Any good topics on historical Japan for a research paper?

Question

Interesting and fun would be nice.

Answer 1

You could do prominent women in Japanese history, pick one that was a court lady, empress, or warrior. Yes, warrior, there were several that disguised themselves as men etc.

The development of the Shinto religion, who started it, why, etc.

My favorite would be to Miyamoto Musashi, the famous samurai. fact or fiction.

Or you can do something about the Yakuza if you can find it. How women were involved in running the organizations? If any.

The class structure of the Japanese society up to the 1500's and the changes that occurred after the rise of the Shogun.

Answer 2

Japanese history itself is interesting. BUt it ain't fun, no. Like the history of all countries, it is more dark than bright.
But here are some things I would point out as interesting:

Himiko/Pimiko- mysterious woman,considered to be first Japanese empress, but still her status and existence are much questioned.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himiko

Who was Emperor Jinmu? Some say the first known Japanese emperor is actually Korean. It takes much bravery to take this topic...

Toyotomi Hideyoshi-an American dream in Japanese version. From poor peasant Hideyoshi rises to Emperor's regent.
http://www.samurai-archives.com/hideyoshi.html

You can take also the Onmyo-do( Yin-Yang magic)which has been very popular but still it is not studied enough. Yet it has huge influence in the life of the ordinary Japanese.

Another thing that might be interesting for a non-Japanese, would be the first contacts between Japan and Europe, and especially the impressions of Louis Frois on it.
http://home.planet.nl/~d.v.ooijen/sashimisen/things_japanese/frois_f.html

You can look also for the first marriages between Japanese and European/American. Like for example Lafcadio Hearn who married a Japanese girl in 1890.

Answer 3

Ancient Imperial Court in Heian period.
There was a author of world oldest surviving novel,Lady Murasaki.

But this is so famous,if you want more uniqe topics,you should reffer to the culture of the Tokugawa shogunate that is the last one of the three shogunates.i.e.Edo period.
There are many interesting episodes.

Laws which banned killing of almost all creatures.
Syo-rui awaremi no rei.

Japanese mathematics by Seki Takakazu(Seki Kowa) and his group.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seki_K%C5%8Dwa

The map of Japan by Ino Tadataka.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In%C5%8D_Tadataka
http://www.gsi.go.jp/MAP/KOTIZU/sisak/ino-frm3.html

Ukiyo-e paint art.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukiyo-e

Ejima-Ikushima affair,a big scandal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ejima-Ikushima_affair

Oiran,High class courtesans.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oiran

Anarchistic,communistic and Ecological thought by phirosopher Ando shoeki.

and there are so many on in this period.

Answer 4

The Suez Canal, a) the place the belief began b) who promoted the belief c) who have been supporters of the belief d) how the belief began to take shape e) who benefited from the Canal f) How the Canal flourished and helped the international g) How is the region authentic now in Egypt related to the Suez Canal. h) and doubtless the main significant element: Who have been against and why.

Answer 5

Samurai are pretty interesting.

Answer 6

You can do something on Iwoshima Island.

Answer 7

Refer to this blog !