Media convergence, media mix, mass media. National identity in postwar Japanese society.

The course will explore the  formation on the mass media industry in postwar Japan, the development of a peculiar popular culture in a mass society. Ranging from the “long 1960s” to the XXI century, the course will explore how media contributed in shaping postwar Japan and then how Japanese popular culture went global. This phenomena has historical, social, political and diplomatic value: it was an essential part in the formation of the national identity and in how Japanese perceived themselves and their Country. In the meanwhile, both as a result of private initiative and official diplomacy, Japan turned into a sort of global brand, built upon many element of its popular culture, not last its food,
Particular attention will be given to the concept of Media convergence, a concept popularized by Henry Jenkins in his work Convergence Culture (2006), on the assumption that Japan followed path that is similar similar to the one of the USA - the prime focus of Jenkins analysis- but with several distinctive features.
Japanese media and popular culture  development were the forerunner of East-Asia pop culture development, with South Korean leading this global phenomenon.
We are part of a global historical change, sparked by the digital revolution. Understanding Japanese and East Asia experience is essential to assess this change and where is leading.

The course has a seminar structure. Attending students will have to take classes, participate in the discussion, deliver an in-class presentation and present a paper. It will also be required to complete an online test on general methodological issues, based on the common lectures. To actively attend at least 70% or more of the lessons is a prerequisite for students taking part in the seminar. Lessons will be only in presence.

Students unable to attend will prepare the exam on the given bibliography.

The common lectures for all the attending students are:

1)
Henry Jenkins, Convergence Culture. Where Old and New Media Collide, New York University Press, 2007
- Introduction: “Worship at the Altar of Convergence”
- chapter 3: Searching for the Origami Unicorn
- Glossary

2)
Patrick W. Galbraith and Jason G. Karlin (Eds.), Media Convergence in Japan, Kinema Club, 2016
- Introduction: At the Crossroads of Media Convergence in Japan

3)
Forum Mithani and Griseldis Kirsch (Eds.) Handbook of Japanese Media and Popular Culture in Transition, Amsterdam University Press, 2022
- Chapter 8: Rayna Denison, Media Mix: Theorizing and Historicizing Japanese Franchising.

Additional readings will be agreed individually during the course.

For the not attending students:

1)
Henry Jenkins, Convergence Culture. Where Old and New Media Collide, New York University Press, 2007
- Introduction: “Worship at the Altar of Convergence”
- chapter 3: Searching for the Origami Unicorn
- Glossary

Either 2) or 3) (not both!):

2)
Patrick W. Galbraith and Jason G. Karlin (Eds.), Media Convergence in Japan, Kinema Club, 2016
Parts I-II-III-V (not IV)

OR:

3)
Forum Mithani and Griseldis Kirsch (Eds.) Handbook of Japanese Media and Popular Culture in Transition, Amsterdam University Press, 2022
Parts 1-2-3-4 (not 5).

All the mentioned books will are available in digital format, also from the dedicated page of the course in e-learning Sapienza.

For specific request or needs, please contact me.

Obtain a good knowledge of the importance of phenomena like Media Convergence and Media Mix in Japan and East Asian societies.