History
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ModernChinaandJapan17Japanandsoftpower2021.pptxJapan and soft power /Final exam
What is soft power: a country’s ability to attract or appeal to others without coercion
Japan as a soft-power superpower?
The influence of Japan’s economic structure
The keiretsu system—a loose federation/grouping of companies: horizontal (interconnected companies through crossholding on intermixed boards of directors) vs. vertical (domination of one company over others)
In the 1990s the Chinese borrowed this Japanese network-based system to reshape state-owned enterprises (hiring than more than 60% of workforce, but always in deficit); they became “jituan gongsi;” the state hoped them to become internationally competitive
Parallels between the two countries? Cultural values and interest in strategies (the influence China’s strategic culture on Japan’s managerial culture. Example?)
Contrasts: differences in politics (state control); different interpretations of the concept “community”
Downtown Beijing
Japan and popular culture
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI, previously the Ministry of International Trade and Industry) and its Cool Japan initiative: supporting small and mid-size companies in creative industry to go global
But soft power does not always come from the state
Example: Japanese anime
Based on traditional influence (woodblock print picture novels); popularity of Western—British and American—cartoons; and Chinese influence (examples: Princess Iron Fan, China’s first animation movie 1930s-40s) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRq1SG_TRTY
First TV networks (NHK and TBS) and other networks: founded in the 1950s
Toei (first animation production company)
The most prominent animator: Osamu Tezuka, Astro Boy
his famous bank system: limited budget and the preparation of various types of mouths, eyes, noses, etc.
Osamu Tezuka
Astro Boy
3
Japan and popular culture
Key names: Hayao Miyazaki/Isao Takahata
The influence of Japanese anime as soft power in North America has been debated
some scholars’ view: Japanese anime was influential, but there were factors limiting its influence (1990s)
The American viewers may not have been aware of the Japanese origins of what they watch—e.g. Japanese names became Americanized. For instance, Tsukino Usagi (Sailor Moon) became Serena; boyfriend was called Darien
American professionals refused to recognized Japanese influence: The Lion King vs. Kimba the White Lion
Since the 1970s, Japanese animation series have been wildly popular across Asia
Example: the Doraemon series
main characters: Doraemon, a robot cat from the future; kids including Nobi Jaian, Suneo, Shizuka)
Final exam review
ID section (Matching and True or False) 10% of the exam grade—please go to study guide for preparation; could take the exam from 8am 6.8-11:59pm 6.10 (you have 40 minutes to complete the exam)
Essay section 90%—students are required to work on both questions; could turn in the exam by 11:59pm, 6.10
Please note the following:
Make sure that you prove solidly that you make use of sources (textbook, lectures and powerpoint presentations) used in the course—failures to use these sources will lead to a lower grade (10-15% reduction)
Please be specific when you make your arguments.
“In the history of modern East Asia, a very important theme is democracy.” Please expand on this statement by reflecting on either China or Japan. It should be noted that democracy could be defined in various ways. It sometimes is described as a political system (with features like competition between political parties and public election). But it can also be described as values (liberty and equality) and human relationships (one group/individual does not dominate another group/person).
A chronological framework is necessary when you organize materials/sources relevant to your answer.
Choosing China:
Reflecting on traditional culture: How did traditional Chinese/Qing culture appear to be non-democratic
The 1898 reform
The 1911 revolution
The New Culture movement/May Fourth Protest
The Communist Revolution
The People’s Republic of China
In the history of modern East Asia, a very important theme is democracy.” Please expand on this statement by reflecting on either China or Japan. It should be noted that democracy could be defined in various ways. It sometimes is described as a political system (with features like competition between political parties and public election). But it can also be described as values (liberty and equality) and human relationships (one group/individual does not dominate another group/person).
A chronological framework is necessary when you organize materials/sources relevant to your answer.
Choosing Japan
Context: Tokugawa Japan: How was its culture non-democratic
Meiji period
Taisho Japan
1930s-1940s the evolution of the Fascist state
The Allied Occupation
Contemporary Japan
Since the mid-Twentieth century, both China and Japan have evolved into major economic powers in the global community. Please compare and contrast these two nations’ paths to economic success. Also, to conclude, you may reflect on their ambitions/challenges/influence in the most recent decades (1990s-present).
This question is to some extent cumulative. But you should focus on the post-WWII era.
China and Japan travelled divergent paths to economic growth
1950s
1960s-1970s
1980s-1990s
Recent decades
