Seminars & Short Courses
Other Japans: A Film Series
This online seminar centers on films that represent historically marginalized communities in Japan: LGBTQIA+ (Funeral Parade of Roses, 1969), Okinawans (Untama giru, 1989), Zainichi Koreans (Chong, 2000), and Japanese-Brazilians (Saudade, 2011). The instructor, Nathaniel Heneghan, will provide historical background on each group and information on the production and reception of the film before segueing to a focused discussion wherein participants will offer their own reflections and analysis. In so doing, we will consider such questions as: How do these films challenge perceptions of Japan’s supposed homogeneity and/or critique its history of colonialism? How are members of these communities represented in the films? What is their relationship with Japanese mainstream society and how do they negotiate systems of oppression and discrimination? Through textual analysis and discussion, this program seeks to expose participants to the diversity of Japanese cinematic expression and encourages them to interrogate common stereotypes regarding what constitutes Japanese culture.