Koichi Sakai

Political and cultural history from the end of the Heian period to the mid-Kamakura period. Analysis of literature and performing arts from a historical perspective and methodology.

1. Kamakura period political and cultural history
2. Japanese cultural history with a focus on performing arts

Political history from the end of the Heian period to the beginning of the Kamakura period. In particular, focusing on the revenge incident at the foot of Mount Fuji by the Soga brothers during the reign of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the author compares and examines in detail the Kamakura Shogunate's history book "Azuma Kagami" and the military tales "The Tale of the Soga" and "The Tale of the Heike" to clarify the truth of the incident and the state of politics during that period. He also focuses on the internal consideration of the third Shogun, Minamoto no Sanetomo, through the waka poems in the "Kinkai Wakashu" and the "Azuma Kagami" and documents. He also considers the relationship between the Imperial Court and the Shogunate after the assassination of Sanetomo, and the outcome and historical significance of the Jokyu War, which was started by the all-powerful emperor, Emperor Gotoba. In addition to this, he also analyzes performing arts such as Noh, Kyogen, Ennen, Kabuki, and Bunraku puppet theater from a historical perspective.
Major publications

"The Jōkyū War: A Great War Heralding the True 'Age of Warriors'" (Chūō Shinsho, 2018)

"The Story of the Soga Clan: Fact and Fiction" (Yoshikawa Kobunkan, 2000)
"Kamakura Shogun and the Hojo Regent: How Yoshitoki Overcame the Imperial Court" (NHK Publishing, 2021)
Selected Papers
"Noh 'Kagodaiko' and the Middle Ages: An Attempt at Studying the Work from a Historical Perspective" (included in "The Middle Ages of Performing Arts" edited by Gomi Fumihiko, Yoshikawa Kobunkan, 2000)
"Minamoto no Sanetomo's Memorandum: A Light Shining in the Minamoto Shogun's Heart" (Soka University Humanities Review, No. 21, 2009)

"Culture of the Early Middle Ages" (Iwanami Lecture Series on Japanese History, Vol. 6, Iwanami Shoten, 2013)

Using various historical and literary sources, I would like to analyze in depth the period of the three Shoguns of the Kamakura Shogunate, Minamoto no Yoritomo, Yoriie, and Sanetomo, as well as the politics, society, and culture of the Jokyu War and its aftermath. I would also like to delve into the relationship between the war tale "Soga Monogatari" and "Sogamono" works in Noh, Kōwakamai, and Kabuki, and the position of "Sogamono" in the world of performing arts.
On the other hand, in terms of education, I will do my best to help students acquire the ability to read and understand ancient documents, which is the basis of historical studies. In terms of performing arts, I would like to effectively use AV equipment that appeals to the visual and auditory senses, and devise ways to help students understand the greatness of Japanese culture.

I want students to discard the preconceived notion that "history" is something to memorize and is boring, and learn to think and feel for themselves about the history of humanity from the past to the present. By doing so, they will be able to understand the fun and deep significance of learning "history." In addition, if young people approach Japan's many classical performing arts, which have been designated as World Heritage Sites, with the sensitive and delicate sensibilities of young people, they will be able to understand why they are so highly regarded around the world. "Disliking something without trying it" is a loss in life.