How do speakers of different languages think about time? Studies showed that people who speak different languages behave differently on spatial-temporal ordering tasks. However, these differences...Show moreHow do speakers of different languages think about time? Studies showed that people who speak different languages behave differently on spatial-temporal ordering tasks. However, these differences usually correlated with that languages writing direction. This study looks at whether it is language that causes different results or writing direction by recreating such a spatial-temporal ordering experiment with preliterate children from two different languages. Interestingly, the results in this experiment did not seems to point to either one of the possibilities. The children did not perform either uniform within a language group or completely random in both language groups. One thing that can be said is that the preliterate children did perform differently from adults is similar experiments, so the possible influence from a language’s writing system cannot be rules out, however, there might be more factors at play.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
In this thesis, Utagawa Hiroshige's landscape prints will be examined through a social perspective. Many previous scholars have analysed Hiroshige's prints, based on old art historical tropes were...Show moreIn this thesis, Utagawa Hiroshige's landscape prints will be examined through a social perspective. Many previous scholars have analysed Hiroshige's prints, based on old art historical tropes were composition and techniques are central. In my thesis I will examine how Hiroshige framed place in his Tokaido series and One Hundred Famous Views series.Show less
This research explorers the gender performativity of cross-dressers from various styles of the Japanese performing arts. By using existing academic literature accompanied with footage from...Show moreThis research explorers the gender performativity of cross-dressers from various styles of the Japanese performing arts. By using existing academic literature accompanied with footage from interviews, performances, and TV programs, I analyse overarching patterns among cross-dressers in Kabuki, Takarazuka, dansō –the act of dressing as a man– and josō –the act of dressing as a woman–. While cross-dressers om-stage produce masculine and feminine characters through replicating existing gender constructions, they also produce new gender constructions that deviate from the hegemonic model of masculinity and femininity at the same time.Show less
De casus die deze scriptie verkent is die van reactie van gebruikers van de Japanse ondertiteling van de film The Lord of the Rings; The Fellowship of the Ring, welke leidde tot een aanpassing van...Show moreDe casus die deze scriptie verkent is die van reactie van gebruikers van de Japanse ondertiteling van de film The Lord of the Rings; The Fellowship of the Ring, welke leidde tot een aanpassing van deze onderiteling voor DVD-uitgave van de film. Deze gebeurtenis kan worden gezien als een aanwijzing dat de geldende conventies voor het Japanse vakgebied van filmvertaling aan vernieuwing toe zijn.Show less
This paper analyses the role public opinion had in the revision of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act in 2018. Previously, the majority of the public felt economically and...Show moreThis paper analyses the role public opinion had in the revision of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act in 2018. Previously, the majority of the public felt economically and culturally threatened by foreign residents. Over time, this belief largely disappeared from the public’s consciousness and changed into a more receptive view of an increase of foreigners. Consequently, a majority of the public came to believe that an increase of unskilled foreign labourers to address Japan’s labour shortage was a satisfactory solution. Alleviating labour shortages would in turn strengthen Japan’s economy which was a priority for both the public and Prime Minister Abe. Having looked at both businesses and Abe as different actors in the revision, I found that thanks to Abe’s tight control over both the Diet and the Cabinet, the bill was approved by the Diet without Abe facing public backlash. Nonetheless, the public’s preference has not been attained as they wanted more deliberation time in the Diet. Therefore, public opinion and the 2018 revision are correlated, but it cannot be concluded that public opinion influenced the revision.Show less
