Personal profile

Academic Background

For my PhD dissertation I analysed large quantities of pre-modern actor prints and other theatre ephemera, to explore the relationship between Kabuki performance and the visual realm. By using digital archives it was possible to compare large numbers of images, cutting across all media from the decorative arts to painting; I utilised various museums' large digital image databases to maximum effect. I was able to construct a new methodology for comparing specific acting patterns from looking through many ukiyo-e woodblock prints and illustrated books and this method revealed that kabuki performance had a clear, demonstrable impact on early modern visual culture.

Education/Academic qualification

Doctor of Literature, The Idea and Technique of Creating Kabuki Drama in the Early Modern Period

1 Apr 200531 Mar 2008

Award Date: 31 Mar 2008

Master of Letters, Ritsumei-kan Asia Pacific University

1 Apr 200231 Mar 2005

Award Date: 31 Mar 2005

Bachelor of Literature or Bachelor of Letters, Ritsumei-kan Asia Pacific University

1 Apr 199831 Mar 2002

Award Date: 31 Mar 2002

External positions

Visiting Researcher, British Museum

1 Apr 2006 → …

Visiting Researcher, Ritsumei-kan Asia Pacific University

1 Apr 2006 → …