1902 Ōtani expedition

The expedition aimed to study the early transmission of Buddhism through Central Asia into China, and conducted major excavations in the Kucha area.

Between 1900 and 1902, Ōtani, a Buddhist priest, lived in London studying Western theology and came into contact with a number of European explorers including Aurel Stein and Sven Hedin.

Having learned of the results of these expeditions, Ōtani decided to return to Japan by land via Tibet, with the intent of researching the spread of Buddhism through Central Asia.

[1] The expedition consisted of Ōtani, as the lead, and four other Japanese scholars - Honda Eryu, Inoue Koen, Hori Kenyu, and Wanatabe Tesshin.

Here, the group split; Ōtani, Inoue and Honda were to return to Japan via India, while Hori and Wanatabe would remain in Tibet to study ancient sites.