Faculty of Humanities and Human Sciences, Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences, and School of Humanities and Human Sciences, Hokkaido University

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Laboratory of Occidental History／YASUKATA Kaori Associate Professor

The remarkable Upper Rhine region where Germany, France and Switzerland meet

In studies into the northeastern French region of Alsace, which lies across the Rhine River overlooking Germany to the east, recently we are seeing a new perspective that focuses on the Upper Rhine region as a border area encompassing both sides of the river, instead of viewing the Rhine simply as a border line between the two countries. Within this framework, I focus on medieval and early modern era disputes and conflicts. As an example, I am attempting to clarify the maintaining of order along the border region aimed at ensuring flexible dispute resolution amidst repeating cycles of conflict, compromise, and harmonious relations concerning rights surrounding the navigation of the Rhine, which was important to the economy as well. If you include the Swiss Confederation within the history of Alsace, which already spans the medieval and early modern German Empire (Holy Roman Empire) and the Kingdom of France, the picture gets even more complicated. However, utilizing historical materials in the French, German, and Latin languages, I am gradually unravelling mysteries surrounding that multi-layered order.

Fostering curiosity for question-led research

When I was a first-year undergraduate student, I took a class on Holy Roman Empire history by Professor Fumihiko Yamamoto, and was inspired by how interesting the study of history is. That inspiration has remained with me up to today. I was not originally good at history, but I feel that is exactly why I have been able to continue researching from a fresh perspective. The study of history is an academic field in which we inquire about the past from the standpoint of the present, and have repeated dialogues with the past via historical materials. Instead of merely absorbing the content of past research, it is vital to develop the ability to critically engage with the materials, draw conclusions and articulate thoughts through a process of academically asking questions about the interests or disagreements that material produces in us individually. At times employing texts and historical materials that are not in our university’s collection, and organizing massive amounts of data, our understanding of these questions increases further. And discoveries on the horizon of that quest which only you can see await you, along with a great sense of joy.