The National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku) is a research center for ethnology and cultural anthropology.

Staff Members

SHIRAKAWA Chihiro
SHIRAKAWA ChihiroSHIRAKAWA Chihiro
Department of Cultural Research・Associate Professor
Research Specialization
Individual Research Projects
  • A Cultural Anthropological Study of International Cooperation Volunteers
Personal website

Academic Qualifications:

  • 1990 B.A., University of Tsukuba
  • 1994 M.Env. Sci., University of Tsukuba
  • 1998 Ph.D., The Graduate University for Advanced Studies

Research Topics:

  • A Study of the interrelationship between magical belief and scientific knowledge.
  • A Study of the interrelationship between international cooperation activities and cultural anthropologists in Japan.

Geographical Areas of Interest:

Melanesia, Vanuatu, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand

Ethnic Groups:

Ni-Vanuatu, Tongoans, Thai

Discipline:

Cultural anthropology

Publications:

2006
A Malaria Control Project and Anthropology in Myanmar. MINPAKU Anthropology Newsletter 23: 5–6.
2004
Representations of Melanesia in Contemporary Japanese Television Programs. Bunkajinruigaku (Japanese Journal of Cultural Anthropology) 69 (1): 115–137. (In Japanese, with English summary)
2002
Possessive Aspect of Kastom: With Reference to the Example of Tongoa, Vanuatu. JCAS Review 4 (1): 87–107. (In Japanese, with English summary)
2001
Kastom as Navakamati: Kastom among the People of Tongoa, Vanuatu. Minzokugaku-Kenkyu (The Japanese Journal of Ethnology) 66 (2): 203–221. (In Japanese, with English summary)
1999
Dengue Fever Outbreak and the Place of Traditional Medicine among the People of Tongoa, Vanuatu. Man and Culture in Oceania 15: 45–64.
1998
The Titular System of Tongoa, Vanuatu. Bulletin of the National Museum of Ethnology 23 (2): 267–319. (In Japanese, with English summary)
1997
Book Review: The Tree and the Canoe, by Joel Bonnemaison. Man and Culture in Oceania 13: 153–156.

Presentations:

2009
“Rethinking “Forest Malaria” A Consideration from Malaria Control Project in Myanmar.” IPSR Wednesday Seminar, 19 August, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand.
2006
“Forest Related Activities, Usage of Bed Net, and Treatment Seeking Behavior in Oakpho Township, Bago Division West.” Workshop on Evaluation of Malaria Control Activities Supported by JICA, 10 February, Vector Borne Disease Control Office, Department of Health, Yangon, Myanmar.
2004
“Why an Anthropological Perspective Necessary?: A Study of Mosquito Net Distribution Project in Vanuatu.” 8 March, Vector Borne Disease Control Office, Department of Health, Yangon, Myanmar.
2001
“Sociological Aspects of Mass Drug Administration Program.” Workshop on Filariasis Elimination, Control of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Health Promoting Schools in Pacific. 26 September, Mocambo Hotel, Nadi, Fiji.
1996
“A Study of Use of Mosquito Nets among the People of Vanuatu.” 14th International Congress for Tropical Medicine and Malaria, 19 November, University of Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan.
1995
“Sociological Aspects of Bed Net Project.” National Malaria Bed Net Review Workshop, 8 August, Department of Health, Port Vila, Vanuatu.