Roppongi Art Guide

The primary focus of this research is to determine the possibility of applying arts-based research (ABR) methods to qualitative research in the field of sociology. Arts-based research is an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates principles from the creative arts throughout the research process - from data collection to the final presentation of findings. While arts-based research originated and is predominantly used in educational research (especially in Japan), this study aims to explore its future possibilities and functions in the field of sociology, contributing to the overall development of arts-based research methods in this field. This research consists of two main sections: a theoretical review of the overseas and domestic literature and the researcher's exploration of arts-based research methods through the personal creation of artwork. For example, to establish arts-based research as a valuable and reliable methodology for sociological research, it is essential to trace the historical use of art as a method in fields beyond social science. Therefore, building on the visual methods movement in sociology, this research integrates arts-based research methods into the research process, mainly focusing on collaborative co-creation using video and photography. By incorporating art throughout the research process, arts-based research enhances the holistic understanding of human experiences and reaches new audiences. Unlike traditional qualitative research approaches, arts-based research acknowledges and embraces the challenges and contradictions inherent in this type of research. It encourages deeper exploration, diverse perspectives, challenges to neutrality, and promotes methodological diversity and overall research integrity. Moreover, one of the significant aspects of arts-based research as a methodology is the emphasis on audience response and the endorsement of public scholarship. It rejects the notion of research conducted solely for the sake of research, recognizing the importance of engaging with and serving a diverse society. By embracing arts-based research methods, research becomes multi-layered and truthful to all participants involved. To gain an understanding of artistic methods and current trends in art, with the support of the Keio University Doctoral Student Grant-in-Aid Program from Ushioda Memorial Fund 2022, I conducted field research at one of the world's oldest and most renowned art festivals, the Venice Biennale 2022. Under the theme of "The Milk of Dreams," the festival provided a comprehensive overview of the Western art scene and mainly focused on issues of feminism, racism, and the current political climate. Notably, for the first time in the 127-year history of the Biennial, women or gender-neutral artists represented 90 percent of the participants. The adverse reaction to this curatorial choice also exposed the reality of the man-centered art world. The subsequent field research, conducted in multiple contemporary museums and galleries in Vienna, Salzburg, and the Munich area, further deepened the understanding of the hidden relationships between research and art. For example, the exhibition "Filth and Trash" at the Museum der Moderne in Salzburg raised essential questions about our perception of specific issues concerning historical and social contexts and drew parallels between the field of art and scientific research. Other notable accomplishments for the year include launching the translation of the "Handbook of Arts-Based Research," a comprehensive guide to arts-based research written by the field's pioneer in sociology, Patricia Leavy. The project is led by Yuko Kawashima (Osaka Seikei University) and involves researchers from various fields and disciplines. Although arts-based research remains a small area within the overall research landscape in Japan, building networks and collaborating across disciplines represent a future in which the methods can grow within the walls of academia.