Thursday, February 26, 2009

Japanese teens and pre-teens are helping to boost Japan’s sluggish economy as they devour popular culture, from electronics and fashion to books and music. Others are expressing themselves through less mainstream behaviors. How does today’s youth culture reflect deeper, more complex issues—such as race, gender and cultural politics—in Japan? Two experts on youth culture will discuss current trends in music and alternative subcultures as they forecast how these trends may shape future generations.

Dr. Jennifer Milioto Matsue is Assistant Professor of Music, Asian Studies, and Anthropology at Union College in New York. Matsue’s research incorporates various music cultures in Japan—including the underground Tokyo hardcore rock scene, nagauta (a type of traditional chamber music), electronica and trance raves, and wadaiko (Japanese ensemble drumming)—and how performers find meaning through participating in such music worlds. She is the author of Making Music in Japan’s Underground: The Tokyo Hardcore Scene, and holds a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Chicago.

Dr. Marvin D. Sterling is Assistant Professor in the Anthropology Department at Indiana University. Sterling’s research examines the popularity of Jamaican subculture in contemporary Japan, from reggae to Rastafari. Sterling explores the Western idea of race and identity in modern Japan, through minzokugaku (folklore studies), Japanese anthropology, and Japan’s interpretation of Western popular cultural forms. Sterling holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles and currently is developing his forthcoming book, Babylon East: Dancehall, Roots Reggae and Rastafari in Japan.

Moderator Lisa Katayama writes about Japan, pop culture, technology, and human rights for publications such as Wired, Popular Science, Giant Robot, PRI, and The New York Times Magazine. Born and raised in Tokyo, she is the author of Urawaza: Secret Everyday Tips and Tricks from Japan, and her blog, http://www.tokyomango.com, was a finalist for the 2008 Weblog Awards.

Time:
Thursday, February 26, 2009
6:00 pm Reception & Registration
6:30-8:00 pm Panel and Q&A

Location:
Variety Preview Room
582 Market Street (in the Hobart Building)
San Francisco, CA [map]

Cost:
$5 Japan Society Members & Members of Co-sponsoring Organizations
$15 Non-Members
Free for Japan Society Student Members

This is a lecture event hosted by the Japan Society of Northern California. Guest passes issued by the Japan Society will be accepted. Seating is limited and advanced registration is recommended to ensure a seat. Refunds will not be made after Monday, February 23, 2009.

This program is made possible by the support of Union Bank of California.
Co-sponsored by the Center for Asian American Media and University of San Francisco Center for the Pacific Rim.