In 2021, Japan's gender wage gap was among the highest of all OECD countries. A big factor of this economic gender inequality lies in the fact that female participation in regular-work is...Show moreIn 2021, Japan's gender wage gap was among the highest of all OECD countries. A big factor of this economic gender inequality lies in the fact that female participation in regular-work is comparatively low to the participation rate in the more insecure and lower-paying irregular work jobs. Previous research has shown that there are three main obstacles to increased female participation in regular work positions. Those being the long-working-hours culture, a lack of enforcement of policies by the government, and the societal expectation that women are supposed to focus on housework and child-rearing. This paper examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced these obstacles and if there has been any positive change to the female participation rate in regular work. Using the concepts of exogenous shocks and critical junctures as a theoretical framework, this paper argues that the COVID-19 pandemic might have set the stage for real change in the Japanese labour market through the promotion of telework as a legitimate business practice. However, the pandemic has also highlighted or reinforced the existing obstacles to increased female participations in regular work due to the closure of schools and businesses in the hospitality industry, disproportionally affecting women.Show less
This paper will argue that isekai anime is different from the genre fantasy due to its cultural history tied to the Japanese game and anime industry use of media mix. First, a literature review on...Show moreThis paper will argue that isekai anime is different from the genre fantasy due to its cultural history tied to the Japanese game and anime industry use of media mix. First, a literature review on what "genre" is will be provided to lay a foundation for the readers, as this should help understanding the "why" and "how" isekai as a genre can be seen seperately from the fantasy genre argued in this paper. Examining the narrative tropes, the character's self-awareness and game mechanics in specific isekai anime, compared to the classic fantasy stories: Alice in wonderland and The Wizard of OZ will reveal similarities, but more importantly its difference. How is isekai different will be discussed in the final chapter where this paper will examen Japan's anime and game industry, the history and influence of noteble phenomenon "media mix" and Japan's work culture that all clearly make up for the genre isekai.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
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
