Seminar on Globalization and Japanese Culture
In the era of globalization, people, products, culture, information, and money move longer distances and the mobility is more dynamic than ever. Through this course, we challenge stereotypical perspectives on Japanese culture and discuss issues related to the mobility of culture.
In this seminar we briefly study the history of Japanese migration and localized culture. Then we examine the mobility of Japanese culture, especially by focusing on how Hello Kitty become globalized. Later we explore some case studies of Japanized culture.
Students are expected to participate in discussions and field trips and carry out one or two independent research projects.
In this seminar we briefly study the history of Japanese migration and localized culture. Then we examine the mobility of Japanese culture, especially by focusing on how Hello Kitty become globalized. Later we explore some case studies of Japanized culture.
Students are expected to participate in discussions and field trips and carry out one or two independent research projects.
Towards MLO 2
Reflective Narrative
In this course, the small class size (3 students) allowed for in-depth discussion of topics that pertained to globalization and Japanese culture that also interested us. Mainly, we talked about Japan in the context of globalization, including Hello Kitty as an image and ambassador of Japan. For my final paper, I focused on the image of Japan that Japanese and foreigners have. I used a survey to gather data and presented it and discussed it with the class.
From this course, I learned what image Japan presents and what image it desires to present, how Japan has globalized, and how Japan attempts to appeal to tourists using discussion and a field trip through Kurashiki, Okayama. Kurashiki is the main tourist city of Okayama, featuring traditional Japanese store fronts and many museums. While we were there, we observed the tourists and later discussed what we felt Kurashiki was doing to attract tourists and how we felt they might be able to do better in attracting international tourists.
In the future, I'd like to learn more about how Japan tries to present itself and how it is viewed by others. To do this, I take note of Japanese products in America and think about what image they may present and why. I'd also like to revisit cultural sites in Japan and look for ways they do and do not cater to tourists.
From this course, I learned what image Japan presents and what image it desires to present, how Japan has globalized, and how Japan attempts to appeal to tourists using discussion and a field trip through Kurashiki, Okayama. Kurashiki is the main tourist city of Okayama, featuring traditional Japanese store fronts and many museums. While we were there, we observed the tourists and later discussed what we felt Kurashiki was doing to attract tourists and how we felt they might be able to do better in attracting international tourists.
In the future, I'd like to learn more about how Japan tries to present itself and how it is viewed by others. To do this, I take note of Japanese products in America and think about what image they may present and why. I'd also like to revisit cultural sites in Japan and look for ways they do and do not cater to tourists.