The debate around what exactly Anime, or Japanese Animation, exactly is is still very unclear. Anime does not have clear boundaries or characteristics. This thesis takes Avatar: The Last Airbender...Show moreThe debate around what exactly Anime, or Japanese Animation, exactly is is still very unclear. Anime does not have clear boundaries or characteristics. This thesis takes Avatar: The Last Airbender as a caste study to find out what exactly makes an animation an anime and challenges the contemporary criteria of anime and it's arbitrariness. It looks at what exactly anime-esque acts and characteristics are and compares these to the standards of cartoons, once again proving the inabilty of anime to be defined.Show less
This paper studies the effects of glocalization on the inter-Asian cultural media exchange within East Asia. Through the case study of the Japanese animated series called "Noblesse", this paper...Show moreThis paper studies the effects of glocalization on the inter-Asian cultural media exchange within East Asia. Through the case study of the Japanese animated series called "Noblesse", this paper argues that with glocalization and cultural exchange also comes the neglect or replacement of the culture of origin, often resulting in an unequal cultural exchange. In the case of "Noblesse", originally a Korean Webtoon series created in South-Korea by South-Koreans, most of the South-Korean aspects of the story has been replaced by Japanese cultural references in its Japanese animated adaptation. This paper discusses the workings of this inter-Asian cultural exchange and argues how globalization, and in extension glocalization, affect inter-Asian transnational cultural media exchange. In addition, using the case study of "Noblesse", the contextual discursive approach, and the notion of glocalization, this paper aims to answer the question why cultural references have been replaced and what role the Asian animation industry and (global) audience of Japanese animation and Korean Webtoon play in the process of inter-Asian cultural exchange and how they affect it.Show less
An analysis of Japan's use of their global media presence in the form of anime and its resulting manipulation and uses in tourism promotion and local revitalization. This paper uses an example of...Show moreAn analysis of Japan's use of their global media presence in the form of anime and its resulting manipulation and uses in tourism promotion and local revitalization. This paper uses an example of the anime 'Haikyuu!!' to analyze the extent to which promotion of the area in which it was set was perpetuated by the anime and the means by which this was feasibly reproduced and applicable to other areas of Japan.Show less
The thesis presents how victimization and revisionism is used in Japan to address the historical memories of the Second World War, by showcasing elements of both in the anime titled Zipang.
People in Japan have increasingly moved away from institutionalized religion, meaning these institutions are no longer the primary purveyors of religious and spiritual thought in Japan. This thesis...Show morePeople in Japan have increasingly moved away from institutionalized religion, meaning these institutions are no longer the primary purveyors of religious and spiritual thought in Japan. This thesis seeks to argue that manga and anime serve as a new way for people to interact with religious and spiritual ideas. This is explored by discussing the ties between secularization, modernization, and changes in Japanese society. It also discusses the role played by the media in forming spiritual thought and analyzes comments from Westerners in online discussion boards about anime. This research finds that spiritual ideas in Japan grew to fit the changing spiritual needs of the people, needs affected by social changes caused by secularization and modernization. Manga and anime, serving as reflections of Japanese society, incorporate these themes and spread them to a large audience both within and outside Japan. Consumers of these products interact with the religious and spiritual themes portrayed, using them to foster an interest in spiritual ideas and to reflect on their own spirituality.Show less
In the recent decades Japan has experienced several social problems as the society is ajusting itself to the changing global climate. One of the main problems currently still persisting is the so...Show moreIn the recent decades Japan has experienced several social problems as the society is ajusting itself to the changing global climate. One of the main problems currently still persisting is the so-called hikikomori-state, in which young men and women seclude themselves in their homes and rooms, and refuse to interact with society. This thesis looks at this problem, which has been analysed on many fields through a new lens; how are these individuals and the problem as a whole portrayed through one of the most popular cultural export products of Japan; anime. This thesis will provide a comparison of scholarly research and an interpretation of two anime in particular: "No Game No Life" and "Welcome to the N.H.K.!"Show less
Een kijk naar hoe door verscheidene mediavormen de Strijdende Staten periode van tegenwoordig nog steeds leeft door de representatie van de personages uit die periode in populaire media, alsmede...Show moreEen kijk naar hoe door verscheidene mediavormen de Strijdende Staten periode van tegenwoordig nog steeds leeft door de representatie van de personages uit die periode in populaire media, alsmede hoe de fans van deze media met deze geschiedenis omgaan.Show less
