大本敬久

About the Author

大本敬久 is a distinguished Japanese scholar specializing in ancient Japanese history and cultural anthropology, with a particular focus on the evolution of ritual purity and impurity concepts in pre-modern society. His groundbreaking research illuminates the intricate ways in which notions of 'kegare'—spiritual pollution—shaped religious practices, social structures, and philosophical thought from the Yayoi period through the Heian era. Drawing on a wide array of primary sources including Kojiki, Nihon Shoki, and archaeological evidence, 大本's work challenges traditional interpretations and offers fresh insights into the dynamic interplay between Shinto beliefs and societal norms. As a professor emeritus at a leading Tokyo university, he continues to influence academic discourse through lectures, publications, and mentorship, bridging ancient traditions with contemporary understandings of Japanese identity.