Rethinking Japanese Studies: Eurocentrism and the Asia-Pacific Region

Book Details:

• Author: Kaori Okano

• Brand: Routledge

• Binding: Paperback

• Pages: 231

• Release Date: 23-03-2019

• EAN: 9780367272814

• Package Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches

• Languages: English

About The Book:

"Japanese Studies and the Dualities of Modernity" by Kaori Okano addresses the complexities and debates within Japanese Studies, especially in the context of non-Eurocentric analysis. It focuses on the long-running internal debate about Nihonjinron, which questions the extent to which Japan's society and culture can be interpreted through Japan-specific concepts and theories versus Western frameworks.

This book delves deeper into the issue of understanding Japanese society and culture by synthesizing both Euro-American theories and Japanese-originated concepts. Japan, being the only liberal democracy outside of the Western cultural framework to have achieved high-level capitalism, provides a unique case study. Through this lens, the book questions the universality of the Western conception of modernity and challenges its application to Japan.

The book explores the dual challenges of Japanocentrism and Eurocentrism, offering a nuanced analysis of these opposing forces in the discipline of Japanese Studies. Okano examines how the field has evolved in the Asia-Pacific region and analyzes the autonomous scholarship and intellectual approaches specific to this region.

Key Features:

• Explores Nihonjinron: Takes an in-depth look at the debate over Japan's unique identity and the need for Japan-specific theories.

• Cross-cultural Analysis: Investigates how combining Western and Japanese theories enhances our understanding of Japan.

• Global Perspective: Reflects on how Japanese Studies in the Asia-Pacific region influences global scholarship and proposes strategies to challenge Eurocentric dominance in the discipline.

• Nuanced Analysis of Modernity: Questions the Western concept of modernity and its applicability to Japan's economic, military, and cultural history.

Why This Book is Important:

• Critical Insight into Japanese Studies: It provides a critical framework for studying Japan through a global lens and highlights the complexities of interpreting Japanese society.

• Challenges Eurocentrism: The book offers a nuanced critique of the Eurocentric biases in traditional academic frameworks, proposing a more inclusive approach to understanding Japan.

• Expanding the Discipline: Ideal for those interested in the evolution of Japanese Studies, particularly in the Asia-Pacific context and how it contributes to global academic conversations.

"Japanese Studies and the Dualities of Modernity" offers readers an innovative approach to studying Japan, blending Eastern and Western theories to propose a more inclusive and nuanced perspective. This makes it an essential read for scholars of Japanese culture, global studies, and post-colonial analysis.