Nihon Joshi University Students Contribute to Cultural Heritage Through Ancient Text Research

Contribution to Cultural Heritage: Nihon Joshi University Students Engage in Daibanjaku Kyō Research

In a remarkable initiative, students from Nihon Joshi University, located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, have actively participated in the research of a significant historical text known as the Daibanjaku Kyō, housed at the Chūdai Enmei Temple in Itabashi Ward, Tokyo. This invaluable Buddhist manuscript was officially registered as a tangible cultural property of the ward on February 14, 2025, along with its accompanying artifacts, the old sutra box and sutra case.

Background of the Project

The research project was organized by the university’s Community Engagement Education Center as part of an educational volunteer program titled “Study of Historical Materials and Manuscript Preparation for Chūdai Enmei Temple.” Between October 2023 and March 2024, a dedicated group of 40 students conducted meticulous surveys, including manuscript cataloging, photography, and database creation, to analyze the over 600 scrolls of the Daibanjaku Kyō.

This collection, given as an offering by the local community in the Edo period, serves as an essential reminder of the religious beliefs and social structures of that era. The project has provided students from various disciplines a valuable opportunity to engage directly with historical manuscripts, fostering an environment of interdisciplinary collaboration in the research and preservation of cultural properties.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The initiative was made possible through cooperation between the temple’s priest, Ryuga Otsuka, who has worked closely with alumni, and Misuzu Kamiko, a curator at the Itabashi Ward Education Committee. Masako Fujii, the head of the Community Engagement Education Center and a professor in the History Department, played a crucial role by leveraging her expertise in historical research.

This diverse team represented a wide array of academic backgrounds, including history, children's education, clothing, Japanese literature, social welfare, education, cultural studies, and sciences. Such a blend of disciplines exemplifies the university's commitment to fostering comprehensive learning centered around community involvement.

Impact on Students and the Community

“My hopes for this project included revealing insights into the faith and cultural practices of the Edo period through our thorough investigation of the Daibanjaku Kyō,” stated Masako Fujii. “Working respectfully with these historical materials and contributing to regional history and culture has been a rewarding experience for our students.”

The students’ engagement culminated in the presentation of a registration certificate by the Itabashi Ward Education Committee to Priest Ryuga Otsuka, symbolizing the successful collaboration between the university and the local authorities.

Future Prospects and Social Contribution

Nihon Joshi University has consistently pursued initiatives to enhance community partnership since its establishment over a century ago. The university's Community Engagement Education Center, founded in April 2020, aims to strengthen collaborative networks, utilizing the expertise and resources of students, faculty, alumni, and community members.

Looking ahead, Nihon Joshi University will continue to harness its strengths as a comprehensive institution bridging liberal arts and sciences. By promoting applied education and research, it remains committed to fostering sustainable partnerships with local communities as part of its mission to contribute to societal progress.

For more on Nihon Joshi University's efforts in community engagement and historical research, please visit Nihon Joshi University's website.