The thesis makes an important point in emphasizing- against much of the conventional scholarly literature on the subject- that the Russo-Japanese War is usefully seen in a broader context of...Show moreThe thesis makes an important point in emphasizing- against much of the conventional scholarly literature on the subject- that the Russo-Japanese War is usefully seen in a broader context of competing imperial powers. The conclusion brings together the various players and the war's implications for each fairly effectively.Show less
Propaganda exists in many shapes and sizes: pamphlets, stories in newspapers and magazines, film, leaflets or speeches on the radio. Around the world, this type of psychological warfare has been...Show morePropaganda exists in many shapes and sizes: pamphlets, stories in newspapers and magazines, film, leaflets or speeches on the radio. Around the world, this type of psychological warfare has been used to convince the enemy that their cause is lost and the home front that they are on the winning side.The same was the case in Southeast Asia during the Asia-Pacific War, where Japan propagated a Great East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere. For this thesis I will examine Japanese propaganda in Indonesia and - more specifically - if this propaganda has developed or contributed to Indonesian national consciousness.Show less
In deze scriptie wordt de 28 december 2015 akkoord omtrent troostmeisjes tussen Japan en Zuid-Korea geanalyseerd aan de hand van Japanse krantenartikelen.
Since December 2012, with the political comeback of Prime Minister Abe Shinzō, Japan has been shifting its domestic policy in a more conservative direction, while at the same time opting for an...Show moreSince December 2012, with the political comeback of Prime Minister Abe Shinzō, Japan has been shifting its domestic policy in a more conservative direction, while at the same time opting for an assertive foreign policy involving a more resolute and proactive defense stance. Notwithstanding the political victories reported by the Abe government on both fronts, internal opposition to the new bills has been strong and widespread, involving not only the opposition parties, but also the LDP’s coalition partner Kōmeitō and public opinion. A wide range of protests and political activities have been held in Tokyo and in other major cities throughout the country against the government’s policies; among them, those organized by the group known as SEALDs have generated the greatest interest in the media and in the public. Because SEALDs’ relevance in the wider context of civil society in Japan has not been fully investigated yet, this thesis seeks to analyze SEALDs from a comparative perspective, with a view to clarifying the social and cultural roots of the group, and its originality in the context of contemporary Japanese social movements. Such a study would shed light on the political implications of the activities of SEALDs and on their potentiality to affect policymaking and public participation in civil society in contemporary Japan.Show less
Japanese views on the shared history between Japan and Taiwan has moved from cultivated ignorance to a generally positive view largely due to the economic and political development of Taiwan; the...Show moreJapanese views on the shared history between Japan and Taiwan has moved from cultivated ignorance to a generally positive view largely due to the economic and political development of Taiwan; the existence of Taiwan as an island of friendship to Japan in a sea of enemies and the democratisation and localisation movements in Taiwan.Show less
In my thesis I will prove how the blind spot for furusato in the government's cultural heritage policies is harming rural communities and therefore counteracts various other goals set to relieve...Show moreIn my thesis I will prove how the blind spot for furusato in the government's cultural heritage policies is harming rural communities and therefore counteracts various other goals set to relieve the effects of the economic crisis.Show less
Though the history of Japanese railway companies share similarities with those found for example in the Netherlands and Belgium, there are differences. I argue that these differences facilitated...Show moreThough the history of Japanese railway companies share similarities with those found for example in the Netherlands and Belgium, there are differences. I argue that these differences facilitated the control of private railway companies in Japan. Furthermore, Japanese railway companies expand on their service by undertaking various side businesses such as department stores, being active in real estate, and so on. Because of this difference in activities, I argue that their impact on the development of railway stations as a public space has been greater than those found in Europe. Even though it can be argued that space is political, space itself is shaped by historical and natural elements. Thus, to understand how Japanese railway companies have influenced public space, it is important to look at its historical component. I will first discuss space and social theory and use this as a starting point for my theoretical framework, allowing for an insight into how spaces are defined and how they influence social interaction. After discussing general theory on space, I will discuss space within an urban setting in order to demonstrate how different aspects of theory on space come into play. I will delve into how urban environments like cities are divided but also how on the other hand these are connected with each other. Within the established framework, I will then focus on two railway stations, Ikebukuro Station and Tokyo Station, to demonstrate that even though they are both a public space they differ in their representation of a public spaceShow less
