Japan: Arts, Culture and the Pursuit of Otaku

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The history of otaku culture reflects its deep roots in Japanese pop culture and its ongoing adaptation to changing social and technological landscapes.
Developed after World War II as Japan underwent a period of rapid economic growth and modernization, Otaku culture originated as a subculture rooted in a mix of various aspects of Japanese culture and history and American pop culture, including comics, movies, and television shows.

Initially, "otaku" referred to someone with an intense interest or obsession, often related to anime, Manga, video games, cosplay, and other forms of Japanese pop culture. Today, otaku culture has created a new space for young people to express themselves and find a sense of community and, with its complex narratives, unique art styles, and themes, continue to globally influence contemporary cinema, video games, television, music and fashion trends and production.

Through the lens of otaku, this Maymester class will explore how Japan's unique history and culture are reflected in its art, architecture, media and everyday life. Specifically, students will spend time in the metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka, renowned as cultural centers for setting trends in fashion, music, art, technology and animation, and Kyoto, the traditional capital of Japan and home to countless temples, shrines, and other historical one-of-a-kind structures and explore a wide range of styles and media, covering cinema, anime, Manga, calligraphy, fine art, design, and landscape architecture. Through these vast and diverse experiences, students will consider and evaluate how the interplay between popular culture, technology, and societal norms manifests within contemporary Japanese culture.

OBJECTIVES

Through readings, discussions, projects and conducting on-site research in Japan, this course will challenge students to investigate, consider and interpret the contemporary, historical, cultural, economic and artistic practices that comprise modern Japanese society. Additionally, this course strives to expand and transform your awareness, attitude, and knowledge of Japanese culture and develop empathetic approaches, methods, and tools to observe and cultivate your individual creative and professional practices.

Ultimately, after experiencing this course, students will:

• Explore otaku Culture: Develop an in-depth understanding of the otaku subculture, its origins, and its impact on Japanese society. Analyze the various forms of media consumption, such as Manga, anime, gaming, and cosplay, and their significance in shaping contemporary Japanese identity.

• Examine Manga as a Cultural Artifact: Study the historical development of Manga as an art form, its diverse genres, and its role in reflecting and commenting on societal issues to gain insights into cultural and social dynamics in Japan.

• Investigate the Influence of Media on Society: Examine the relationship between media, technology, and society in Japan. Analyze the role of high and low media in shaping communication patterns, social interactions, and the formation of subcultures.

• Engage with Japanese Society: Immerse yourself in the vibrant cities of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and engage with local communities to gain firsthand experience of Japanese culture. Visit iconic locations, attend cultural events, and interact with local experts to deepen your understanding of the intersections between otaku culture, media, and society.

• Analyze Cultural and Societal Implications: Critically analyze the impact of otaku culture on various aspects of Japanese society, including economy, tourism, gender dynamics, and social relationships. Explore the positive and negative implications of otaku culture and its broader influence on global popular culture.

• Reflect on Cross-Cultural Perspectives: Foster cross-cultural understanding by comparing and contrasting otaku culture with similar subcultures in other countries. Analyze how cultural exchange and globalization shape otaku culture and its reception worldwide.