Faculty

Japanese Literature
History of Japanese Writing Systems, Digital Humanities

Okada’s research focuses on structural changes in the Japanese writing system, especially those after the Meiji period. He also has a keen interest in utilising digital methods and data for Japanese linguistics.

Japanese Literature
Medieval Literature, Waka Poetry (31-Syllable Verse)

I'm studying the Japanese classics that cover the period from the 11th to 17th century. My main interest is Waka, a style of Japanese poetry with a 31-syllable verse, and Yusokukojitsu, principles and precedents on manners, rituals and costumes for the ancient and medieval Japanese Imperial court. In my study, I try to focus on the context and its background of where the works were composed.

Japanese Literature
Japanese Modern Literature

In order to explain how gender hierarchy had been constructed and justified in the modern Japanese literature, I am researching novels by female authors, literary works contributed to editorial magazines, discourses concerned with culture, and theater arts.

Japanese Literature
Medieval literature

I am studying Muromachi literature and arts, focusing on stories from the Muromachi period to the first half of the Edo period, with an emphasis on correlations with narratives, performing arts, and temple materials. I am aiming not only at the analysis of text and pictures, but also at elucidating the formation and acceptance of stories.

Japanese Literature
Sinitic Literature (kanbun) in Early Modern and Modern Japan (17 – 19th Century)

The purpose of my research is to explore dynamic movements in Sinitic literature (i.e. Classical Chinese literature), in early modern and modern Japan from various methodologies. In my monograph entitled Studies on Sinitic Prose and Poetry written by Japanese in Bakumatsu and Meiji Periods (2014), I have examined the changes in roles and representation of Sinitic literature during the course of political and cultural modernization of Japan. My most recent interest includes the formation of the canon of Sinitic poetry written by Japanese during Edo and Meiji periods and its relation with contemporary education.

Japanese Literature