Ichikawa Akira

Affiliation: Institute for the Study of Ancient Civilizations and Cultural Resources
Job Class: Associate Professor
Specialty: Mesoamerican Archaeology
*Kanazawa University

Research Topic

I have been studying the Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in Mexico and Central America.

To date, most of my field research has been conducted in El Salvador, focusing on the social dynamics of peripheral societies, which have been recognized as socially and culturally backward but important actors in the rise and decline of ancient civilizations.

In recent years, I have conducted multifaceted studies on the interactions between humans and the environment, especially the causal relationship between climate change caused by volcanic eruptions and droughts and its response, adaptation, collapse, and decline in human society. Scholars have argued that the collapse and decline of both Mesoamerican and ancient civilizations are often associated with rapid climate change. However, my research has shown that this is not necessarily the case; rather, it could be an opportunity for social development.

I am also interested in researching ancient architectural techniques and labor organizations and have been working on the development of restoration and preservation techniques for architectural heritage, particularly earthen architecture. In doing so, I am working with the local people to create new value as cultural resources in the region for the sustainable preservation and utilization of cultural heritage.

Recent Publications

• Ichikawa, A. 2022. Human Responses to the Ilopango Tierra Blanca Joven Eruption: Excavations at San Andres, El Salvador. Antiquity 96 (386): 372-386.
• Ichikawa, A. 2022. Monumental Structures and Volcanic Activities: Excavating the Campana at San Andres in the Zapotitan Valley, El Salvador. Latin American Antiquity 33(1): 135-154.
• Ichikawa, A.2021. Warfare in Pre-Hispanic El Salvador. Annual Papers of the Anthropological Institute 12: 178-196.
• Ichikawa, A. 2021. Conservacion de Arquitectura de Tierra en San Andres, El Salvador. In A. Daneels (ed.), Arquitectura Mesoamericana de Tierra Vol. II. pp. 319-343. Mexico City, Instituto de Investigaciones Antropologicas de la Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico.
• Ichikawa, A., and J.M. Guerra Clara 2021. Arquitectura de Tierra en la Frontera Sureste Maya: San Andess en el Valle de Zapotitan, El Salvador, C.A. In A. Daneels (ed.), Arquitectura Mesoamericana de Tierra Vol. II. pp. 213-246. Mexico City, Instituto de Investigaciones Antropologicas de la Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico.