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Yomiuri Shimbun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan Literature Advances Overseas: Styles that Gaze Deeply into Society Gaining International Popularity
Contemporary Japanese literature is gaining popularity overseas. To ensure that this does not end up as a passing fad, it is necessary to map out a long-term overseas strategy and also to help cultivate new readers in Japan. Hiromi Kawakami's novel 'Under the Eye of the Big Bird' was shortlisted for the International Booker Prize, the translation category of a prestigious British literary award. The novel depicts humanity on the verge of extinction and its fusion with artificial intelligence, among other themes. The winner will be announced on May 20. A work by Han Kang of South Korea, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature last year, was previously selected for the International Booker Prize. If Kawakami wins it this time, it will be a first for a Japanese author. Writers from Japan have been highly evaluated abroad in recent years. Works by Yoko Tawada and Yu Miri won the U.S. National Book Award for translated literature. In Britain, Japanese novels have enjoyed a boom following hits such as Sayaka Murata's 'Convenience Store Woman.' Asako Yuzuki's 'Butter' has reportedly sold more than 300,000 copies there. Works by Yasunari Kawabata and Junichiro Tanizaki are said to have been read abroad due to their perceived exoticism. Since the late 1980s, the more accessible works of Haruki Murakami, Banana Yoshimoto and other novelists have been loved beyond borders, laying the groundwork for the present boom. Looking at the international situation, economic disparities and divisions are widening in many countries. Against this backdrop, the style of Japanese novels, which do not easily judge right from wrong and sometimes look deeply into society with a sense of humor, seems to have achieved resonance. Especially, the boom is characterized by the high popularity of female writers. The Japan Foundation has long subsidized translation and other expenses for foreign publishers to promote Japanese literature overseas. Tawada's work, which won the National Book Award in the United States, also received support from the foundation. The Cultural Affairs Agency is also promoting a project to help Japanese publishers and others write English-language proposals to market their novels overseas. These efforts should be further strengthened to introduce many attractive works overseas. It is also important to devise ways to link the popularity of Japanese literature overseas to the acquisition of readers in Japan. It is hoped that publishers will communicate more than they do now about the evaluations and reactions of overseas readers. It may be that more people here will gain new perspectives and awareness different from those of Japanese readers, and will want to read the works themselves. Translation not only into English but also into other languages needs to be strengthened. The government should focus on cultivating translators in cooperation with overseas universities and other entities. Increased interest in Japanese literature will lead to a deeper understanding of Japan. (From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 14, 2025)
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Yen for Japan: How Japanese culture is finding a new home in India
Divishth Pancholi , a 16-year-old in Jaipur, had a simple, stubborn wish. He wanted to watch Japanese filmmaker Makoto Shinkai's anime film, Weathering With You, which was getting a worldwide release in July 2019. The teenager did not want to download a pirated version; he wanted to see the real thing on the big screen. #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Pak moving troops to border areas? All that's happening Why India chose to abstain instead of 'No Vote' against IMF billion-dollar funding to Pakistan How Pak's jihadi general Munir became trapped in his own vice In February of that year, he launched a petition to get the distributors to release the movie in India. Young Pancholi didn't expect a thing—but over 50,000 people signed on, many of them realising for the first time that they were part of a large anime community in India, drawn to the medium's visual artistry and unique storytelling. Shinkai, moved by the petition, agreed to show his film in India and even flew down for the screening. 'When the petition worked, I was very surprised,' recalls Pancholi, now a 22-year-old animator, who is preparing to study on a Japanese government scholarship. 'I'm just glad that I could be part of a pioneering moment for anime in India—at least in the modern context. Now anime releases are normalised.' This fall, Pancholi will head to the Kyoto University of the Arts where his research will focus on combining Rajasthan's phad painting tradition with modern Japanese animation. It was more than just a win for Pancholi. Koji Sato, director-general of the Japan Foundation, a Japanese government-funded institution for cultural exchange programmes, in Delhi, calls it a turning point. 'Twenty years ago, when I was a young officer [at the Japan Foundation], Indians were satisfied with their own content. There was hardly any space for commercial screening of Japanese films. Now, in every corner of India, there's a craze for contemporary Japanese movies and anime.' Crunchyroll, which has one of the largest collections of anime titles, says India is one of its fastest growing markets. A spokesperson of the Los Angeles headquartered OTT company says most of its Indian users are under the age of 35. And they spend over 60 minutes on average a day watching its content. 'We've seen a significant uptick in engagement since 2022, fuelled by growing awareness, improved access to legal, licensed Japanese anime content and a strong focus on localisation—including dubbing popular titles in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu,' the spokesperson says. Live Events HELLO, JAPAN Indians are increasingly saying 'Kon'nichiwa' (hello) to Japan. From anime film festivals in tier-1 cities to a growing appetite for sake and sushi to booking tickets for the sakura (cherry blossom) season, India's fascination with the East Asian nation is on the rise. What began as a niche interest has evolved into a broad cultural connection, influencing food, travel plans and university choices. At the centre of this shift is a growing community of Indian fans like Pancholi who are transforming their personal passions into shared cultural spaces. If the Indian movie aficionados who adored 20th century Japanese filmmakers like Yasujiro Ozu and Akira Kurosawa were few and scattered, now anime clubs are popping up across cities . Some of them are over a decade old — like the Bengaluru Anime Club, which became active in 2006—but they are all bustling with watch parties and offline meetups. IT professional Nabaneet Mondal, founder of the Otaku Guild—Kolkata, an online community of anime fans in the city, says, 'My first anime was Digimon. It had so many layers. I was hooked.' The club partners with anime events and manga publishers, and holds quizzes and treasure hunts. From pop culture to food is often just a quick hop. In Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, Japanese restaurants are mushrooming. Restaurateur Anurag Katriar, who heads deGustibus Hospitality, says his Japanese restaurant Otoki in Mumbai is not catering to a niche customer base: 'Sushi and matcha desserts are no longer niche—they are mainstream.' Chef Mohit Singh of Otoki, trained in Japan, wants to ensure authenticity on the plate, even if ingredients are imported from Thailand. Meanwhile, chefs are also tweaking Japanese dishes to suit the Indian palate— from spicy tempura to curry-laced ramen. And these are washed down with sake and Japanese whiskies. Sake imports from Japan to India have tripled in five years, according to media reports quoting Trade Statistics of Japan. Meher Kohli, cofounder of Tokyo Matcha Bar , a matcha-focused cafe in Mumbai, says Indians travellers, who are exposed to the green tea abroad, are looking to recreate their experience. 'People are travelling more and getting exposed to different cultures. Back home, they are willing to spend on an authentic experience,' she says. SPRING IN THE STEP Indian tourist arrivals in Japan have grown by leaps and bounds. It crossed 233,000 in 2024, rising by 40%, y-o-y. Direct flights, streamlined visa processes and favourable exchange rates ( `1=1.70 Japanese yen, on May 9) have contributed to the boom. 'Japan speaks to the Indian traveller who wants a mix of tradition, comfort and cultural depth,' says SD Nandakumar, president & country head — holidays and corporate tours, SOTC Travel. 'Indian travellers who have explored Europe are now looking for fresh experiences in Japanese destinations that offer new culture, cuisine and futuristic experiences,' says Bharatt Malik , senior VP– air and hotel business, Yatra Online. Japanese gastronomy is a major attraction—from Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka to traditional kaiseki meals in Kyoto and local markets in Fukuoka and Sapporo. Meanwhile, seekers of mindfulness are drawn to meditative tea ceremonies, spiritual retreats in Kyoto's monasteries, relaxing onsen baths and the slow life in rural prefectures. 'Indian travellers are looking for more than a checklist— they want connections, stories, mindfulness,' says Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, Indian Hotels Company. The peak season for Indian tourists is March, coinciding with the sakura season, says Rajesh Magow, cofounder, MakeMyTrip. 'There is also a surge in October and November, aligning with India's festive holidays, and the beginning of the leaf-peeping season in autumn, another period of high traveller interest,' he adds. Searches for Japan on the portal grew by 54% in FY2025 over the previous year. Japan is quickly becoming a year-round destination, says Rajeev Kale, president and country head for holidays, MICE, visa at Thomas Cook (India). 'We are curating winter-wonderland tours and trails in the Japanese Alps,' he says. COURSE IN TOKYO Students are also ticking Japanese universities in their preferences. Like Pancholi, Manish Nair, too, grew up on anime and had set his sights on going to Japan. Now, the 19-year-old from Delhi is studying engineering at the American University in Tokyo. 'In a class of 30, over 10 are Indians,' he says. 'We are seeing a strong interest from Indian students in undergraduate courses in engineering and business in Japan,' says Kim Dixit, founder of education consulting firm Red Pen. The numbers are still small but growing. According to a response in the Rajya Sabha in August 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that 1,532 Indian students were pursuing higher education in Japan. There were 1,300 students in 2022, according to another MEA estimate. Japan's universities are tapping Indian students, offering English-language programmes in innovation, robotics, clean tech as well as humanities. Naushad Forbes, co-chairperson of Forbes Marshall, says, 'Many business and engineering programmes are offered in English, which helps Indian students. Compared with other countries, inflation has been low in Japan, which makes it an attractive option for them. Also, with Japan's ageing population creating workforce gaps in IT, engineering and healthcare, Indian professionals are finding real opportunities there.' This is a world away from when Sato flew down to India for the first time in 1999 when Japan wasn't a destination— for education or tourism. 'When I came back in 2021, I was surprised by the development of Japan-India relations and Indians' fondness for Japanese culture. It has been a phenomenal change,' he says. Even the number of Japanese language learners in India is inching up. 'From over 11,000 in 2006, the number jumped to 36,000 in the Japan Foundation's 2021 survey, with newer figures expected to cross 50,000,' says Sato. 'We want to catch the tide and make Japanese pop culture a nationwide trend.' Will a Japanese wave sweep the country like the Korean wave did? 'I don't think Japan and South Korea are competing at all. In fact, we can work together to create platforms where Indians can enjoy both cultures together,' says Soto.
Jordan Times
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
Amman hosts Hokusai Manga exhibition to boost Jordan-Japan cultural ties
The exhibition pays tribute to the creative heritage of Katsushika Hokusai, a 'legendary' figure in Japanese art (Petra photo) AMMAN — The Japanese embassy, in partnership with the Japan Foundation and the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), on Wednesday launched the Hokusai Manga exhibition at Ras Al Ain Gallery, ushering in a fresh phase of cultural collaboration between Jordan and Japan. According to a statement from the embassy, the exhibition pays tribute to the creative heritage of Katsushika Hokusai, a 'legendary' figure in Japanese art, while showcasing the journey of manga from its classical roots to its contemporary forms. The event invites the public to discover a form of visual storytelling that connects Japan's traditional art with today's internationally beloved manga scene. Japanese Ambassador Asari Hideki highlighted the importance of cultural engagement in enhancing the relationship between the two nations, emphasising a "mutual dedication" to fostering understanding through the arts. Deputy City Manager for Community Affairs at GAM Hatem Hamlan reiterated Amman's "ongoing support" for cultural initiatives that promote global dialogue and artistic appreciation. The exhibition runs from Wednesday to May 20, with opening hours from 10:00am to 7:00pm. On Fridays, it will be open from 3:00pm to 8:00pm, and on Saturdays from 1:00pm to 8:00pm, offering visitors a "distinctive" chance to engage with Japan's "vibrant" visual art traditions, the embassy noted.
Saraha News
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Saraha News
Opening Ceremony: 'Manga Hokusai Manga' Exhibition Bridges Cultures Through
The Embassy of Japan in Jordan, in collaboration with the Japan Foundation and the Greater Amman Municipality, co-hosted the opening ceremony of the exhibition 'Manga Hokusai Manga' at Ras Al Ain Gallery, Amman, Jordan, marking another milestone in promoting mutual cultural understanding between Japan and Jordan. The exhibition explores the legacy of Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan's most iconic artists, and the evolution of Japanese manga from its traditional roots to contemporary forms. Through this captivating collection, visitors discovered the visual narratives that connect Japan's historical art with its globally beloved manga culture. The opening ceremony began with welcoming remarks by Asari Hideki, Ambassador of Japan to Jordan, highlighting the importance of cultural exchanges and the growing friendship between Japan and Jordan. Mr. Hatem Hamlan, City Manager Deputy for Societal Affairs emphasized Amman's commitment to support cultural initiatives that foster international understanding. 'Manga Hokusai Manga' exhibition will be open to the public from Wednesday 30 April to Tuesday 20 May 2025, 10:00am to 7:00 pm on weekdays, 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday, offering a unique opportunity for audiences in Jordan to engage with Japanese aesthetics and storytelling traditions, and enriching the cultural dialogue between both countries.
RNZ News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
The first NZ Contemporary Japanese Art show in 20 years
culture arts 37 minutes ago Whether it's a brand like 100% Pure or paintings and film of a rural idyll, we've become familiar in Aotearoa New Zealand with the tension between our depictment of the landscape, and the reality when we consider the effects on it of economic and social development. Similar tensions are at play in what is being billed as the first show of contemporary Japanese art in New Zealand in 20 years: Disruptive Landscapes, on until August 24 at Christchurch Art Gallery . Curator Melanie Oliver selected video work over several research trips to Japan and was particularly inspired by artists influenced by what became known in Japanese film after the late 1960s as 'landscape theory'. A view of the landscape loaded with politics. It was Masao Adachi's 1969 film A.K.A. Serial Killer that first defined Japanese 'landscape theory. Variously labelled as 'anti-art' and 'anti-documentary', the film has a special screening at the gallery on May 17. The Japan Foundation have also provided funding for all the artists to come to Christchurch June 14-18 for performances and talks. Melanie Oliver has, since August been Senior Curator at Monash University Museum of Art in Melbourne and was previously Curator at Christchurch Art Gallery, where she has returned to for this exhibition.
