Curating the Prehistoric Past

This commemorative volume honours Professor Yoshihiro Nishiaki on the occasion of his completion of a term as full professor at The University of Tokyo in March 2026. It celebrates his career which has shaped the study of West Asian prehistoric archaeology and influenced generations of scholars worldwide. Over several decades, Professor Nishiaki has played a leading role in advancing archaeological research across West Asia, directing major field expeditions in Syria, Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. These projects have produced a remarkable body of influential scholarship and have significantly expanded knowledge of prehistoric societies in the region. Equally important has been his dedication to the curation of archaeological collections at the University Museum, The University of Tokyo, ensuring the preservation, accessibility, and scholarly use of invaluable materials. Professor Nishiaki’s impact extends well beyond his own research. Through leadership in international and interdisciplinary collaborations, he has built enduring research networks. As an educator and mentor, he has provided students and early-career researchers with exceptional opportunities for fieldwork and training. While widely recognised for his expertise in lithic analysis, his guidance has encouraged diverse research trajectories, including pottery studies, zooarchaeology, archaeobotany, ritual practices, and settlement archaeology.