Introduction to Global Japan Studies

Introduction to Global Japan Studies

What is Global Japan Studies?

Global Japan Studies is defined as the interdisciplinary use of social sciences and humanities for research on Japan. This approach aims to provide students with a broad and deep understanding of Japan's history, culture, society, and its evolving role in the world.

• Interdisciplinary Nature: It draws upon a wide range of academic fields to gain a comprehensive understanding.

  • Social Sciences included: economics, geography, linguistics, political science, psychology, and sociology.

  • Humanities included: languages, literature, philosophy, history, archaeology, anthropology, law, politics, religion, and art.

• Deeper Knowledge: This interdisciplinary method leads to a richer understanding than a single field could offer alone. For example, studying daily court life in ancient Japan involves looking at it through the lenses of sociolinguistics (languages spoken), literature (poems written), history and politics (power structures), geography (location), and psychology (behaviour).

• Course Goals: The approach aims to help students grasp Japan's current challenges and consider future solutions, recognising that understanding Japan is crucial as it becomes more globally involved. Students explore Japan using English texts, news, and media, learning through facts, theories, and case studies to fully understand its modern aspects and global significance.

What is a 'Global Perspective' on Japan Studies?

A 'global perspective' on Japan Studies involves understanding Japan not in isolation, but as part of an interconnected world. It challenges the image of Japan as simply an isolated island nation.

• Global Connections: This perspective emphasises that Japan Studies itself is shaped by global connections. Understanding Japan requires examining its relationships and interactions with the wider world. Japan's development is seen as influenced by a complex mix of internal and external factors.

• Interconnectedness: It recognises that Japan is part of a global economy and an East Asian cultural sphere. The "world" is also present within Japan.

• Balanced View: It focuses on both the unique aspects of Japanese culture and society while also considering shared global concerns.

• Multiple Viewpoints: A global perspective values insights from both Japanese and non-Japanese sources.

  • It acknowledges that certain aspects of Japanese culture (like the importance of harmony, seasonal changes, hospitality, traditional arts, communal spaces, work ethic, food culture, cleanliness, religious beliefs, or 'kawaii' culture) might be best understood or appreciated from an internal viewpoint.

  • However, it also highlights that non-Japanese researchers often provide valuable and unique perspectives on Japan, benefiting from an ability to compare and contrast Japan with other countries and maintaining a degree of detachment. Some of the best research on Japan comes from non-Japanese scholars.

• Critical Approach: This perspective encourages asking better, more advanced questions (e.g., moving from "Where are the rich?" to "How and why did they become rich?"), relying on peer-reviewed research, and distinguishing high-quality information (signal) from low-quality information (noise). Using multiple sources (triangulation) leads to greater accuracy.