Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2010

Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies, Temple University

How are manga and maid cafés shaping notions of Japanese national identity? That topic, and many others, will be under discussion during a two-part conference at Temple University Japan. Some of the keenest thinkers on contemporary Japanese culture will be knocking heads, including well-known Akihabara watcher Patrick Galbraith, who presents “Otakuology: Otaku, Media and the Academy,” and Japanamerica author Roland Kelts, who will consider “Why ‘Cool Japan’ is no Longer Enough.” The second session turns to issues of gender and sex, with speakers that include, among others, Nana Okura of Yale University.

TUJ: Politics of Popular Culture
Professors from prestigious universities discuss political engagement in today’s popular culture. June 5, 10am, June 26, 10am. ¥1,000. Temple University Mita Hall, Minami Azabu. Nearest stn: Shirokane-Takanawa or Tamachi. www.tuj.ac.jp/icas/