Understanding Japanese Cool: The Changing Role of Japanese Arts and Culture in the United States from the 1870s to Contemporary Times

This MA thesis focuses on the three waves of Japanophilia that appeared in the United States between 1876 and 2011 by questioning how they came into being, why they changed/disappeared, and what constituted their uniqueness. The appearance, display and promotion of Japanese visual arts and culture are considered in the context of shifting power dynamics in the world that altered according to political changes, military conflicts, economic booms/downfalls, and the globalisation of culture. As a primary goal, this thesis explores the identity of stakeholders who played an important role in importing and promoting Japanese art and culture into the United States. At the same time, the thesis elaborates on the nature of the imported, exhibited and consumed Japanese artistic and cultural products and the variety of the main platforms and events at which these appeared. Finally, in reflection to the various socio-cultural, economic and political events, the thesis examines how the inflow...Show moreThis MA thesis focuses on the three waves of Japanophilia that appeared in the United States between 1876 and 2011 by questioning how they came into being, why they changed/disappeared, and what constituted their uniqueness. The appearance, display and promotion of Japanese visual arts and culture are considered in the context of shifting power dynamics in the world that altered according to political changes, military conflicts, economic booms/downfalls, and the globalisation of culture. As a primary goal, this thesis explores the identity of stakeholders who played an important role in importing and promoting Japanese art and culture into the United States. At the same time, the thesis elaborates on the nature of the imported, exhibited and consumed Japanese artistic and cultural products and the variety of the main platforms and events at which these appeared. Finally, in reflection to the various socio-cultural, economic and political events, the thesis examines how the inflow of Japanese art and culture have shaped American public opinion, and vice versa, in the past and the present with assumptions towards the possible future.Show less

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Understanding Japanese Cool: The Changing Role of Japanese Arts and Culture in the United States from the 1870s to Contemporary Times