A comparative Study on the Changeability and Multilayerness of "Region" in Area Studies

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In this project, ten researchers who specialize various kinds of region tried to reexamine the very concept of "region" and to compare each other"s research. When we carried out this project, we planned to set up the following four purposes : (1)collections of literatures, (2)fieldworks, (3)exchanges among area studies researchers and (4)sharing and integration of an awareness of issues. After three years" project, we could say that our project has been implemented according to our plan. We held a symposium, "From the research sites of area studies", at the University of Tokyo, Komaba campus in the final year, 2009. Through this open symposium, we were able to discuss lively about "region" and "area studies" with the commentators from the other university and institute. We are sure that we could not only show the results of this project to the public, but also contribute to build the network among the researchers of area studies. We are preparing to publish the proceedings of this symposium and the discussion. Our project members become to share a concept about "region" with changeability and multilayerness through this project, laying the foundation of farther joint research. In order to obtain more results by comparative studies, we think that it is important to continue this project in the future.