Cultural Edges in Japan. Culture and Identity of Border Area Japanese

16/04/2008 - 15:30

16 April 2008
15.30 - 17.00 hrs

IIAS Lecture by Dr Takayo Takahashi, Waseda University, Japan.

Venue
Lipsius Building, room 030
Cleveringaplaats 1
Leiden, the Netherlands

Okinawa, an island located between China and Japan, used to be an independent kingdom called Ryukyu. People living in the Ryukyu developed their own culture, which was distinct from the mainland Japanese culture. This kingdom survived between the two powerful nations by maintaining strong political and economical ties with them. However, Ryukyu Kingdom was incorporated into Japan in 1879 and, now named Okinawa, became one of 47prefectures in Japan.

There used to be a time that Japan's homogenous society was much emphasized, as it was useful for the explanation of its economic strength. By comparing the mainland Yamato culture with cultures from other regions such as Okinawan culture and Hokaido Ainu, I want to point out that in fact there is cultural diversity in Japan as there consist different sets of cultures.  

During this presentation I will focus on the border area between the Japanese mainland culture and the Ryukyu. Although you can feel the difference in culture between the areas, no one can specify a clear borderline between the two.

My research theme is to clarify the interactive influence on identity of the people living in this area and culture. I have published a book entitled Anthropology of a Border Island, which is about border identity of the Okinoerabu islanders. I will talk about my research and show videos of the cultural minority in Japan.

Contents
-Introduction
-The difference between Ryukyu culture and Yamato (mainland Japan) culture
-Border field of Ryukyu and Yamato culture
-Fieldwork on Okinoerabu island (border between Japan and Okinawa)
-Interactive influence on culture and people's identity
-Video of the Okinawa and the Ainu
Questions and Answers

Information
Ms Saskia Jans
Fellowship Coordinator
International Institute for Asian Studies
T +31-71 527 5490
iiasfellowships@let.leidenuniv.nl