-jo), has been identified through the 'UV HIMEJI Plan,' which balances preservation with innovative use. The study found that current utilization methods preserve the site's cultural value while providing unique venue experiences. However, risks include potential degradation of heritage significance and loss of uniqueness if usage increases significantly. Future considerations must focus on carefully selecting content to mitigate these risks.
Additional neighborhood effects following renovation of historical heritage: an empirical investigation of the case of Himeji Castle
Renovating historical heritage sites, such as Himeji Castle, can trigger sustained increases in neighboring land prices. A study analyzing the 5.5-year renovation project (2009) found that while the upward trend in land prices accelerated during construction, its post-renovation momentum persisted in some areas—contrasting with a diminishing effect observed elsewhere. This 'neighborhood effect' suggests that heritage restoration may offer long-term economic benefits beyond immediate conservation goals. The research employed land price trends as key indicators to quantify these impacts.
Military heritage in Japanese cities: between historical memory and symbol of identity
Japanese military architectural heritage, particularly castles like Himeji-jo, plays a multifaceted role as both a tangible link to historical memory and a symbolic marker of national identity. This study highlights the significance of such structures in urban landscapes, emphasizing their quantitative prevalence—with thousands documented across Japan—and their cultural resonance. The research approach combines archaeological and historical analysis to explore how these monuments serve dual functions: preserving collective memory while simultaneously reinforcing modern identity narratives. By focusing on Himeji-jo as a case study, the work underscores the tension between commemorating military history and its contemporary reinterpretation in civic spaces.
Japan’s Castles: Citadels of Modernity in War and Peace, by Oleg Benesch and Ran Zwigenberg
Japan's castles, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Himeji-jo, have complex modern histories that reflect shifting national and local dynamics. A study by Oleg Benesch and Ran Zwigenberg reveals these castles as citadels of modernity, shaped by conflicts and coalitions since the 1868 Meiji Restoration. The research highlights their evolution from early modern era structures to post-1945 reconstructions or repurposed sites, providing a comprehensive account of their relationship with Japan's broader historical trends.
Ota Gyuichi. «Shincho-ko Ki», Book XIII (Russian Translation with Comments). Part II
A Russian translation of Book XIII of the 'Shincho̅-ko̅ ki' chronicle reveals key insights into Nobunaga's military campaigns, including Hideyoshi's consolidation of power in Western Japan and Shibata Katsuie's strategic defeat of Ikko̅-ikki leaders. The text also details Nobunaga's diplomatic gift exchanges with daimyo Cho̅sokabe Motochika and the establishment of Christian missions near Lake Biwa, alongside vibrant sumo tournaments that served as both entertainment and a means to elevate fighters to vassal status. This translation, enriched with comparative comments, offers a unique lens into Nobunaga's governance, military tactics, and cultural practices during this pivotal period.
Japan's Castles: Citadels of Modernity in War and Peace by Oleg Benesch and Ran Zwigenberg
Japan's Castles: Citadels of Modernity in War and Peace offers a transformative perspective on the role of Japanese castles, shifting them from mere military history artifacts to comprehensive indicators of societal evolution since the sixteenth century. The study identifies seven key themes—scale and location, local vs. national identities, civil society-state interactions, power dynamics among state actors, religious significance, authenticity in reconstruction, and global parallels—that frame castles as contested yet enduring symbols shaping Japan's trajectory through feudalism, imperial expansion, World War II, and the postwar era. By treating castles as they were perceived contemporaneously, the authors provide a nuanced analysis that bridges historical, cultural, political, and economic dimensions, revealing continuity in challenges faced by castles across prewar and postwar periods. This approach not only enriches our understanding of Japanese heritage but also draws parallels with European castle histories, underscoring their universal significance as sites of symbolism and heritage.
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