[Okayama University] Institute for the Dynamics of Civilizations, Advanced Research Institute: 57th RIDC Monthly Research Seminar 'Dendroarchaeology – Research History and Recent Developments' [Online, June 17, Wed]

June 7, 2026 National University Corporation Okayama University https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆ Overview

National University Corporation Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasutomo Nasu) established the Institute for the Dynamics of Civilizations (RIDC) in 2021 as the fourth institute under its Advanced Research Institute, promoting co-education and co-creation activities as a 'Regionally Core and Distinctive Research University: Okayama University'. It is the first institute in the humanities and social sciences.

RIDC organizes the 'RIDC Monthly Research Seminar' to provide a forum for faculty members involved in RIDC to freely report on their research results and progress of ongoing projects, and to engage in discussions. (The seminar may be open to the public or held in a semi-closed format.)

The 57th RIDC Monthly Research Seminar will be held online as follows.

Anyone interested is welcome to participate. We look forward to your participation.

【Date & Time】 June 17, 2026 (Wednesday) 12:00–13:00

【Method】 Online (Zoom is required for participation)

【Title】 Dendroarchaeology – Research History and Recent Developments

【Speaker】 Hitoki Maeta, Assistant Professor, Institute for the Dynamics of Civilizations, Okayama University

【Summary】 This presentation will provide an overview of dendroarchaeology, an interdisciplinary field combining archaeology and dendrochronology, covering its basics, research history, and recent research. Dendrochronology, established in the southwestern United States in the early 20th century, and dendrochronological dating based on it, have been widely applied for site dating and other purposes, spreading its ideas and methodologies worldwide. Today, dendrochronology and archaeology are closely linked, forming the academic field of dendroarchaeology.

Based on the foundations and research history of dendroarchaeology, this presentation will introduce recent research examples, including the speaker's work on small wooden artifacts in Japan, and discuss future prospects.

【Target Audience】 Anyone can participate

【Participation Fee】 Free

【Registration】 Please register via the form below. We will send you the participation URL.

https://forms.gle/5Loqt88rtXLvGWwBA

【Poster】 https://ridc.okayama-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RIDC_seminar_202606-1.pdf

【Organizer】 Institute for the Dynamics of Civilizations, Okayama University

◆ Reference: RIDC Monthly Research Seminars ・[Okayama University, Institute for the Dynamics of Civilizations] 3rd RIDC Monthly Research Seminar 'Between Japanese History and Regional History: A Historical Study of the 'Relationships and Spaces' of Survival' https://youtu.be/C2XefIGOQiQ ・[Okayama University, Institute for the Dynamics of Civilizations] 6th RIDC Monthly Research Seminar 'Traditional Textiles Going Print – Authenticity and Identity of Balinese Ikat Weaving in Indonesia' – Video released https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000394.000072793.html (and similar recorded video links follow, omitted for brevity)