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
Japan, despite being a developed economy, is well known for its persistent gender inequality in the workplace. Many women quit their jobs when they get married or become mothers, and they can...Show moreJapan, despite being a developed economy, is well known for its persistent gender inequality in the workplace. Many women quit their jobs when they get married or become mothers, and they can usually not return to their previous job, so upon their return to the labor market, that is if they return, they tend to end up being placed in lower positions or doing low-paid part time work. Japanese policymakers over the last decades have recognized women’s bad position on the labor market as a problem, and have made multiple policies in an attempt to better women’s position. In this thesis I evaluate one of these policies, the Eruboshi certification, through the observation of Chiba Bank ltd. as a case study.Show less
The Shinto imagery and iconography in Shinkai Makoto's film Kimi no Na wa appears to be used to add to the portrayal of a furusato in order to aid the film’s aesthetical countryside town and...Show moreThe Shinto imagery and iconography in Shinkai Makoto's film Kimi no Na wa appears to be used to add to the portrayal of a furusato in order to aid the film’s aesthetical countryside town and ultimately aiming to evoke feelings of nostalgia for a “traditional” Japan. The film, which shows a definite two-split of the Japanese landscape, gives a very stereotypical view of urban Tokyo as a fast paced city, and with Itomori as the furusato poster child, playing into nationalist views of a traditional Japan as opposed to a western influenced Japan. This Thesis explores these topics as it aims to answer the question of; How are religious and spiritual beliefs of Japanese Shinto portrayed in the animated film Kimi no Na wa, how does this portrayal help shape the film’s story and how does this play a role in the discourse on the urban-rural divide in Japan?Show less
