Abstract
In this article, we examine the role MORI Osamu (1905-1988) played in the investigation, research, preservation and renovation of historical gardens during Japan’s modern era. First, we provide a full picture of the main currents in Japanese garden history studies and the main leaders in garden restoration in order to compare them with Mori’s activities. As a result, we can point out the following characteristic points: 1) Mori based his research about Japanese garden history on a dual analysis of gardens and architecture. 2) He did not focus on only one period but developed a historical discourse which considers the whole Japanese history. 3) For the surveys, he put an emphasis on topography in order to understand the original state of the gardens. 4) He made practical use of the first excavation surveys and the new information they provided. 5) From investigation to restoration, Mori lead global and systematic research about historical garden preservation.
