Abstract
This study employs the notion of "resonance" to explore what fieldwork really means. The term "resonance" here is used to refer to the constantly-evolving, co-constructed interrelationship that is observed between the researcher and his or her "field." Such resonance is not necessarily harmonious; rather it may be seen as involving a set of complex and inherently political cooperative practices. These both shape and are shaped by the clashes and conflicts between researcher and field, as well as the mutual transformations each provokes. Employing this notion, I discuss with reference to my own fieldwork experiences: (a) how "fieldwork" and the "field" should be understood; (b) what transformations are gone through in the course of fieldwork; (c) how field entry is crucial in defining various significant boundaries; and (d) how changes in the positioning of those involved in the field (for example, volunteers, city officials, researchers assisting students learning Japanese as a second language, etc.) can provide revealing insights. Fieldwork is demonstrated to be a mutual learning experience, where problems hindering learning are dealt with and realistic solutions put forward through the cooperative efforts of all concerned.
