This bachelor thesis examines how the characters in Nakashima Tetsuya's horror film, Kuru (It Comes), released in 2018, fit into specific stereotypes within contemporary Japanese society and...Show moreThis bachelor thesis examines how the characters in Nakashima Tetsuya's horror film, Kuru (It Comes), released in 2018, fit into specific stereotypes within contemporary Japanese society and analyzes the implications of these stereotypes on gender, sexuality, and class division. The study utilizes semantic and narrative analysis, focusing on mise-en-scene and cultural context to contextualize the characters within Japanese society. The research breaks away from previous academic work, which primarily focused on older Japanese horror films, as it draws on a more recent release that reflects the changes in gender identity and roles in Japan over the past two decades. This research aims to contribute to understanding contemporary Japanese society by examining the representation of stereotypes and the challenges faced by individuals who do not conform to societal expectations. It highlights the need for greater awareness and efforts to promote gender equality, work-family balance, and acceptance of diverse family structures in Japan.Show less
This thesis discusses how Paul Schrader visualised Mishima Yukio's distinct notions on beauty and death in the 1985 film 'Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters'.
In this thesis, I try to answer the research question “How were the samurai satirized through the usage of anthropomorphic animal imagery in visual art during the Bakumatsu period”. I aim to...Show moreIn this thesis, I try to answer the research question “How were the samurai satirized through the usage of anthropomorphic animal imagery in visual art during the Bakumatsu period”. I aim to explore the use of animals in visual art to depict samurai and the connection between the use of animals and the concept of parody. During these turbulent times from the 1840’s to the 1860’s an increase in political satire is seen in visual art, as such the usage of animal imagery to convey this satire is also seen during these years originating from the Tenpō reforms. Through the concepts of parody, historical context, and various analyses I will have enough material to formulate a conclusion. It shows that the decline of the shogunate did not result in a consistent nationwide rise in grotesque animal portrayals of the samurai. Factors such as place and the level of authoritative power also played significant roles.Show less
Japanese woodblock prints' dual nature as both an artistic product and an information tool offers ample opportunity for anthropological research. The spread of pieces and motifs offers insight into...Show moreJapanese woodblock prints' dual nature as both an artistic product and an information tool offers ample opportunity for anthropological research. The spread of pieces and motifs offers insight into what topics may have been of interest to common folk and, to a lesser extent, may be used to get an impression of the common perception of political events. The arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853, which ushered in the end of Japan's national seclusion policies, is commonly said to have been the source of much uncertainty and upheaval within Japan. Though this proved akin to a cataclysm for Japan's existing governing structures, it appears shortsighted to assume that anxiety towards the future was the only reaction this event had caused. A print which featured a whale with catfish-like features swimming in the Bay of Edo, released after the arrival of Perry and the earthquake, appears to directly comment on this contact with the West, and its tone spells hopes for an economic boon more so than fears. This brought about questions about the possibility of a positive attitude towards the opening of Japan, perhaps from within commoner demographics who stood to gain from the period of rapid change this event promised, and presented the catfish as a stand-in for American gunboats. Therefore, this paper seeks to discuss in what ways the folklore motifs were present in the black boat prints and Perry portraits and how they reflected attitudes towards foreign powers in Japan.Show less
