asian studies final

Anpanman March, creation of Yanase Takash

is a popular Japanese children's song that is featured in the animated series 'Anpanman.' It celebrates the character Anpanman, a superhero made of bread with a red bean filling, and his adventures to help others.

Goodbye Nuclear Power Rally, 2012

A significant event in Japan where activists protested against the use of nuclear energy following the Fukushima disaster. It aimed to raise awareness and push for a transition to renewable energy sources.

Triple Disaster/Fukushima Nuclear Accident of 2011

Refers to the combination of the Tōhoku earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, leading to widespread devastation and a nuclear crisis in Japan.

Wartime accountability/apology controversy

Refers to the ongoing debate in Japan regarding the government's acknowledgment and apology for wartime actions during World War II, particularly towards countries affected by Japanese military aggression. This controversy often involves historical revisionism and differing views on responsibility.

Kasuo Shiraga and the avant-garde Gutai Movement (1950s-1972

Kasuo Shiraga was a prominent Japanese artist known for his role in the Gutai Movement, which emphasized experimentation and the integration of artistic practice with performance and physicality. This movement sought to break away from traditional forms of art and promote a new language of expression post-World War II.

Reportage painter Yamashita Kikuji

was a Japanese artist known for his vivid depictions of urban life and social issues, often representing the struggles and realities of post-war Japan through his unique style.

Yasukuni Shrine

A controversial Shinto shrine in Tokyo that honors Japan's war dead, including those who fought in World War II. It has been a site of national memory and debate regarding Japan's militaristic past and the treatment of war criminals.

“Type A” War Criminals Hideki Tojo and General Iwane Matsui

were prominent military leaders in Japan during World War II, tried and convicted for crimes against peace and humanity after the war.

Shoko Asahara, Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack of 1995

was the leader of the Aum Shinrikyo cult, responsible for orchestrating the deadly nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries, and was later sentenced to death for his crimes.

Author Mishima Yukio, death by seppuku,1970

was a prominent Japanese author and playwright, known for his nationalist views and dramatic works. He committed ritual suicide by seppuku at age 45 in protest against Japan's post-war pacifism and to promote his ideals.

Jomon pottery

is a style of ancient Japanese pottery characterized by its cord-marked decoration and was created by the Jomon culture, which existed from approximately 14,000 BCE to 300 BCE.

Prime Minister Kishi Nobusuke

was a Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister from 1957 to 1960. He was known for his role in promoting economic growth and strengthening Japan's ties with the United States during the Cold War.

Anpo demonstrations of 1960

were large-scale protests in Japan against the Anpo Treaty, which renewed the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, reflecting widespread public opposition to American military presence and perceived threats to national sovereignty. Minamata Bay mercury poisoning

Minamata Bay mercury poisoning

is a severe environmental disaster caused by mercury contamination in Minamata Bay, Japan, primarily due to industrial waste from the Chisso Corporation, resulting in serious health effects for the local population.

Fishermen on Lucky Dragon 5

was a Japanese fishing boat that contaminated with radioactive fallout from a U.S. hydrogen bomb test in 1954. This incident highlighted the dangers of nuclear testing and raised public awareness about radiation exposure.

Controversies surrounding US military bases on Japanese soil

involves debates over issues such as local safety, environmental damage, and social implications, reflecting tensions between national security and community rights.

Japan’s lost decade

refers to a period of economic stagnation in Japan during the 1990s, following the bursting of an asset price bubble. It was characterized by low growth, deflation, and high unemployment, significantly impacting the country's economy.

Japan’s economic miracle

describes Japan's rapid post-World War II economic growth, characterized by industrial expansion, technological advancement, and significant improvements in living standards, particularly from the 1950s to the early 1990s.

Japanese actor Koji Yakusho in 2023 movie Perfect Days filmed in Tokyo

stars as a character navigating daily life while reflecting on his past experiences and relationships.

Studio Ghibli founders: Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata

created iconic animated films that blend fantasy with deep emotional narratives, impacting global animation and storytelling.

Shinkansen (“bullet train”)

a high-speed rail system in Japan, known for its punctuality and efficiency, connecting major cities across the country.

Kenzo Tange’s National Gymnasium

is an architectural landmark in Tokyo, designed for the 1964 Olympics, showcasing a blend of modern and traditional Japanese design.

Tokyo Olympics of 1964

the first Olympics held in Japan, featuring significant advancements in sports infrastructure and international participation.

Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima

a memorial park dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945, emphasizing peace and reconciliation.

August 6 and 9, 1945: Pres. Truman authorizes use of atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

These dates mark the bombing of Hiroshima on August 6 and Nagasaki on August 9, leading to immense destruction and loss of life during World War II.

Liberal Democratic Party

the dominant political party in Japan, formed in 1955, known for its conservative policies and significant role in post-war Japanese politics.

Jazz pianist Akiyoshi Toshiko

is a renowned jazz musician and composer from Japan, recognized for her innovative approach and contribution to the jazz genre.

Reverse Course, circa 1947

the shift in U.S. policy in Japan after World War II that emphasized economic recovery and stability, moving away from initial punitive measures.

Self-Defense Force

Japan's military organization established in 1954, responsible for defense and security tasks.

Article Nine (Peace Clause)

a provision in the Japanese Constitution that renounces war and prohibits Japan from maintaining military forces for warfare, emphasizing a commitment to peace.

Beate Sirota, helped draft equal rights for women section in 1947 constitution

was an American-born Japanese lawyer and women's rights advocate, significant for her role in establishing gender equality in post-war Japan.

General Douglas MacArthur (Supreme Commander of Allied Powers)

was a key military leader during the Allied occupation of Japan after World War II, overseeing significant political, economic, and social reforms. He played a crucial role in Japan's post-war reconstruction and the establishment of a democratic government.

“New Constitution, Bright Life” illustrated guide published by GHQ (Allied Occupation) in 1947

was a publication aimed at educating the Japanese populace about the new constitution, emphasizing democratic principles and human rights in the post-war era.

Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941)

was a surprise military strike by the Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, leading to the US's entry into World War II.

Nanjing Massacre of 1937

was a mass murder and war rape committed by Japanese troops against residents of Nanjing, China, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians.

Kagawa Toyohiko, Christian labor organizer

was a prominent Japanese Christian minister and social reformer known for his advocacy of labor rights and the establishment of cooperative organizations during the early 20th century.

Mukden or Manchurian Incident of 1931

was a staged event engineered by Japan to justify its invasion of Manchuria, leading to the establishment of a puppet state and escalating tensions in East Asia.

Lt. Col. Ishiwara Kanji, Buddhist militarist

was a key figure in the Japanese military known for his role in the planning of the Mukden Incident and the subsequent invasion of Manchuria, advocating for Buddhist teachings within the military context.

Pan-Asianism (implies Japan’s leading role in guiding Asia)

is a political and cultural ideology that promotes the unity of Asian peoples and the belief that Japan should lead the way in this cooperative endeavor. It emphasizes solidarity among Asian nations against Western imperialism.

State Shintoism

is a form of Shinto that was used as a political tool by the Japanese government to promote nationalism and unity, emphasizing the emperor's divinity and the cultural identity of Japan.

Feminist author Hiratsuka Haruko

was a prominent Japanese feminist and writer in the early 20th century, advocating for women's rights and social reforms through her literary works.

“Good Wives, Wise Mothers” (Meiji slogan)

was a slogan used during the Meiji era that emphasized women's roles in the family and society as supportive wives and nurturing mothers, promoting traditional gender roles in Japan.

Wabi sabi (embrace change, decay, imperfection, simplicity)

is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in the imperfect and transient nature of life, celebrating the natural cycle of growth and decay.

Tokyo earthquake 1923

was a catastrophic natural disaster that struck the Kanto region of Japan, causing widespread destruction and loss of life, significantly impacting the social and cultural landscape of the country.

Prime Minister Hara Takashi (also known as Hara Kei)

was the first commoner to serve as Prime Minister of Japan, advocating for political reform and modernization during the early 20th century, until his assassination in 1921.

Taisho Democracy (1905-26)

refers to the period of significant political change in Japan, characterized by increased democratic participation, civil liberties, and the emergence of new political parties during the Taisho era. This era saw a shift towards a more liberal political environment, with greater influence of public opinion in government decisions.

The Diet

is the national legislature of Japan, consisting of two houses: the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, playing a crucial role in the democratic governance of the country.

Japan’s empire-building (1895-1945)

refers to Japan's territorial expansion and colonization efforts, which included conquests in East Asia and the Pacific, significantly impacting regional dynamics and leading to conflicts such as the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II.

Meiji oligarch, Ito Hirobumi, drafted the Meiji Constitution

which established a system of government that combined elements of a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary system, laying the groundwork for modern Japan.

Meiji Constitution (1889)

was Japan's fundamental law that established the framework for the government, ensuring the emperor's sovereignty while incorporating Western legal principles.

Fukuzawa Yukichi, influential advocate for western-style education and modernization

and founder of Keio University, he emphasized the importance of adopting Western knowledge and practices to strengthen Japan and promote its development.

Satsuma Rebellion (1877-80)

was a revolt led by discontented samurai against the Meiji government, stemming from dissatisfaction with the abolition of the samurai class and the government's modernization policies.

Charter Oath of 1868

was a set of commitments laid out by the Meiji Emperor that aimed to modernize Japan, promoting democratic governance, freedom of action, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Satsuma and Choshu domains/prefectures

were powerful regions in Japan that played a significant role in the Meiji Restoration, providing military and political support to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate and establish a new government.

Meiji era (1868-1912)

was a period in Japanese history marked by rapid modernization and Westernization, characterized by significant political, economic, and cultural reforms.

Meiji Restoration (1868)

refers to the event that restored imperial rule to Japan under Emperor Meiji, marking the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and initiating major political, social, and economic transformations.

Setouchi Harumi (later Setouchi Jakucho)

was a significant Japanese author and playwright known for her contributions to literature, particularly in the post-war period, and is recognized for her exploration of themes such as gender and identity.

Iwakura Mission of 1871-73

a diplomatic voyage to the United States and Europe aimed at renegotiating unequal treaties and studying Western institutions and technologies.

Commodore Mathew Perry, 1853-4

was an American naval officer whose expedition to Japan, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, opened Japan to Western trade and marked the end of its period of isolation.

Dutch learning

refers to the body of knowledge acquired by Japan from Dutch sources during the Edo period, particularly in fields such as medicine, science, and technology.

Zen Buddhism

is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the practice of meditation and the direct experience of enlightenment.

Samurai

were the historical military nobility of Japan, known for their code of honor, discipline, and skills in martial arts.

Shogun

the title given to the military dictator of Japan during the feudal period, who held the most power and authority.

Emperor

the ceremonial sovereign of Japan, with a historical role as a figurehead in the country's political and cultural life.