Japan has been a constant source of fascination for observers both inside and outside the country. Its culture has been shrouded in the mystery of tradition, yet it has one of the largest and most developed economies in the world. The course explores the many myths and realities surrounding Japan. Why are the Japanese often regarded as distinctive from any other peoples? How do the Japanese learn to work so effectively in groups? Why do Japanese women experience the most blatant forms of sexual discrimination among the industrialised countries? How do Japanese students attempt to survive the 'examination hell'? Why have Japanese men been compelled to work to the point of 'death through exhaustion'? How do Japanese consumers find their identities within the 'orgy of overchoice'? How have the otaku, kawaii, and manga booms swept youth culture in Japan and abroad? Why has Japan been labelled 'postmodernism incarnate'? How is the declining birth rate affecting the economy and the lives of the Japanese? How is Japan coping with the aftermath of the triple disasters of the mega-quake, tsunami and the nuclear reactor accident?
For the most part, the course considers Japanese culture and society from a sociological perspective, but it also touches on anthropological, historical, linguistic and economic issues. It will investigate the origin of the ideological view of Japan as harmonious, homogenous and unique, and go on to examine the major institutions of Japanese society, including the family, the educational system, the company, the criminal justice system, religion, and the mass media. Furthermore, topics relating to gender, socialisation, youth culture, popular culture, media, intercultural communication and language will be looked at. Recurrent themes include continuity versus change, homogeneity versus pluralism, collectivism versus individuality, the role of ideology, ethnicity, identity, gender, nationalism and internationalisation.
For the most part, the course considers Japanese culture and society from a sociological perspective, but it also touches on anthropological, historical, linguistic and economic issues. It will investigate the origin of the ideological view of Japan as harmonious, homogenous and unique, and go on to examine the major institutions of Japanese society, including the family, the educational system, the company, the criminal justice system, religion, and the mass media. Furthermore, topics relating to gender, socialisation, youth culture, popular culture, media, intercultural communication and language will be looked at. Recurrent themes include continuity versus change, homogeneity versus pluralism, collectivism versus individuality, the role of ideology, ethnicity, identity, gender, nationalism and internationalisation.