معرفی
Hiroto Yoshihara is a Professor at Waseda University's Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences, School of Culture, Media and Society, specializing in Japanese intellectual history, Buddhist studies, and Sino-Japanese comparative literature. With a Master of Arts from Waseda University, he has conducted extensive research on ancient and medieval Japanese literature, religious history, and cultural exchange between Japan and China.
Yoshihara's research interests focus on Japanese intellectual history, ancient and medieval history, Japanese and Chinese literature, Buddhist studies, and Shinto studies. His work particularly examines the intersection of religious thought and literary expression in premodern Japan, with special attention to figures like Prince Shotoku and Sugawara no Michizane (deified as Tenjin). His comparative approach reveals the complex cultural flows between Japan and continental Asia.
His scholarly output shows a consistent focus on religious narratives, particularly Buddhist traditions, and their literary expressions. A significant portion of his recent work analyzes the reception and adaptation of Chinese literary and religious traditions in Japan, especially during the Heian period. His research demonstrates how Japanese intellectuals engaged with continental models while developing distinctive local traditions.
Yoshihara received the Kubota Utsuho Award in 1987 for his contributions to Japanese literary studies. His research has been supported by numerous grants from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, including projects on East Asian cultural exchange and religious thought during Japan's regency and Insei periods.
He has directed significant research projects, including the Institute for Japanese Religions and Cultural History at Waseda University (2021-2025). His international collaborations, particularly with Chinese academic institutions, reflect his commitment to cross-cultural scholarship and the global dimensions of Japanese religious and literary history.
