This study aims to empirically assess the influence of K-pop music on the perception of South Korea as a desirable travel destination among foreign K-pop fans. Investigating the multifaceted...Show moreThis study aims to empirically assess the influence of K-pop music on the perception of South Korea as a desirable travel destination among foreign K-pop fans. Investigating the multifaceted factors that attract visitors, including the roles of government initiatives and corporate efforts, the research explores the significance of K-pop within the broader context of influences on foreign K-pop fans’ decisions to visit South Korea. Through survey data collected from 1751 K-pop fans, the results demonstrate that K-pop has a substantial impact on their perception of South Korea, contributing positively to the country's image as a tourist destination. Furthermore, the research underscores the continued value of government and corporate efforts to attract visitors, particularly through the creation of K-pop-related locations for fan visits. While K-pop does not emerge as the primary motivational factor for half of the respondents, it emerges as the most influential factor shaping the intention to visit South Korea.Show less
This thesis will evaluate cycling policies implemented by the City of San Francisco. It will provide insight into the question: “How does the City of San Francisco encourage its citizens to cycle?”...Show moreThis thesis will evaluate cycling policies implemented by the City of San Francisco. It will provide insight into the question: “How does the City of San Francisco encourage its citizens to cycle?”. The research method employed is a critical analysis of policy documents and complementary documentation, involving information on the websites of local governments, online newspaper articles and blogs about cycling policies in San Francisco. Moreover, the topic will be placed in a broader context: a literature review on successful European models will be conducted to identify best practices that can be incorporated in San Francisco’s bicycling strategy to further encourage cycling. Possible obstacles that may hinder the application of European models will also be discussed briefly. Currently, San Francisco is mainly focusing on the provision of cycling infrastructure, but neglects the importance of a multi-faceted approach including measures that reduce the attractiveness of car usage, as implemented in successful European models.Show less
This thesis discusses the question as to how Yoshiwara was envisioned as a virtual place of escape in prints of the Edo-period (1603-1867). This is done through visual analysis of woodblock prints...Show moreThis thesis discusses the question as to how Yoshiwara was envisioned as a virtual place of escape in prints of the Edo-period (1603-1867). This is done through visual analysis of woodblock prints as primary sources, and information and arguments of academic literature as secondary sources. Overwhelmed by the strict Tokugawa society and the many calamities ravaging the city, the people of Edo could find a place of escape in the concept of the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters depicted in print. The practice of gayū (travelling whilst laying down) and the concepts of tsū (refinement) and iki (an urban aesthetic), are essential to this understanding.Show less
This paper sheds light on the discrepancy between the presentation of Ikumen, a popularized Japanese buzzword used for fathers who are involved with childrearing, in government-backed media and the...Show moreThis paper sheds light on the discrepancy between the presentation of Ikumen, a popularized Japanese buzzword used for fathers who are involved with childrearing, in government-backed media and the way it is perceived mostly in a negative light by the target audience. An analysis of survey data of an online survey conducted by the Asahi Shinbun revealed five major reasons as to why respondents take issue with the buzzword. An analysis of ‘Family Harmony’, the Ikumen Project’s Official song, revealed that most, however not all, of these gripes are in fact being reflected in pieces of government-backed media.Show less
