Catherine Miki Otachime

A doctoral student in Columbia University's Department of Religion, Catherine Miki Otachime approaches the study of religion through a deeply interdisciplinary and intercultural lens, with a particular focus on the premodern world. Her research explores the affective and sensory dimensions of faith—how religious systems shape perception, cognition, and embodiment across cultures. She is especially interested in non-rational modes of knowing—ritual, sound, image, and symbol—that challenge dominant epistemologies and offer alternative ways of engaging with the world.

Catherine is currently examining the cultural and religious interactions between medieval and early modern Japan and the Mediterranean world. More specifically, her current work centers on early modern encounters between Japanese and Iberian missionaries, leaders, merchants, investigating how visual, auditory, and ceremonial practices mediated dialogue between polytheistic and monotheistic traditions. She examines how religious and aesthetic frameworks translated complex metaphysical ideas across linguistic, cultural, and ideological boundaries.

Catherine’s academic background spans literature, art history, anthropology, Japanese religions (Shinto and Buddhism), and the fine arts—including painting and traditional woodblock printing. She has studied in Brazil, Japan, France, and the United States.