Ms. Matsui received her BA in English Studies from Sophia University, Tokyo, a Graduate Diploma in the History of Art from The Courtauld Institute of Art and an MA in the History of Art and Archaeology (Distinction) from SOAS, University of London, in 2022. She is currently a fellow of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage in Japan.
Abstract
Suda Kokuta (1906–1990) produced almost solely abstract paintings in the 1950s and 1960s, combining a modern artistic idiom and various concepts drawn from traditional religion, philosophy and culture. His creative endeavour was unique yet also reflected the tendency of mid-20th century Japan – many modernists reinterpreted their indigenous past as inspirational sources, which could in a way be understood as a reflection of Japan’s collective anxiety over the looming threat of cultural homogenisation while the country underwent rapid Westernisation.
In the case of Suda, the source of inspiration was wide-ranging; his art was supported by multidimensional theoretical concepts, notably Zen philosophy and metaphysical questions, children’s art, and prehistoric sources. Especially noteworthy was his engagement with the 13th-century Zen monk Dōgen’s treatise, Shōbōgenzō (Treasury of the True Dharma Eye). With a close analysis of Suda’s engagement with the Sōtō Zen master Dōgen’s philosophy, this study will reveal another aspect of ‘modern Zen art’, differentiating his art from the mainstream global Zen boom of the 20th century. In other words, Sōtō Zen has not been much discussed in the dominant discourse of ‘modern Zen art’ in which Rinzai Zen has been generally referred to largely thanks to modern thinkers like D.T. Suzuki. This case study aims to challenge the view that Japanese abstract art was a mere derivative of its Western counterparts by demonstrating that Suda’s works were rooted in very different conceptual origins.
Upcoming Online Lecture Programme
JST 2023.10.16
2023 Young Scholars’ Programme
JST 2023.11.20
Mr. Masato Miyazaki
On a theme regarding Japan and/or Asia in the field of international finance.
JST 2024.1.22
Dr. Ayaka Jimbo
’Fukudenkai – the most traditional and globally orientated social welfare house in Japan’
2023 YOUNG SCHOLARS' PROGRAMME - application closed
Call for Papers
The Asiatic Society of Japan (ASJ) is Japan's oldest learned society, with its inaugural meeting in Yokohama in 1872. Inspired by the Royal Asiatic Societies of their day, ASJ's founders coordinated activities "to collect and publish information on subjects relating to Japan and other Asiatic Countries." Yet they intentionally differentiated ASJ from these affiliated societies at the outset by having established a "Society for scholarly gentlemen" rather than a society of scholars. The founders and earliest members were pillars of Japan's modernization and industrialization at the dawn of the Meiji Period. Physicians,engineers, barristers, missionaries, military officers, professors, and diplomats numbered among them, including Dr. James Hepburn, Sir Ernest Satow, Basil Hall Chamberlain, and William Aston. Today, the Society serves members of a general audience that have shared interests in Japan and the country’s of myriad
connections with the world.
The Young Scholars’ Programme was initiated by the Society in 2006 at the suggestion of the Honorary Patron, HIH Princess Takamado, to give researchers at doctoral level the opportunity to present their research on Japan and/or Asia and answer questions on it in English. This year’s event will be held on Monday, 16 October. It will be held either entirely online or hybrid, so young scholars from around the world are encouraged to apply.
Requirements
The closing date for nominations this year is midnight on Monday, 14 August. All nominated candidates (to be first selected by a university professor or other nominator) should submit the following:
a) A provisional title for their presentation
b) Details of their field of research
c) A CV or brief biography
d) A formal letter of recommendation on headed notepaper from his/her academic
supervisor supporting the application*
* Candidates may submit their materials directly to the Asiatic Society of Japan, via e-mail, to info@asjapan.org. However, the letter of recommendation should be submitted to info@asjapan.org by the academic supervisor (not the candidate).
Award
☆ Certificate of Recognition from the ASJ Board and HIH Princess Takamado, the Honorary Patron of the Asiatic Society of Japan
☆ Research award of 50,000 yen, courtesy of the Hugh E. Wilkinson Foundation
☆ Article to be submitted to the Transactions of the Asiatic Society of Japan, the Society’s
annual journal
Results
A maximum of four young scholars (up to age 35, although consideration will be given to those up to age 40) will be selected to give a presentation for 20 minutes each. Candidates will be notified of the selection results at the beginning of September.
* For further details, please e-mail the ASJ Office at info@asjapan.org,
and title your e-mail ‘2023 Young Scholars’ Programme’