Head of Section, Classical and Oriental Studies, and Council Member of Academia Europaea (2016-2019)

Modern and Contemporary Japanese Literature; Comparative Studies; Sociology of Language; Semiotics of Culture; Methodology and History of Japan Research; Translation Studies, Autobiographical Writing; Lexicography; Discourses of Cultural and National Identity; World Literature; Food and Hospitality Studies. Editor of Japanische Bibliothek (Japanese Library. Insel Publishers, 34 Bände, 1993-2000) and of Iaponia Insula: Studien zu Kultur und Gesellschaft Japans (Iaponia Insula: Studies on Japanese Culture and Society. Iudicium Publishers, 32 vols. to-day).

Independent publications (with illustrations)

Complete list of publications in German, English, and Japanese, current state of February 2023