Date:April 21 (Mon.) , 2008
Venue:Room E207, 2nd floor of East Bldg. CSEAS
Presentation:
・Gen Yamakoshi (Associate Professor, ASAFAS)
Title: Construction of rural landscape: An eco-history of a sacred forest and chimpanzees in Guinea
・Takashi Kamei (Associate Professor, Institute of Sustainability Science )
Title: Research on utilization of house-window for optimizing urban energy demand
Gen Yamakoshi:
The presenters discussed the existence of knowledge with a local perspective for “living in harmony” with the forest and chimpanzees, which contrasts with a science-based approach to nature conservation. In order to better understand this “Zairai-chi” (indigenous, local knowledge), the discussion was developed, referring to arguments by conservative controversialists likeYamazaki Masakazu and Nakajima Takeshi. This Zairai-chi did not arise as a resistance against some external interventions, nor is it something abstract and theorized. The presenter suggested that Zairai-chi should be seen as long-sustained local traditions or practice.
Dr. Shinohara Naoki suggested that Zairai-chi may also be connected to a universal knowledge (if we collect data regarding the former knowledge in order to elucidate the conditions, then the former would be eventually be unified with the latter). As such, Shinohara insisted, while the case presented here clearly demonstrates the usefulness of Zairai-chi, it is necessary to consider the contexts of this knowledge as well as its unique characteristics. In this case study, the forest, as Dr. Yamakoshi outlined at the presentation, is unique as a habitat for chimpanzees in terms of closeness to human habitation.But it is because of this uniqueness that have this investigation enabled, and that the local knowledge was found. Further developing the discussion on Zairai-chi, conducting comparative studies with cases in other areas, and introducing them into the concrete policies and actions could help to clarify the interrelation of local characteristics and local knowledge.
In the question and answer session, the opinion was expressed that it might be better to think of this Zairai-chi not as something that exists in a closed-community but in relation to the outside world. In this investigation (as in others), one cannot separate out the influence of the investigator on the society that he is studying. While the difficulty of doing so was acknowledged by Dr. Yamakoshi., Because Zairai-chi is “local” knowledge, it is necessary to consider how (and if) it is influenced by external factors. Related to this point, a discussion was held on clear definition of Zairai-chi. In order to use it as a conceptual framework in the future, we have to judge whether it was appropriate to include in it all knowledge in the locality that does not fall under the rubric of modern rationalism and what should be considered the opposite of “local knowledge”.
Kamei Takashi:
The presenter analyzed data obtained from surveys conducted to this point in Kyoto and Okinawa regarding use of windows in the context of regional climatic characteristics. In addition, a plan was introduced for broadening the scope of his investigation to Southeast Asia. In relation to this issue, the commentator, Dr. Shinohara Naoki, suggested that we investigate how windows are used in the well-sealed houses and buildings in the U.S. and Europe, before looking at Southeast Asia. There were also comments from participants of the seminar that we should take into accounts other factors to open and close windows such as social structure or cultural mentality as well as comfort. For example, in Southeast Asia, although it is common to leave one’s window open, there are iron bars over the windows to prevent crime. Japanese people would probably not consider this situation very pleasant. Also, it is possible to list other indices when we investigate why local people open and close windows. For example, tropical customs such as siesta and “Okinawa-time” may be alternative ways to adapt hot weather. Moreover, air conditioner or other artificial cooling system can change human feeling of comfort. It is necessary to consider not only individual dwellings, but also to see the city or district as a whole, focusing on the construction of houses, the arrangement of buildings, and the structure of the cities including the influences of Feng Shui.
In response to these comments, the presenter noted that it would be extremely difficult to adequately assess the specific lifestyles and societal context of individuals by using questionnaire surveys. There was an active debate both on the methodology and on how it would be possible to elucidate such an interaction with various social factors or a broad social nature.
(Masato Kasezawa)