The Center for Integrated Japanese Studies (CIJS) at Tohoku University, in collaboration with the Department of Japanese History, Graduate School of Arts and Letters, and the University Library, held the commemorative exhibition “Translating Japan’s Premodern History: new research on the Ruijū Sandaikyaku and a full translation of the Documents of Hōzawa” between September 29th and October 5th 2025..” (Main Library 1F Multipurpose Room).

　CIJS was primarily responsible for displaying the Documents of Hōzawa, a collection of medieval and early modern historical materials from a warrior house that ruled over part of what is now modern-day northern Sendai. . While showcasing medieval documents related to the Sendai area in one place was noteworthy, the most significant feature of the exhibit was the provision of English translations for all of the historical documents as well as their accompanying explanatory captions. The translations were based on student reports from a seminar in the Graduate School of Arts and Letters and supervised by CIJS Assistant Professor John Damico.

　Over the week, 174 visitors attended. Attendees included Japanese students, international students, and members of the general public. Furthermore, the final two days coincided with the Tohoku Historical Society Conference, allowing many professional researchers to view the exhibition.
　Today, there is a strong demand for the translation and dissemination of materials related to Japanese studies. We believe this exhibition represents a major first step in that direction.

　This exhibition was conducted as part of the CIJS Collaborative Research Project for the 2025 academic year, “Translating, Digitizing, and Publicizing Medieval Japanese Documents.” Graduate students participated in this project, conducting study sessions and site visits, and also assisted with exhibition preparations.