On the morning of May 17, Professor Zhou Yue from the School of Chinese Language and Literature at Beijing Language and Culture University, a doctoral supervisor, deputy editor of Chinese Studies, and vice-chairman and secretary-general of the Japanese Literature Research Association of the Chinese Foreign Literature Society, was invited to speak at the School of Foreign Studies at Nankai University. Professor Zhou delivered an enlightening lecture titled "Yungang Grottoes' Influence in Japan: From the Perspective of Yungang Diary by Mokutaro Kinoshita". This event was organized by the East Asian Cultural Studies Center (EACSC), with Professor Liu Yuzhen, the director of the center, hosting and delivering the opening speech. Associate Professor Wang Xinxin, the Deputy Head of the Japanese Department, Associate Professor Jiang Yundou, Dr. Mu Dan, and Dr. Jin Zhenglin from the Japanese Department, Associate Professor Li Lei from the Translation Department, Dr. He Mengying from the French Department, along with over 20 master's and doctoral students from the School of Foreign Studies and the Institute of Japanese Studies, gathered in Liangzheng Hall to attend the lecture.
The lecture covered four main aspects: "Comprehensive Recording of Texts and Images", "The Bridge Awakening the Life of Stone Buddhas", "The Eastward Shift of World Archaeological Focus and Japan’s National Policies", and "Loss and Abandonment". It not only showcased the valuable historical significance of Mokutaro Kinoshita’s Yungang Diary but delved into the personal interests and social background influences on the book’s creation in the early 20th century and the author's subsequent explorations. Professor Zhou pointed out, "The book is a comprehensive record integrating text descriptions, documentary verification, photographic sketches, and inner wall rubbings. It is an objective yet warm travel diary. It enabled more Japanese readers to learn about the Yungang Grottoes and stands out among many Japanese travel writings in China. It also plays a bridging role in the early research pedigree of the Yungang Grottoes. At a time when Japan’s surveys and travel writings in China were rampant, Mokutaro Kinoshita maintained his unique stance. The ups and downs of the Yungang Grottoes in Japan are a reflection of modern Sino-Japanese relations, and the Yungang Diary is filled with historical complexity."
The lecture lasted nearly two hours, providing a broad perspective and rich information to audiences from various disciplines and languages. During the Q&A session, teachers and students from different disciplines actively asked questions in a lively atmosphere. Even after the lecture ended, discussions about research materials and verification methods continued, leaving a lasting impression and benefiting all participants.
The East Asian Cultural Celebrity Forum at the School of Foreign Studies, Nankai University, began in March 2023. This lecture was the sixth in the series. At the end of the lecture, Professor Liu Yuzhen presented Professor Zhou Yue with the latest East Asian Cultural Studies appeared in issue 10 and the book Comprehensive Guide to Ancient Japanese published by Nankai University Press as a keepsake. The lecture concluded successfully with warm applause from Nankai’s faculty and students.
