ANTHROPOLOGY OF JAPAN

The course is one of the core subjects within the Japan curriculum of the degree programme "Languages, Cultures and Societies of Asia and Mediterranean Africa".
Its educational objectives fall within the learning area of cultural and humanistic competences.

During the course, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the diverse social representations present in Japan. By applying the principles of cultural and social anthropology, they will learn to critically examine how these representations influence and shape Japanese socio-cultural realities. Through the analysis of case studies, critical reading of academic texts, and engagement with relevant multimedia materials, students will develop a clear understanding of social imaginaries in Japan and their cultural, symbolic, and economic implications in contemporary society.

It is recommended that students have at least an intermediate level of English (B2) in order to engage more deeply with the topics discussed in class and to make effective use of the assigned readings. A basic textbook knowledge of cultural anthropology is also required. For those who have not yet completed an introductory course in cultural anthropology, the following book is recommended: Thomas Hylland Eriksen, 2010, *Small Places, Large Issues: An Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology*, Pluto Press. The course is designed in a seminar format: punctuality, active participation, and overall contribution to classroom activities will also be considered in the final assessment.

The course focuses on the exploration of key cultural and social dynamics in Japan through a series of central themes. It examines the legacy of nationalist scholarship and its influence on the construction of Japanese identity, as well as the role of eugenics in nation-building processes. Attention is given to the relationships between majority and minority cultures, with particular reference to groups such as the Ainu and Zainichi Koreans. Class and status divisions, social inequalities, and patterns of mobility are also analyzed. Further topics include gender and sexuality, addressing both traditional roles and contemporary challenges related to the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. The contrast between urbanization and rural decline is discussed in the context of broader socio-economic transformations. Domestic, corporate, and educational ideologies and practices are explored, with a focus on work culture and the education system. The course also examines the influence of media, sports, and fashion, along with Japanese conceptions of nature, life, and death, through the study of traditional religions, religious syncretism, and the impact of new biomedical technologies.

Non-mandatory readings:
Watson, M.K., 2014. Japan's Ainu Minority in Tokyo: Diasporic Indigeneity and Urban Politics. London: Routledge.
Hankins, J.D., 2014. Working Skin: Making Leather, Making a Multicultural Japan. Oakland, CA: University of California Press.
Prusa, I., 2024. Scandal in Japan: Transgression, Performance and Ritual. London: Routledge.
Lee, S., 2024. Crafting Rural Japan: Traditional Potters and Rural Creativity in Regional Revitalization. 1st ed. London: Routledge.
Siemann, Y., 2024. Japanese Diaspora and Migration Reconsidered. 1st ed. London: Routledge.

Paper (80% of the final grade)
Students are required to write a research paper of approximately 4,000 words on a topic of their choice, to be agreed upon in advance with the instructor and related to the course content. The paper should demonstrate the ability to explore a specific subject in depth, using critical analysis and well-structured synthesis. The final version must be submitted in .doc format via the Moodle platform at least two weeks before the exam date. Timely submission and the overall quality of the work will be key factors in the assessment.

Oral Discussion (20% of the final grade)
After submitting the paper, students will take part in an oral discussion of their work. This will assess their ability to clearly present, summarize, and defend their arguments. The discussion is also an opportunity to further explore and clarify the issues addressed in the written paper, allowing the instructor to evaluate the student’s overall understanding of the topic and capacity for critical thinking.

written and oral

17 INSUFFICIENT

18-20 SUFFICIENT
Limited understanding of content, limited expository and reflective skills, lack of critical ability.

21-23 DISCRETE
Sufficient understanding of content but uncertainty in exposition and reflection, fair ability to revise but with difficulty in synthesis and critical commentary.

24-26 GOOD
Good understanding of content though exposed with uncertainty, of reworking and synthesis. Limited ability to synthesize.

27-28 DISTINCT
Thorough understanding of content that is clearly and articulately expounded; remarkable ability to synthesize and critically reflect.

29-30 EXCELLENT
Broad and thorough understanding of content that is expounded in an articulate and sophisticated manner. Excellent ability in exposition, synthesis and critical reflection.

30 CUM LAUDE EXCELLENT
Broad and thorough understanding of content that demonstrates knowledge of broader disciplinary and interdisciplinary debates, command of language, and original critical thinking skills.

Lectures and seminar-style teaching.