Beauty in Contemporary Japan: Body/Comm Spring 2009 Workshop

This semester we once again explore the concept of ideal beauty in contemporary Japan. What characteristics are necessary to be considered beautiful? What do Japanese people do to become beautiful? These were the themes of this semester's poster workshop. Check out the posters below, as well as the students themselves, for some ideal Japanese beauty.








Common themes included youth, cuteness, big eyes, shapely legs, large (but not too large) breasts, good proportions, dyed hair, light skin and proper accessories. Is there anything missing from the list? What would you add?

Click here to see photos from previous semesters' workshops.

Spring 2009 Globalization Kobe Fieldtrip

Another new semester, another Globalization class fieldtrip to Kobe. Kobe never gets old and students make new and different discoveries of globalization in this wonderful city. Check out the pictures below to see a sample of what this semester's participating students experienced.



Photos and captions by Étienne:

Is that the Québec flag?

Some Japanized "Parisian-style" set

Greek clothes shop

Is that a Dutch windmill?

Reminds me my family summer trips to New England's seaside!

American jazz

Some American hippie culture?

A shop with a French-sounding name

Chinatown!

Cowboys and Indians!


Photos from Yurika:

Kitano area.

Kitano area.

Kitano area.


Photos and captions by Steven:

Introducing students to the Lock Up (It's a prison themed izakaya).

Kobe style!

This is how the Globalization prof would like to spend his retirement days...

Where else but in Kobe could you buy fruit directly from the Womb?

The Bruce Lee shop in Chinatown is always a must to visit...

...this time they were selling breasts, 395 yen each (apparently no discount by the pair).

Another perfect example of globalization/glocalization: introducing the Kobe Burger!

Former students who happened to be in Kobe on the same day.


Photo and caption by Angelica:

"I scream, you scream, we all scream for...globalization!"

Yes, another fun and successful trip to Kobe.

For pictures of previous Globalization class fieldtrips, click here.

Spring 2009: A New Semester and 30 New Student Blogs!

That's right, spring has sprung and along with it, a new semester and 30 new student blogs to read every week. We are already on week two so students have moved from sharing their initial reactions and early impressions of Japan to exploring their new neighborhoods. Students in the class are diverse in their experiences, backgrounds and opinions - I anticipate an interesting sharing and blending of perspectives in our quest to discover, observe and visually illustrate Japanese culture. Please help them (and me!) by visiting their blogs often and leaving comments. The titles of their blogs alone reveal vast potential for originality and creativity. How can you resist? Be a part of our project and see what directions we go. よろしく！