Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

A Constitutional and Anthropological Study of the Inhabitants of Eastern Saitama Prefecture

1959; Japanese Society of Health and Human Ecology; Volume: 25; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.3861/jshhe.25.512

1882-868X

D Tsumura,

Japanese History and Culture

I have, from the standpoint of constitutional anthropology, made a detailed survey of 557 adult males between 20 to 49 years of age, inhabitants of the eastern region of Saitama Prefecture. Those chosen as object of research were those who have permanently resided in the said district for over three generations, excluding those who were affected by illness or those who have undergone change through circumstances. That is to say, 12 features were directly, and 2 were indirectly measured and from among them 11 varieties of ratio and exponents were calculated, and a comparative study made in regard to 25 items.A comparison with inhabitants of other districts according to M. T. D. was made, and it was found as a result that the inhabitants of eastern Saitama Prefecture reveal a racial likelihood to those of Shinahû-Jyoina, Bicchu, Izumo, Miyakejima Shinstriû-Azumi, Yamanashi-Koma, and Kai districts all showing less than 5.0 M.T.D.. On the other hand, the inhabitants of Echigo Higashi-gamawara, Shirakawa Etchiû Tonami, Etchû Fumi districts, North Korea, Shômai, and the Ainu race of Hokkaido, reveal a big racial difference of over 11.0 M.T.D..In general, the inhabitants of the eastern district of Saitama Prefecture reveal a strong likeness to the inhabitants of Kai, and Shinshiû, both situated along the same mountain range, and are related to their anthropological type ; while racially, they are closely related to the inhabitants of Izumo and Bicchu. Studying these with the addition of Yamato (M.T.D. 5.18) and central Korea (M.T.D. 5.90) it is worthy of note that they correspond historically, with the old legends and oral traditions, as well as the fact, that the name Shiragi of the Shiragi-gôri originates in central Korea where a comparatively close likeness is to be found.