East Asia has been stuck in a political and historical struggle over the remembrance of World War 2, referred to mostly as the East Asian History Dilemma. Within this dilemma, different historical...Show moreEast Asia has been stuck in a political and historical struggle over the remembrance of World War 2, referred to mostly as the East Asian History Dilemma. Within this dilemma, different historical perspectives towards World War 2 between the East Asian nations and their World War 2 heritage play a central role. Performing a discourse analysis on the opening speeches of Japan's Annual Memorial Ceremony to Commemorate The War Dead, this thesis sheds light on the historical perspectives present in Japan towards World War 2.Show less
This thesis explores the ways in which the Japanese actress and singer Kaji Meiko embodies the image and the voice of the female action heroine through her roles as Matsushima Nami in "Female...Show moreThis thesis explores the ways in which the Japanese actress and singer Kaji Meiko embodies the image and the voice of the female action heroine through her roles as Matsushima Nami in "Female Prisoner 701: Scorpion" (1972) and Kashima Yuki in "Lady Snowblood" (1973). Chapter 1 offers a narrative analysis of both films by examining various story elements and how they reinforce, critique, or comment on social and political issues at the time they were released. This includes questions of gender and sexuality brought to the fore by Kaji's portrayals. Chapter 2 presents an analysis of the lyrics of the two theme songs Urami Bushi and Shura no hana, performed by Kaji Meiko herself, through the lens of Frith's 'song as a speech act' approach. Kaji's unique delivery can be considered “yakusha no uta”, an extension of her acting. Her performance of the songs contributes to deepening the film’s narrative and adds a layer to her characters' complexity. What sets Kaji apart from her contemporary actors is that her characters represent more complex representations of women in action films. Kaji's artistic involvement during the design process of her characters and her versatile acting brought both the characters of Matsushima Nami and Kashima Yuki to life as unconventional women who were strong and resilient, carrying the actress to stardom.Show less
Queerness and Queer Culture has been present in China for centuries, though most has been forgotten or disregarded. Wuxia dramas in the last ten years have started to include Queerness in a Chinese...Show moreQueerness and Queer Culture has been present in China for centuries, though most has been forgotten or disregarded. Wuxia dramas in the last ten years have started to include Queerness in a Chinese context while keeping Queer culture in a Chinese perspective despite state media censorship. This thesis shall analysis how Chinese Queerness is percieved and disaplyed within Wuxia dramas.Show less
