Contemporary Japanese Thought
Columbia University Press
Contemporary Japanese Thought
Columbia University Press
Appearing for the first time in English, the writings in this collection reflect some of the most innovative and influential work by Japanese intellectuals in recent years. The volume offers a rare and much-needed window into the crucial ideas and positions currently shaping Japanese thought (shiso).
In addressing the political, historical, and cultural issues that have dominated Japanese society, these essays cross a range of disciplines, including literary theory, philosophy, history, gender studies, and cultural studies. Contributors examine Japan's imperialist and nationalist past as well as representations and remembrances of this history. They also critique recent efforts in Japanese right-wing circles to erase or obscure the more troubling aspects of Japan's colonial enterprise in East Asia. Other essays explore how Japan has viewed itself in regard to the West and the complex influence of Western thought on Japanese intellectual and political life.
The volume's groundbreaking essays on issues of gender and the contested place of feminist thought in Japan discuss the similarities between the emotional bullying of women who do not accept traditional gender roles and teasing in schools; how the Japanese have adopted elements of Western orientalism to discredit feminism; and historical constructions of Japanese motherhood.
In addressing the political, historical, and cultural issues that have dominated Japanese society, these essays cross a range of disciplines, including literary theory, philosophy, history, gender studies, and cultural studies. Contributors examine Japan's imperialist and nationalist past as well as representations and remembrances of this history. They also critique recent efforts in Japanese right-wing circles to erase or obscure the more troubling aspects of Japan's colonial enterprise in East Asia. Other essays explore how Japan has viewed itself in regard to the West and the complex influence of Western thought on Japanese intellectual and political life.
The volume's groundbreaking essays on issues of gender and the contested place of feminist thought in Japan discuss the similarities between the emotional bullying of women who do not accept traditional gender roles and teasing in schools; how the Japanese have adopted elements of Western orientalism to discredit feminism; and historical constructions of Japanese motherhood.
An admirable, engrossing, and valuable collection. Andrew Barshay, International Journal of Asian Studies
Important for making accessible to Western audiences not only the existence but the richness of the theoretical debates taking place within a non-Western society. Chikako Endo,, H-Net
The book deserves to be widely read beyond (as well as within) the bounds of Japanese studies Tessa Morris-Suzuki, Japanese Studies
[Calichman has] rendered us a tremendous service. This collection makes a powerful first step toward filling a definite need. Michael K. Bourdaghs, Philosophy East & West
Acknowledgments
Introduction, by Richard F. Calichman
1. Ehara Yumiko
The Politics of Teasing
A Feminist View of Maruyama Masao's Modernity
2. Kang Sangjung
The Imaginary Geography of a Nation and Denationalized Narrative
The Discovery of the "Orient" and Orientalism
3. Karatani Ko Jin
Overcoming Modernity
Soseki's Diversity: On Kokoro
4. Nishitani Osamu
The Wonderland of "Immortality"
5. Naoki Sakai
Two Negations: The Fear of Being Excluded and the Logic of Self-Esteem
6. Takahashi Tetsuya
Japanese Neo-Nationalism: A Critique of Kato Norihiro's "After the Defeat" Discourse
From the Hinomaru and Kimigayo to the Symbolic Emperor System
7. Ueno Chizuko
In the Feminine Guise: A Trap of Reverse Orientalism
Collapse of "Japanese Mothers"
8. Ukai Satoshi
Colonialism and Modernity
Reflections Beyond the Flag: Why Is the Hinomaru Flag "Auspicious/Foolish"?
Glossary
List of Contributors
Index of Names
Introduction, by Richard F. Calichman
1. Ehara Yumiko
The Politics of Teasing
A Feminist View of Maruyama Masao's Modernity
2. Kang Sangjung
The Imaginary Geography of a Nation and Denationalized Narrative
The Discovery of the "Orient" and Orientalism
3. Karatani Ko Jin
Overcoming Modernity
Soseki's Diversity: On Kokoro
4. Nishitani Osamu
The Wonderland of "Immortality"
5. Naoki Sakai
Two Negations: The Fear of Being Excluded and the Logic of Self-Esteem
6. Takahashi Tetsuya
Japanese Neo-Nationalism: A Critique of Kato Norihiro's "After the Defeat" Discourse
From the Hinomaru and Kimigayo to the Symbolic Emperor System
7. Ueno Chizuko
In the Feminine Guise: A Trap of Reverse Orientalism
Collapse of "Japanese Mothers"
8. Ukai Satoshi
Colonialism and Modernity
Reflections Beyond the Flag: Why Is the Hinomaru Flag "Auspicious/Foolish"?
Glossary
List of Contributors
Index of Names