The Nativist Dimension in Modern Japanese Culture

3 units

This course will explore the domain of nativist expression in modern Japan. Through a wide-ranging survey of cultural artifacts and texts that promote the notion of Japanese uniqueness, we will consider the question of Japanese identity and the key role of invented traditions in its construction. Our study will take into account the evolving historical context within which the discourse on nativism was played out. We will also consider the manner in which foreigners have contributed to this uniqueness discourse over the past 150 years.