Description
Book SynopsisIn this book, Yuko Kawai departs from the common conception of Japan as an ethnically homogenous nation. A Transnational Critique of Japaneseness: Cultural Nationalism, Racism, and Multiculturalism in Japan investigates the construction of Japaneseness from a transnational perspective, examining ways to make Japanese nationhood more inclusive. Kawai analyzes a variety of communicational practices during the first two decades of the twenty-first century while situating Japaneseness in its longer historical transformation from the late nineteenth century. Kawai focuses on governmental and popular ideas of Japaneseness in light of local, global, historical, and contemporary contexts as well as in relation to a diverse array of Others in both Asia and the West.
Trade ReviewWhile numerous works have discussed Japanese nationhood, Yuko Kawai innovatively revisits the reproduction of an exclusive idea of ‘Japaneseness’ by taking a ‘transnational critique’ approach. Brilliantly interconnecting the past and present, discursive formations of diverse Others, and critical multiculturalism, this book deepens our understanding of how nationalism, racism, and multiculturalism are inseparably intertwined to construct Japanese nationhood and offers a fresh insight into how Japan can be transformed into a more inclusive society. This book will be a valuable source for anyone interested in nationalism, critical multiculturalism, and socio-cultural inclusion in and beyond the Japanese context.
-- Koichi Iwabuchi, Kwansei Gakuin University
Table of ContentsIntroduction: A Transnational Critique for a Multiculturalist Japan
Chapter 1: Japaneseness, Western and Japanese Concepts of Race, and Modalities of
Racism
Chapter 2: Neoliberal Nationalism and Japaneseness
Chapter 3: Remembering Japanese Americans and Japanese Brazilians for Japaneseness
Chapter 4: Using China and Korea for Japaneseness: “Hate Books,” History, and the
Grammar of Japanese Racialized Discourse
Chapter 5: Entering the West and Encountering Asia: Trans-East Asian Friendships Made
in the West
