In this thesis, I will explain how the tanuki can be seen as an example of a mythological “trickster” (a paradoxical figure who combines god-like powers with a chaotic nature and a love for...Show moreIn this thesis, I will explain how the tanuki can be seen as an example of a mythological “trickster” (a paradoxical figure who combines god-like powers with a chaotic nature and a love for deceiving and general trickery) and how these trickster tendencies function within different forms of Japanese popular imagination such as art and literature. In my research, I have identified three primary functions. First, the trickster’s shape-shifting tendencies and powers of illusion contribute to a sense of “uncannyness” and tie the tanuki to the mysterious and unknown. As such, “unexplainable” natural phenomena were often attributed to acts of this supernatural being. Secondly, the foolishness of the trickster figure makes it an excellent character for comedic and/or satirical works. The tanuki is no exception to this, as seen in folktales and Edo-era artwork. Lastly, the duality behind the trickster also makes him the perfect mediator between two polar opposites. The tanuki in particular has often been used to signify clashes between urban society and the countryside, as seen for example in the Studio Ghibli film Pompoko.Show less
Climate change is the most pressing problem of our time and the transition towards a renewables-based economy is the only long-term solution. It is well established that offshore wind holds great...Show moreClimate change is the most pressing problem of our time and the transition towards a renewables-based economy is the only long-term solution. It is well established that offshore wind holds great promise in terms of providing energy capacity for East Asian nations that rely on the imports of fossil fuels. This study provides a comparative analysis of three East Asian nations to find what policies affect the successful deployment of offshore wind capacity. Several hypotheses, formed around influencing factors such as energy market liberalization, financial and quantitative incentive policies and siting procedures are formed and tested against offshore wind deployment data. The Most Similar Systems Designs method is employed to isolate the factors under examination and control for social, cultural, political, environmental and economic factors. The results provide insight into the effectiveness of policies across and within nations and reasons for the differences between nations.Show less
In this paper the author looks at the media perspective of American newspapers after the Second World War on Japan and Germany and whether these perspectives differed. The hypothesis is that there...Show moreIn this paper the author looks at the media perspective of American newspapers after the Second World War on Japan and Germany and whether these perspectives differed. The hypothesis is that there will be a racial difference in the portrayal of these countries.Show less
In Japan since the 1980s, after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the bubble economy, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) implemented a series of neoliberal policies in order to increase...Show moreIn Japan since the 1980s, after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the bubble economy, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) implemented a series of neoliberal policies in order to increase the flexibility of the Japanese labour market and make the labour market more competitive at global level. Due to neoliberalism and deregulation, it became more complicated for young people to find a full-time job and young unemployment has risen drastically since the 1990s to present time.Furthermore, in this period “freeters” began to be new figures in the labour market in Japan.Show less
In the early Edo period (17th century), Christianity was persecuted in Japan after about a century of missionary activities by European priests. The Japanese persecution used fumi-e, ‘trample...Show moreIn the early Edo period (17th century), Christianity was persecuted in Japan after about a century of missionary activities by European priests. The Japanese persecution used fumi-e, ‘trample images’, to force converts to apostatize. This thesis analyses an extant fumi-e from the Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde, and aims to answer how this fumi-e can be used as an illustration of the process of mutual exchange and adaptation, also called transculturation, that occured before and during the persecution. Using Panofsky’s iconological analysis, the image on the fumi-e can be identified as a depiction of the Madonna of the Rosary. Art featuring this motif was brought to Japan by European missionaries. The fumi-e shows stylistic influences from non-European artistic traditions. These are reminiscent of the art made by Japanese students of the Jesuits, Japanese Buddhist art, the yamato-e style, and nanban art. These influences can be explained by placing the object in the context of the persecution. The Volkenkunde fumi-e was specifically made for the persecution, as a replacement of the worn-out initial fumi-e that consisted of paintings and other fragile items. Using other extant fumi-e featuring the same motif, the development and gradual change of the ‘Madonna of the Rosary’ image can be seen. This change can be explained by the lack of European examples due to the ongoing persecution, and the process of transculturation that had already begun with the first missionaries. This process of transculturation can be seen in other aspects of the persecution as well. The government systematized three major ways of persecution, which can be seen as methods of surveillance and population control. These methods were social control in the form of the goningumi system and offering rewards to informants, monitoring in the form of obligatory registration at Buddhist temples and the compilation of population registers, and tests of faith using the fumi-e. These methods did not only impact Christians, but became part of the fabric of Japanese society, and affected the shape of Japanese Buddhism as well. Furthermore, they asserted the authority of the Tokugawa government. The persecution also helped shape a narrative about identity, in which Christians served as the ‘Other’ against which ‘Japaneseness’ could be contrasted. Echos of this narrative can be seen throughout the Edo period extending into early Meiji, and even in contemporary attitudes towards (Western) foreigners. The Volkenkunde fumi-e illustrates all these points. Its visual qualities show the artistic exchange in the ‘Christian Century’, while its purpose and use demonstrate how the subsequent persecution transformed society by providing methods for population control, assertion of authority for the Tokugawa bakufu, and creating a narrative about identity. It is therefore both a product and an illustration of the transcultural process that occured in the encounter between Japan and Christianity.Show less
The reality of a shrinking labor market as the population is aging and birthrate is declining in Japan, is asking for more female participation. Changing economic demands and working conditions is...Show moreThe reality of a shrinking labor market as the population is aging and birthrate is declining in Japan, is asking for more female participation. Changing economic demands and working conditions is leading to an increasing number of double-income families. It is creating variety in the gender roles and contributing to a new order. A study of ten qualitative interviews was conducted to examine the working conditions and experiences of working mothers in Tokyo. The case study shows that working mothers are facing three main challenges when trying to find a work-life balance: (1) time management, (2) high responsibility of work within the household and (3) working culture that impacts career. The case study of this thesis gives an insightful assessment of policies, what they do and do not address. Analyzing narratives and understanding how mothers approach their working situation and lifestyle is an important element in discussing the work-family balance to clarify remaining issues in working culture. It turns out that informal resources and strategies are important to overcome or deal with the challenges, as formal policies still seem to lack in addressing part of the core labor issues and remaining gender inequality.Show less
Recently both in academia and media the phenomenon of 'overtourism' has surfaced, a development where tourism negatively affects a destination. In Japan, this issue is called ‘kankou kougai’ (観光公害)...Show moreRecently both in academia and media the phenomenon of 'overtourism' has surfaced, a development where tourism negatively affects a destination. In Japan, this issue is called ‘kankou kougai’ (観光公害) or 'tourism pollution'. This thesis examines how impacts of ‘overtourism’ have developed in Japan throughout the years 2013-2018, including the role of involved actors (citizens, public and private sectors). Overtourism is predominantly a subjective concept based on perceptions of citizens, and it is thus difficult to exactly measure. Based on an event data analysis of several Japanese newspapers and case study of Nara City, the results reveal that the frequency of negative tourism impacts (economic, socio-cultural and environmental) generally increased alongside the increase in number of inbound tourists.Show less
The goal of this thesis is to analyse how consumption is used in the process of identity formation in Japan. It does so through the analysis of the advertisement titled “世界初かわいい味噌汁/Definition of...Show moreThe goal of this thesis is to analyse how consumption is used in the process of identity formation in Japan. It does so through the analysis of the advertisement titled “世界初かわいい味噌汁/Definition of Japanese Kawaii”, produced by Japanses advertising giant Dentsu. Using a framework that was created based on a critical review of literature regarding relevant theories, this thesis analyses three key myths that are part of Japanese national identity: romanticised history, harmless femininity, and international consumption. Three main findings are revealed throughout the analysis. The first is the complex reciprocal relationship between consumption and nation-building myths. The second is the dichotomous relationship between the parts of Japanese identity that are embraced and those that are rejected (these being Westernisation, sexuality, and historical figures). Finally, the analysis reveals that, in the quest to create a distilled, consumable Japanese identity, individual realities are sacrificed. After the conclusion of the findings, the limitations and potential future pathways of the study are suggested.Show less
A comparative study of two memorials and their museums (Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Yasukuni Shrine) in Japan, with an insight on the public opinion of the two on the web.
Morning drama series, asadora, attract one of the highest number of viewers watching programmes on Japanese television. These serialised drama series broadcasted by state broadcaster NHK over the...Show moreMorning drama series, asadora, attract one of the highest number of viewers watching programmes on Japanese television. These serialised drama series broadcasted by state broadcaster NHK over the course of half a year, have induced large-scale tourism to sites related to the film locations in the series. The success of such “contents tourism” has a significant economic effect, inspiring producers to choose rural areas coping with depopulation and economic loss. This thesis takes the series Hiyokko, broadcasted in 2017, as an example to explore the field of contents tourism and its cultural framework and history. By investigating the content and narrative of asadora, as well as the economic impact of rural revitalisation, this thesis provides an extensive study on asadora from a socio-cultural and economic perspective.Show less
New Religious Movements in Japan are both inspired by and inspire the contents of Japanese works of fiction. This influence is notable in the fictional works of anime and manga in particular, which...Show moreNew Religious Movements in Japan are both inspired by and inspire the contents of Japanese works of fiction. This influence is notable in the fictional works of anime and manga in particular, which have always contained varying degrees of religious themes. Three new religions are discussed in this paper: Soka Gakkai, Aum Shinrikyo, and Kofuku no Kagaku. All of these religions have used manga as a tool for self-promotion, but have also indirectly been inspired by the medium itself. Two of the larger inspirations for the religions Aum Shinrikyo and Kofuku no Kagaku were the feature animation films Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Akira. This and other examples are used to create an image of the interconnected web that links these religious movements and anime and manga together.Show less
This essay builds on recent work on securitization theory by scholars such as Balzacq and Floyd, and explores the still underdeveloped field of resistance and counter-securitization. A successful...Show moreThis essay builds on recent work on securitization theory by scholars such as Balzacq and Floyd, and explores the still underdeveloped field of resistance and counter-securitization. A successful securitization allows for a securitizing actor to deal with an existential threat with extraordinary measures outside the boundaries of normal politics. Resistance refers to the creation of a separate securitization move with its own existential threat and extraordinary measure in relation to the original securitization move. Counter-securitization is defined as an act to halt a securitization move, or to bring the issue back to the realm of ordinary politics. This essay further develops the concept of counter-securitization in comparison to resistance. It also strengthens Floyd’s argument on a just securitization theory by examining the role of pacifism, democracy and constitutionalism using the Japanese security debate as a case study. Finally, it illustrates how norms such as democracy and rule of law have slowly become more significant within the Japanese security debate than the pacifist ideology. It first examines the case of Prime Minister Abe’s ideology on Japanese security policy before taking a look at the political opposition in regards to Abe’s security policies. The section argues that even though the political opposition has all fought against Abe’s policies, there is a clear divide between an Old Left and a New Left. This essay then examines two grass-roots movements, the Article 9 Association and a student activist organization by the name of SEALDs. It shows how the political Old Left and the Article 9 Association have created their own securitization move to protect the pacifist constitution, while the political New Left and SEALDs have generated a counteract to bring the topic of security back to the realm of ordinary politics.Show less
The Japanese population and its healthcare system is under pressure. The population is declining drastically; the amount of elderly is increasing heavily and with the costs to take care of them...Show moreThe Japanese population and its healthcare system is under pressure. The population is declining drastically; the amount of elderly is increasing heavily and with the costs to take care of them will be heavy. Their increasingly chasing population structure is a major concern for politicians and companies alike. Too often Japanese politicians keep this status quo alive, on one hand they agree that Japan needs to introduce pro-immigration policies but on the other hand, when it comes to implement real and viable policies they ignore it. Japanese politicians are hesitant to call for increased immigration, due to fear from the public. These fears often stem from some underbelly feeling, which also fueled by the Media. The introduction of the Foreign nurses and caretakers was a first step into the right direction. Sadly, the outcome was insignificant and had practically no influence. This program shows the weakness of the Japanese immigration policies. It lacks flexibility, practicality and long-term vision.Show less
This thesis explores how geopolitical developments and circumstances have influenced Germany’s and Japan’s political position so that Germany can exercise the use of force and Japan cannot as of...Show moreThis thesis explores how geopolitical developments and circumstances have influenced Germany’s and Japan’s political position so that Germany can exercise the use of force and Japan cannot as of the date of this thesis. Post-war history is outlined and explored, looking at historical data and academic reports. This overview focuses on the allied occupations, war trauma, geographic circumstances and demilitarization. By looking at the geopolitical circumstances in history, this thesis explores how these shaped the legal debate on the use of force in the military. Three case studies concerning the use of force are explored, discussing the political stance and military actions taken by Germany and Japan. The case studies include the Kosovo crisis, the war in Afghanistan, and the invasion of Iraq. Through these case studies, a trend can be discovered, enabling prediction for future military action and the use of force by either of these countries.Show less
