本文從「研究方法」的層面著手，探討近代日本「東洋史學」的建構過程。首先選定白鳥庫吉及橘樸為日本「東洋史學」中兩大學派的代言人，其次把兩大代言人的問學風格作為線索，將他們的研究特色分別歸納為「案牘研究」（白鳥庫吉學派）與「田野調查」（橘樸學派）。再進一步以「案牘研究」與「田野調查」學派的人際脈絡為經，輔以「東洋史學」從萌芽到茁壯之間的時代背景為緯，分析兩人對時勢與東洋社會的看法。在勾勒出日本「東洋史學」的思想面貌之際，也刻劃了大時代的變遷，並凸顯出帝國主義對知識生產的影響。

　　　　　This paper examines research methods used during the formation of the science of oriental history in Japan (Toyoshigaku). Shiratori Kurakichi and Tachibana Shiraki represented the two main schools in Japan’s Toyoshigaku before World War II. We define these two schools as the “documents” school and the “field work” school. Japanese academic scholars, represented by Shiratori Kurakichi, began to inquire into the histories and cultures of Korea, Manchuria, and China during the period of Japanese expansion in Asia. On the other hand, Tachibana Shiraki, a journalist, came to China to observe social behavior under changing political circumstances and to study Asian history. Although they had different methodologies, views on Oriental society, and academic networks, both men paid attention to Japan’s current situation and likely future. Moreover, they both had a relationship with the Research Bureau of the South Manchurian Railway Company. The publications of this Research Bureau, founded to assist Japanese aggression and colonial management, can be regarded as the basic sources of Japanese research into Asia prior to 1945.