Research Topics (2024.4.1～2026.3.31)

The wide range of themes of our research group have fundamentally remained the same since the initial opening of the Institute of Buraku Studies. All research has an historical and theoretical foundation, as well as having a solid practical base. A wide range of research of an historical and theoretical nature is being undertaken with the collaboration of people from various areas. Such research consists of investigating the origins of discrimination and suffering experienced by the poor and by the Buraku during the Middle Ages; the liberation movement, discrimination policies and the system for the poor during the Modern Ages; and, harmony in the workplace and the history of the liberation movement in present times.

Research of an applied nature tackles the analysis of the actual conditions of Buraku from the city and country; the current state of buraku industry and its problems; perceptions towards Buraku issues; the reexamination of education on liberation and enlightenment; and the mass media and race. Through our multi-angled researches, we aim to grasp the current state of Buraku discrimination and suffering, as well as to discover the way toward overcoming such discrimination.

Research members

Research Topics (2024.4.1～2026.3.31)

Japanese society nowadays faces cultural divergence with increasing foreign residents, while local governments and schools are struggling to take action. In the modern world, violations of human rights of refugees are hot issues. Considering these situations, this committee tries to study, through empirical research on the issues in Japan and other countries, the educational measures which make possible coexistence of ethnic minorities and host societies.

Textbooks used in formal education at school can, under certain circumstances, cause international friction between the countries concerned because they reflect each nation's unique perspective with regard to history, race, ethnicity, and other social conventions. This committee studies educational methods and the ways of textbook compilation appropriate to international understanding in the 21st century, with emphasis on textbook comparisons in Europe, Japan, China, and North and South Korea.

This committee also looks at various issues resulting from encounter between peoples from different ethnic backgrounds, such as those between Koreans and Japanese in Japan, and the minority, immigration, assimilation and discrimination problems encountered throughout the world, including those of poverty and homelessness.

Research members

Research Topics (2024.4.1～2026.3.31)

We research a variety of issues on the rights and social services for people with disabilities. Researches are conducted on both theoretical and practical aspects: town planning for disabled people (including the elderly), treatment and educational support for children with disabilities, social inclusion of people with disabilities, social education about disability issues, disability and gender issue, disability anti-discrimination regulations. Research team includes researchers with disabilities, creating an active atmosphere for research and discussion.

Research members

Research Topics (2024.4.1～2026.3.31)

The Gender Studies Group focuses on human rights issues relating to gender and sexuality, using both theoretical and practical approaches. While members perform individual research based on their specialties, the group conducts qualitative and quantitative research on gender equality, sexuality, violence by intimate partners and war memories.

Research members

Research Topics (2024.4.1～2026.3.31)

In light of the recent increase in the number of topics that cross over the themes of each research group in the content of the research study meetings and public lectures, we have established a theme that allow the connections of each group's research to be visualized as the research of the Institute of Human Rights Studies as a whole.