Japanese Popular Culture and Globalization

Key Issues in Asian Studies

by William M. Tsutsui

Japanese Popular Culture and Globalization is the only concise overview of Japan's phenomenal impact on world pop culture available in English. Surveying Japanese forms from anime (animation) and manga (comic books) to monster movies and Hello Kitty products, this volume is an accessible introduction to Japan's pop creativity and its appeal worldwide. Written in an accessible style and illustrated with more than 20 photographs, Japanese Popular Culture and Globalization combines a historical approach to the evolution and diffusion of Japanese pop with interdisciplinary perspectives from anthropology, literary studies, political science, and the visual arts. Includes a useful glossary of terms and an up-to-date bibliography of recommended readings.

“The riotous, rich and multilayered nature of Japanese popular culture is crisply presented in this delightful overview. Hardcore student fans, bewildered teachers, and clueless scholars will all benefit from the way William Tsutsui makes sense of the diverse styles, narratives and images surfacing in manga, anime, TV drama, music, and cinema. Professor Tsutsui’s engaging guide to some of the most important themes, historical threads, and scholarly theories found in such a vast cultural domain is guaranteed to charm readers and to enhance our appreciation of its irresistible appeal and global reach.”
Laura Miller
Eiichi Shibusawa-Seigo Arai Professor of Japanese Studies, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Co-editor, Bad Girls of Japan

“As is always the case with William Tsutsui, this work is informed, informative, and a pleasure to read. Tsutsui’s trademark enthusiasm for and knowledge of his subject shines through across a wonderful variety of topics, from ‘Pokémon’ to ‘Soft Power.’ I look forward to sharing this with my students in the classroom.”
Susan J. Napier
Professor of Japanese Culture, Tufts University
Author, Anime from Akira to Howl’s Moving Castle: Experiencing Japanese Animation and From Impressionism to Anime: Japan as Fantasy and Fan Cult in the Mind of the West


From: Association for Asian Studies

Genres: Japan, History, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jessica]

Great overview of Japanese pop culture!

[Hanana]

A little outdated (it was published in 2020), but still very interesting and informative!

[Korrin]

I liked it. Learned quite a bit.

[Traben]

Interesting overview of Japanese pop culture. However, I've read or am at least familiar with most of the sources the author cites. Therefore, a lot of this book was treading familiar ground with less detail. Still recommended as a starting point for anyone interested in Japanese pop culture, its origins, and its ever increasing role in the world stage.