Japanese Study Seminar
“Representations of Japanese culture and arts in Europe: from “Japonism” to “Cool Japan”

• Monday, September 30th – Tuesday, October 1st, 2019
• Centre Européen d'Études Japonaises d'Alsace (Kientzheim, France)
• Language: Japanese (no interpretation)


The Japan Foundation and the Centre Européen d'Études Japonaises d'Alsace (CEEJA) have carried out a series of seminars since 2007, with an aim to encourage networking among young researchers on Japan in Europe and to further promote Japanese studies in Europe. Participants join a two-day intensive workshop in the cozy and intimate atmosphere of CEEJA's facility in Kientzheim where they present and discuss their current research projects with fellow participants and guest mentors. The theme of this year’s seminar is “Representations of Japanese Culture and Arts in Europe: from “Japonisme” to “Cool Japan.” We are calling for applications from young researchers in Europe specialising in Sociology, Arts, Literature, History, Language, Philosophy, Political Science, Economics, etc.

THEME

From the 1867 World Fair in Paris, to the “Japonismes 2018” events held in France, Japan has, over the last century and a half, promoted its culture and arts on the international scene, and particularly in Europe. This session’s aim is to examine, with a historical perspective and a critical point of view, the strategies of Japan’s cultural diplomacy, through decrypting Japan’s representations abroad and their evolution. Particular focus will be placed upon the use and instrumentalization of arts and culture in this process. Japan’s cultural diplomatic policy will be compared with the evolution of Japan’s image and representations in Europe (in particular through media), from the second half of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. The way in which trade and technology contributed to the diffusion of Japan’s image abroad will also be explored.

*Keywords: Japonisme, World Fair, Cool Japan, cultural diplomacy, representation, Japanese art, subculture, media, technology, cultural industry 

EVENT OUTLINE

SCIENTIFIC OFFICIALS
Simon Kaner (Centre for Japanese Studies, University of East Anglia)
Christophe Marquet (Ecole française d’Extrême-Orient)

COMMENTATORS
Kuroda Akinobu (University of Strasbourg)
Erich Pauer (Centre Européen d'Études Japonaises d'Alsace)

PARTICIPANTS
1. Number of presenters: Approximately 10 participants.
2. Presentation: Each presenter is to make a 30-min presentation on their research theme. One can make a presentation that has already been presented elsewhere. Each presentation is to be followed by the mentor’s comments and discussions in JAPANESE.
3. Papers: Prior to the seminar, all participants are expected to submit their papers, in Japanese or English, which will be edited and compiled for publication after the seminar.

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION

PROCEDURE CONDITIONS
Applicants must be currently on a graduate or post-graduate programme (which is not necessarily Japanese-studies), or already hold a junior teaching/research position at academic institutions in Europe. Those who can demonstrate strong and serious longterm affiliations with research communities in Europe are also eligible to apply. Priority will be given to non-Japanese applicants.

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Applicants will be reimbursed travel costs of up to 500 euros (economy class airfare within Europe/2nd class train ticket) upon submission of their travel receipt(s) after the seminar. Accommodation for 3 nights and 9 meals will be provided during the seminar. Participants are expected to arrive at CEEJA on September 29th and leave on October 2nd.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applicants must submit the following documents:
Current curriculum vitae
Summary of their research interests in Japanese or English on an A4-size paper
References (not obligatory)
The documents listed above must be sent via e-mail to alsacejpseminar@mcjp.fr

Deadline for applications: July 12th, 2019
Selection results: applicants will be informed by August 9th by e-mail.

PRIVACY POLICY

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