Research & Studies
- Research Center of Edo-Tokyo Urban History
- As a research institute on Edo-Tokyo, the Research Center of Edo-Tokyo Urban History conducts research and studies on the history, culture, and life of the city, primarily based on references in the collection. The outcomes and achievements are made available to the public through exhibitions and publications, and are also reflected in other projects, such as Edohaku Culture and other symposiums.
1. Research Activities
【1】Fundamental Research
Fundamental research is conducted in accordance with the medium-term research plan. This research aims to continue and advance the study of Edo-Tokyo, which forms the foundation of the academic activities at the Edo-Tokyo Museum.
We publish the results of our research in publications such as the Research Reports.
【2】Collaborative Research
As a research center dedicated to the study of Edo-Tokyo that values interdisciplinary approaches, we seek to promote collaborative research projects with other organizations.
To make our research outcomes publicly accessible, we disseminate the results of our studies through symposiums, exhibitions, and other forms.
【3】Collections Research
Collections research studies the objects in the Edo-Tokyo Museum's collection to enhance their value and lay the foundation for our future activities.
We share our achievements through museum programs, including publishing the Bulletin and the Research Reports of the Edo-Tokyo Museum, the Edo-Tokyo Museum Historical Archives, and holding the public lecture series – Edohaku Culture.
2. Publication
The Research Center of Edo-Tokyo Urban History publishes the Bulletin and the Research Reports of the Edo-Tokyo Museum, and the Edo-Tokyo Museum Historical Archives.
These titles are available for purchase at our shop in the main building.
3. Edohaku Culture — A Public Lecture Series
Edohaku Culture is a public lecture series on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo. Our experts—mainly the researchers and curators from the Research Center of Edo-Tokyo Urban History—will guide you through a wide range of topics in their respective fields, ranging across paintings, prints, and theater in Edo; the daily lives and annual events of samurai and the common people; archaeological discoveries that reveal Edo’s past; and the new culture and lifestyles that emerged after Edo became Tokyo.
4. Exchange, Collaboration, and Networks
【1】International Programs
Japan-China-Korea International Symposium on Museum
Since 2002, this symposium has been held annually in rotation between our museum, the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, and the Seoul Museum of History in South Korea. In these events, we exchange information and opinions on the management and activities of museums in cities in Japan, China, and South Korea, and deepen our ties. In 2007, the Shenyang Palace Museum, in China, was added to the list.
【2】Japanese Liaison Council of History and Folk Museums
We joined the Japanese Liaison Council of History and Folk Museums (a national network of history and folk museums), with the aim of building a network for mutual support in the event of major natural disasters.
Since its inauguration in June 2012, we have been in charge of the administration of the Council together with the National Museum of Japanese History, and continue to support its operations in the Kanto bloc.
