“In 1600, the Eastern Army led by Tokugawa Ieyasu defeated the Western Army led by Ishida Mitsunari at Sekigahara.” Any textbook of Japanese history says this; yet it is not self-evident. To prove the fact, we need to take various steps, exploring many historical documents. To date, students must have studied history by reading books written by a number of scholars. At the university, however, students will be asked to determine their own study themes, collect historical documents and materials, and study using their own original approach to reach a conclusion. To develop the abilities essential for such studies, this course provides students with seminars and lectures concerning individual periods of Japanese history. After developing basic abilities for studies, students are asked to present their own views in the form of a graduate thesis. In the Japanese History seminar room, both graduate and under-graduate students hold lively discussions daily. In spring and autumn, study tours are organized to historic sites. Students are expected to develop their academic abilities through these programs, as well as in the classrooms. IKAI, Takaaki (M.Lit.) Modern History of Japan; Study on Meiji-Ishin (Meiji Restration) MURATA, Michihito (Ph.D.) Early Modern History of Japan; System of Rule in Early Modern Japan TAIRA, Masayuki (Ph.D.) Medieval History in Japan; the Religious Policy of the Medieval State in Japan, the Development of the Thought in Kamakura Buddhism, the Custom of Meat Eating and the Taboo of Meat Eating in Japan UMEMURA, Takashi (Ph.D.) Ancient Times of Japan, Society of Economy of Heian; System of Rules in Ancient Times, Public Notarity System of Land in Heian Period