This research begins with the simple question of what human beings do in their lives, and devises a new world history starting from Japan and Asia. Using the “verb” as a key concept frees individual events from temporal/spatial settings (such as “modern Japan”) that have previously restricted historical studies, and allows for multifaceted arguments and a dynamic understanding of history. From the same areas of interest it has also been customary to regard “things” (such as sugar or copper) as keys to understanding; but this has also been a cause of dependence on specific historical materials. By treating the verb as a key idea, this research equally incorporates into its arguments those regions with a paucity of extant historical materials. With a special focus on actions that give rise to power, the research further deepens and diversifies power theory, a specialized field in historical studies.

This research could not be accomplished through historical study alone. Cross-departmental cooperation among humanities and related fields is essential. For this reason, the research will be carried out mainly by current and past open research project fellows, while learning from the HMC project research accumulated so far. With the aim of developing long-term interdepartmental cooperation, we will plan collaborations with extramural projects and present new perspectives that shed light on historical studies and, through these studies, on human beings.

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