What if statistics could solve a literary mystery centuries in the making? That’s exactly what Department of Asian Languages and Literature Professor Paul Atkins, along with mathematics Ph.D. students Herman Chau and Michael Zeng, set out to do. Using data analysis and machine learning, the three discussed how they used statistical analysis of hiragana usage

The “Omoro sōshi” — a rich tapestry of 1,500 songs, poems, and prayers — offers a rare glimpse into the everyday lives, landscapes, and spirit of the Ryukyu Islands’ golden age. On April 8, as part of the 2025 Washin Kai Spring Lecture, Department of Asian Languages & Literature Associate Professor Davinder Bhowmik introduced the