A Day in Japanese:

Current Issues and Contributions of Qualitative Research in and outside of Japan 

In response to the global need for local knowledge production, this pre-conference provides a venue for intellectual dialogue over broad issues surrounding human inquiry. Presenters will predominantly be Japanese scholars concerned with cross-cultural experiences, folk psychology, indigenous knowledge, vulnerable populations, or the professional role of researchers. Most presenters will give speeches in English. We invite anyone who is interested in current issues and contributions of qualitative inquiry inside and outside Japan. We hope to facilitate intercultural, international communication over critical issues of qualitative inquiry between Japan and other countries.

May 2nd, 2007
Illini Union, Rm.405

ADIJ Schedule

09:30    OPENING REMARK

09:45    KEYNOTE ADDRESS

10:30    SESSION 1 :Conducting Qualitative Research in and outside of Japan (Poster 1-3)

      (LUNCH BREAK)

13:20    SESSION 2 :Folk Psychology and Local Knowledge (Poster 4-5)    

      (TEA BREAK)

15:00    SESSION 3 :Qualitative Investigation of Cross-cultural Experiences (Poster 6-7)

      (TEA BREAK)

16:30   SHORT REPORT

17:20    CONCLUDING REMARK

18:00    SOCIAL HOUR

ADIJ Program Overview

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Title: Qualitative research in Japanese psychology: Is it just a passing fad?

Presenter: Omi, Yasuhiro (University of Yamanashi)

Abstract: The field of psychology in Japan has seen a rise of qualitative research since around 1990. Two of the landmark incidents are the inauguration of the Qualitative Research in Psychology in 2002 and the establishment of Japanese Association of Qualitative Psychology in 2004. The association and journal have been promoting an exchange of qualitative research findings not only within psychology but also among a variety of disciplines across psychology.

It is noteworthy that before such activities more than hundred of papers, which were titled “practice of qualitative research” as a series of presentations, had been presented in the annual meetings of the Japanese Psychological Association between 1994 and 2004. It seems to be politically meaningful that they were presented at the division of theory and methodology.

One of the biggest challenges for Japanese qualitative researchers in psychology is the facilitation of international exchange, especially among eastern Asian countries, of qualitative research. 

SESSION 1

Conducting Qualitative Research in and outside of Japan

Paper-1

Title: The patient-physician relationship in Japan

Presenter: Nishigaki, Etsuyo (Wakayama Medical University)

Abstract: According to various polls, Japanese patients are unsatisfied with the healthcare service they receive.  Japanese physicians, at the same time, complain that their patients are too demanding.  Using mixed methodology, this study aimed to clarify what Japanese patients expect from their physicians, and how Japanese physicians recognize their professional roles. First, we conducted semi-structured interviews with the patients, and developed categories of trust.  Next, we developed a questionnaire based on these categories, and classified the patient types according to their expectations of their physicians.  Finally, we interviewed physicians and asked how they foster healthy relationships with their patients.  Study findings indicated that regardless of level of autonomy, Japanese patients consider their ‘human’ relationship with their physician to be very important. What they expect most is for their physicians to appreciate their suffering without verbalizing it in a family-like atmosphere.  Nonetheless, changing role-perceptions of physicians and diversification of patients’ values make this difficult. 

Paper-2

Title: Studying social service agents and vulnerable populations: Methodological and procedural challenges

Presenter: Yamamoto, Satomi (University of Illinois)

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to share methodological and procedural challenges I had when studying non-profit organizations, street-corner laborers, and Filipino nurses in the U.S. First, I will outline procedural challenges which I have encountered when seeking research approval to study vulnerable populations from the Institutional Review Board (IRB). I will illustrate my experiences on a study of Filipino nurses from the University of Chicago and on the research of migrant workers from the University of Illinois. Second, I will explain why the structured-interview method is neither efficient nor effective when studying non-profit organizations. I will illustrate that the participant-observation method may be a better alternative in some cases. Lastly, I will delineate the difficulty of establishing a rapport with street-corner laborers. The description of my experience may alert social scientists to realize the importance of giving back to the studied populations after the completion of the project.  

Paper-3

Title: A case study of an English for scientific purposes class at a Japanese university

Presenter: Young, Miho (University of Illinois)

Abstract: Many native English speakers teach English at different levels of schools in Japan. Most of those English instructors leave Japan or switch schools in a few years due to the expiration of their contract. Issues, such as poor communication between Japanese faculty members and foreign English instructors and human resource education in a limited employment system are well-known issues among foreign instructors who have taught English in Japan. In addition to these issues, this case study specifically revealed and examined issues regarding an English for Science Purpose (ESP) class at a prestigious private universities in Japan. I visited the ESP classroom during the fall semester in 2004 and had several interviews with the English instructor, his students, his colleagues, and the division head. Due to a number of issues, foreign instructors remain quiet despite obvious problems regarding ESP courses. These issues will be the focus of the current presentation. 

SESSION 2

Folk Psychology and Local Knowledge 

Paper-4

Title: Ibasho: Doing research in Japan and examining Japanese perspectives on supporting child well-being

Presenter: Bamba, Sachiko (University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign)

Abstract: Ibasho (i = be, sit, present; basho= place) can be literally translated to mean “whereabouts,” but the term connotes a place where a person feels a sense of peace, security, satisfaction, acceptance, belonging, and coziness.  The concept reflects cultural values and beliefs in Japanese society.  According to Japanese “folk psychology,” finding or creating one’s Ibasho at home, school, work, and in the community is necessary to healthy functioning throughout the lifespan.  Using interview data collected from Japanese child welfare workers and children in care, as well as extensive participant observation, the presented research attempts to explore Japanese perspectives on supporting well-being of children in state care.  The paper reflects an appreciation of indigenous beliefs and practices, and is meant to challenge the domination of western concepts, beliefs, and practices in conducting research, and in providing supports for people in Japan. 

Paper-5

Title: Last Kamikaze: Testimonials from WWII suicide pilots

Presenter: Takahashi, Masami (Northeastern Illinois University)

Abstract: This video explores the minds of former suicide bombers who participated in the first well-orchestrated suicide mission in modern history, the one carried out by the air arm of the Imperial Japanese Navy during WW II. Although in the beginning, these suicide pilots were university graduates and intellectual elites in their 20s, by 1942 the Navy was aggressively recruiting a large number of boys who were only in their low teens. Fortunately, some never flew their final suicide mission because the war ended before it was their turn to fly out.

The producer interviews several friends of his deceased father (who was also a former suicide pilot) in order to understand the mindset and motives behind such an extraordinary behavior. Now in their 70s and 80s, these individuals reflect upon their past and talk candidly about their lives, issues related to patriotism, spirituality, and on-going turmoil in the Middle East. 

SESSION 3

Qualitative Investigating of Cross-cultural Experiences 

Paper-6

Title: Qualitative research and understanding of cross-cultural experiences in Japan

Presenter: Tsukamoto, Satoshi (Aichi University)

Abstract: I would like to present how a researcher can take advantage of qualitative research to understand cross-cultural experiences. Historically in the United States, qualitative research is good at making marginalized voices heard and analyzing the lives of disenfranchised people. I observed English classes where immigrants struggled with studying English as a second language and interviewed some of them while I studied in the United States. This experience led me to have an interest in analyzing the meanings of cross-cultural experiences, and I conducted in-depth interviews of Americans who stayed in Japan.  In this presentation, I will attempt to show how qualitative research methods can be used so as to have deep understanding of Americans’ cross-cultural experiences in Japan. 

Paper-7

Title: Crossing border: Epistemological, disciplinary and regional border crossing by a graduate student

Presenter: Motobayashi, Kyoko (OISE, University of Toronto)

Abstract: This paper addresses my experience of crossing regional, epistemological and disciplinary border in my career as a graduate student, employing an auto-ethnographic approach. By doing so, this presentation aims at opening up a dialogue about the relationships among regional, epistemological and disciplinary differences. I was trained in a master’s program in Japan which was oriented towards quantitative psycholinguistic approach. Then I came to Canada and started another master’s program in an institution where qualitative research is rather encouraged, and at the same time I have been inclined towards sociolinguistic approach with qualitative inquiries. As such, in my case, the border crossing from quantitative to qualitative inquiry paralleled that from psychological to sociological approach and that from Japan to Canada. In this paper, I will share some of the episodes of mine throughout the process of seeking an academic identity/ies, hoping to listen to others’ perspectives as well. 

SHORT REPORT

Title: Update reports on Japan-related topics: Manga, Jodo-Shinshu, Zen, and Spirituality of Music

Presenter: Ieshima, Akihiko (Kyoto University),Kawashima, Daisuke (Kyoto University),Urata, Yu (Kyoto University) and Matsunobu, Koji (University of Illinois)

Abstract: This session is intended to provide review perspectives on Japan-related research topics. Based on their own studies in Manga, music, Zen, and Jodo-shinshu Buddhism, the presenters introduce research findings and implications about self and identity formation, spirituality of music, and meaning of life and death. Presenters are four Japanese qualitative researchers: Akihiko Ieshima will talk about the effects of Manga and Anime on ideal selves. Daisuke Kawashima will present on his studies on meanings of death and it's relation with Jodo-shinshu Buddhism. Yu Urata will draw upon meaning in life and its relation with Zen Buddhism. Koji Matsunobu will share his review on Japanese music and spirituality. 

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ADIJ is coordinated by the following members:
Matsunobu, Koji (University of Illinois)
Kawashima, Daisuke (Kyoto University)
Ieshima, Akihiko (Kyoto University)
Urata, Yu (Kyoto University)

For any question, contact either Koji Matsunobu (matsunob@uiuc.edu) or Daisuke Kawashima (D.Kawashima@edu.mbox.media.kyoto-u.ac.jp).

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Sponsor Links:

Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program
Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities
Bureau of Educational Research
The Unit for Criticism and Interpretive Theory
Gender & Women's Studies Program
Department of Advertising
College of Communications
Center for Qualitative Inquiry
The Education and Social Research Institute (ESRI),
Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
Sage Publications
The International Association of Educators
International Journal of Progressive Education
Turkish Journal of Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research
Center for Global Studies
SSSI
LeftCoast Press
Institute of Communications Research
Native American House/American Indian Studies(NAH/AIS)
The Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities(IPRH)