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Hello Kitty, one of the most loved Sanrio characters, is marking her 50th anniversary with a bang. A new exhibition marking the milestone opened in Tokyo's National Museum called 'As I change, so does she' on Nov. 1. The bubble-headed mouthless cat is going as strong as ever, popping up on everything from keychains and purses to McDonald's Happy Meals. She cut the ribbon to open a new exhibition in Tokyo, looking back at five decades of her memorabilia. She (and it is a she, according to her creator Sanrio Co.) represents every prefecture in Japan, splashed on various regional products, snowflake-covered for northernmost Hokkaido, while a tropical Hello Kitty jumping out of a mango hails from the southern islands of Okinawa. Michiko Shimizu, a professor at Kansai University of International Studies, calls herself a "Kitt-ler," meaning a big fan of Hello Kitty. She bought a small purse for herself in 1975, which turned out to be the first merchandise of the character. "We counted the Hello Kitty items in my research room, including the goto-chi (localized) Kittys (in 2006). When we reached around a thousand, we had to stop," she says. "In general, I buy things that have Kitty-chan. My eraser is Kitty-chan, my pencil is Kitty-chan. I'm often asked (how many items I own) but it is countless." Hello Kitty's success lies in that strategy of relatively unrestricted use in return for a licensing fee, being flexible and open to collaborations and third-party use. Sanrio operates amusement parks and stores, and makes films, video games and publications, all with references to Hello Kitty galore. The Tokyo-based company's concept is: “minna nakayoku,” which means, “everyone gets along,” a fitting description for the way it runs its business. The way Sanrio puts it: “Spreading the circle of happiness.” "Kitty-chan's strength is that she is a mere design, I think. Of course, there is a rough profile, but that is something created later and it is not that significant. That simple design—with a round face, and a button-like nose, a big bow and no mouth—makes it possible for her to be anything. She is accepted by various generations and countries," says Shimizu. This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Jonathan welcomes back Dr. Curtis Kelly - (Citation 9, Citation 73) - Professor Emeritus, Kansai University. Read the article here Think Tanks Contacts: JonathanShachter@gmail.com, LostInCitations@gmail.com
Jonathan interviews Fred E. Anderson - Professor Emeritus at Kansai University. Teaching English at Japanese Universities Contacts: JonathanShachter@gmail.com, LostInCitations@gmail.com
This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... HAJIME! The Krewe sits down with Alexander Bennett, 7th Dan in Kendo, to take a deep dive into the way of the sword. From the historical context of how kendo came to be to the ins and outs of being a kendo practitioner, this episode will open your eyes to this intense martial art! And don't forget... KI... KEN... TAI... ICHI! (Gotta listen to get that reference!)------ About the Krewe ------The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!------ More Info on Alexander Bennett, Kendo & Kenjutsu ------Budo BooksAlexander Bennett on InstagramShogun Martial ArtsNew Orleans Kendo Club
Jonathan interviews Dr. Simon Humphries (Citation 7, Citation 79) - Professor of Intercultural Communication, Faculty of Foreign Language Studies and Graduate School of Foreign Language Education and Research at Kansai University. Read the article here. Contacts: JonathanShachter@gmail.com, LostInCitations@gmail.com
Chris interviews Dr. Ana Sofia Hofmeyr - (Citation 46, Citation 94) - Associate Professor, Faculty of Foreign Language Studies, Kansai University. ResearchGate Contacts: haswell247@gmail.com, LostInCitations@gmail.com
This week Jon is joined by Thomas and Heather of the Japan Archives podcast as they break down 2003's Tom Cruise-Tacular Japanese Epic The Last Samurai From a film LOOSELY based on the events of 1877 Satsuma Rebellion and the life of french artillery office Jules Brunet, we delve into the causes of Japan's reopening to the western powers, the real events that lead to the end of an era, and how films like the Last Samurai can influence and propagate Orientalism. Our special guest historians this week are Dr E. Taylor Atkins of Northern Illinois University who specialises in Modern Japanese and Korean cultural history, and transnational popular culture. The second edition of his A History of Popular Culture in Japan comes out this autumn. & Dr Alexander Bennett of Kansai University expert in the history of martial arts and samurai culture. Some of his Published works include Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai, Tuttle (2014) and Kendo: Culture of the Sword, University of California Press (2015) We'd also like to thank all our special guests, historians, and podcasters for giving up their time and making it such a wonderful season 1. If you enjoyed it and want to give some feedback and make season 2 even better (and exists) you can fill in the survey here : https://forms.gle/cc7jna7FnDEDafPo7 Guest Socials Twitter: @japanarchives Instagram: nexus_travels Website: www.historyofjapan.co.uk If you'd like to learn more about today's topics you can find articles and sources on our website www.japanhiddenhistorypodcast.com You can also follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Japanhiddenhistorypodcast/ Twitter @JapanHistorypod Instagram japanhiddenhistorypod Tiktok @japanhiddenhistory
Join public historian Jon Combey as he breaks down Seven Samurai (1954). Set in 1586 CE, the classic piece of cinema by Kurosawa Akira is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential films in modern filmmaking. But how does it hold up to a historian's searching eye? To join Jon on his journey is the wonderful Vincent Kenny of the Hikikomori Podcast. Together they will delve into the events of the Sengoku Jidai, search for the mindset of a samurai, and wrestle with 16th-century class warfare. Alongside them will be two special experts, Dr E. Taylor Atkins of Northern Illinois University who specialises in Modern Japanese and Korean cultural history, and transnational popular culture. The second edition of his A History of Popular Culture in Japan comes out this autumn. & Dr Alexander Bennett of Kansai University expert in the history of martial arts and samurai culture. Some of his Published works include Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai, Tuttle (2014) and Kendo: Culture of the Sword, University of California Press (2015) If you'd like to learn more about today's topics you can find articles and sources on our website www.japanhiddenhistorypodcast.com You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok.
Chris interviews Dr. Kris Ramonda (Citation 4) - Associate Professor, Faculty of Foreign Language Studies at Kansai University. Contacts: haswell247@gmail.com, LostInCitations@gmail.com
Studies have shown that when students are connected with their peers, the process of learning new things becomes easier. Collaborative opportunities within a classroom tend to help students learn better than when the classroom emphasis is based on a competition model. Curtis Kelly, Professor at Kansai University in Japan, is passionate about using research and trends in brain science to help his students unlock their potential as learners.
The term “slavery” brings to mind transatlantic ships and human trade—both very disturbing visualizations of human experience. Historically, such slave trade has been at the center of the practice of slavery, which is still prevalent in the modern world. In the first episode of our new themed series called In Chains, we speak with Dr. Raphaël Lambert, Professor at the Department of British and American Cultural Studies, Kansai University, Kyoto. Prof. Lambert is the author of the Brill book “Narrating the Slave Trade: Theorizing Community.” Prof. Lambert offers a glimpse into slave trade through the prism of community, telling us how community is relevant to slave trade as they're both closely related to human experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology
The term “slavery” brings to mind transatlantic ships and human trade—both very disturbing visualizations of human experience. Historically, such slave trade has been at the center of the practice of slavery, which is still prevalent in the modern world. In the first episode of our new themed series called In Chains, we speak with Dr. Raphaël Lambert, Professor at the Department of British and American Cultural Studies, Kansai University, Kyoto. Prof. Lambert is the author of the Brill book “Narrating the Slave Trade: Theorizing Community.” Prof. Lambert offers a glimpse into slave trade through the prism of community, telling us how community is relevant to slave trade as they're both closely related to human experience.
Chris interviews Dr. Ana Sofia Hofmeyr (Citation 46) - Lecturer, Faculty of Foreign Language Studies, Kansai University. ResearchGate Contacts: haswell247@gmail.com, LostInCitations@gmail.com
Chris interviews Julija Knezevic of Kansai University, an interpretation and medical specialist, about her work to support medical trainees and assist foreign residents to receive the best possible medical help in Japan. Contacts: haswell247@gmail.com, LostInCitations@gmail.com
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Whar are buruma? Topics Discussed What buruma/bloomers are A brief overview of the history of school uniforms in Japan About the gakuran style school uniform About the supposed link between gakuran uniforms and Prussian military uniforms About sailor uniforms (sērā fuku) About "blazer" style uniforms The controversy over whether it was a school in Kyoto or Fukuoka that first introduced the sailor uniform in Japan The "second button" tradition The story behind why schools across Japan began having female students wear bloomers in the 1960s and why they stopped in the 1990s The urban legend that bloomers became popular due to the Japanese women's volleyball team wearing them in the 1964 Olympics The 1993 incident in Singapore that was the final straw that led to the disappearance of bloomers from schools in Japan About girls being able to wear slacks instead of skirts as part of their school uniforms About koromogae (changing school uniforms in accordance with the change of the seasons) And much more! Support on Patreon If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode. 高校の制服の歴史 昔の制服を試着!椙山歴史文化館 学校制服としてのセーラー服の歴史 学院の歴史資料 This is the website of Kyoto Heian Jogakuin. This is one of the schools that takes the credit for being the first to introduce sailor uniforms in Japan. On this page you can see a photo of this early version of the sailor uniform. This is the photo Ryan refers to that has a dog in it. セーラー服 学ランの由来と歴史について知ろう! 知ってるようで知らない学ランとセーラー服のお話 日本の学ランがプロイセンの軍服をモデルに作られたというのは本当ですか? 卒業式 学生服の第二ボタンの意味と由来とは? あの恥ずかしいブルマーはなぜ日本中の学校で強制されていたのか? 裏には教育界とメーカーの癒着が This is the article that explains the history of "bloomers" in Japan. It discusses why blooomers became so widely used in Japan and then why bloomers suddenly disappeared. The article goes over the research of Yuji Yamamoto, a professor at Kansai University who wrote a book titled Burumā no Nazo (The Riddle/Puzzle/Mystery of Bloomers). 【SDGs】愛媛でも広がるジェンダーレス制服 採用増える「ジェンダーレス制服」、誕生の背景は トンボのデザイナーに聞く Here's some of the English language sources read for this episode. About Japanese School Uniforms: Symbols of Freedom, Rebellion, and Fashion School uniforms in Japan Sailor Uniforms and the Maypole Dance SEIFUKU Here is a video of the Japanese women's volleyball team competing in the finals of the 1964 Olympics. Japan Win First Ever Women's Volleyball Gold - Tokyo 1964 Olympics To learn about weird/antiquiated/pointless school rules in Japan check out the episode of Ichimon Japan linked to below. Why are school rules in Japan so strict? (All About Kōsoku) | Ichimon Japan 23 Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below. Coeds & Kaiju: On the Female Student in Japan's New Left, Kaiju Movies & More (Dr. Chelsea Szendi Schieder) | Japan Station 77 Behind the Scenes of JapanKyo Docs | Japan Station 78 Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com. Check out Kimito Designs Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Seifuku 制服 【せいふく】 (n) uniform Sērā fuku セーラー服 【セーラーふく】 (n) sailor suit; middy uniform Burumā ブルマー : ブルマ; ブルマー; ブルーマー; ブルーマーズ; ブルマーズ (n) (1) bloomers; (n) (2) (girls') gym shorts We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
In this video, Professor Tosh Yamamoto discusses his role at Kansai University, and his mission to instil a passion for lifelong learning in students beyond graduation. Examining Japanese perspectives on academic integrity, Professor Yamamoto draws on Japan's traditional educational paradigm, while supporting academic integrity's universal relevance. He explores the ‘promise and proof' of original thinking and how it can be applied through authentic assessment, and advocates for a deeper digital transformation in Japan towards new best practices that reach every corner of an institution. What should Japanese institutions consider in strengthening learning outcomes in a post-Covid world? Watch the video for Professor Yamamoto's vision for the future of higher education in Japan.
Jonathan interviews Dr. Simon Humphries (Citation 7) - Professor of Intercultural Communication, Faculty of Foreign Language Studies and Graduate School of Foreign Language Education and Research at Kansai University. Read the chapter here:
Jonathan interviews Dr. Curtis Kelly (Citation 9) - Professor of English, Faculty of Business and Commerce at Kansai University. Read the article here: https://www.mindbrained.org/2021/02/s2s-the-connected-classroom/ Think Tanks Contacts: JonathanShachter@gmail.com, LostInCitations@gmail.com
Jonathan interviews Dr. Todd Allen - Associate professor at Kansai University. Read the paper here: Academia.edu Contacts: JonathanShachter@gmail.com, LostInCitations@gmail.com
Despite a fourth wave of COVID-19 and a state of emergency in Tokyo, the Summer Olympics are going ahead. We talk to Satoko Itani, professor of sports and gender studies at Osaka's Kansai University, about growing local opposition. And two Canadian athletes — runner Madeleine Kelly and swimmer Sydney Pickrem — discuss how the pandemic has impacted their training, and their hopes for the Games this year.
The term “slavery” brings to mind transatlantic ships and human trade—both very disturbing visualizations of human experience. Historically, such slave trade has been at the center of the practice of slavery, which is still prevalent in the modern world. In the first episode of our new themed series called In Chains, we speak with Dr. Raphaël Lambert, Professor at the Department of British and American Cultural Studies, Kansai University, Kyoto. Prof. Lambert is the author of the Brill book “Narrating the Slave Trade: Theorizing Community.” Prof. Lambert offers a glimpse into slave trade through the prism of community, telling us how community is relevant to slave trade as they're both closely related to human experience. Guest: Prof Raphaël Lambert Host: Leigh Giangreco
COIL, short for Collaborative Online International Learning, is a hot topic of conversation. In this Episode, CJ is joined by CANIE Co-Host, and CANIE Summit [Europe] Presenter, Simone Hackett - senior lecturer and head of internationalization at The Hague University in The Netherlands. Simone has worked with COIL since 2012 and in a surprise twist that CJ did not expect, also worked with guest Keiko Ikeda, Professor in the Division of International Affairs, and KU-COIL Coordinator at Kansai University on a COIL collaboration! In this episode Simon and Keiko introduce the topic of COIL, the opportunities it presents for internationalization at home, subject matter well-suited to COIL, as well as best practices for getting COIL embedded in an institution. Simone and Keiko also discuss how COIL has changed as a result of COVID and why it presents an opportunity for sustainable internationalization.
Chris interviews Ana Sofia Hofmeyr - Lecturer, Faculty of Foreign Language Studies, Kansai University. ResearchGate Contacts: haswell247@gmail.com, LostInCitations@gmail.com
Japan's Top Business Interviews Podcast By Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo, Japan
Robert Noddin first arrived in Japan as an exchange student when he was at university. He attended Kansai University of Foreign Studies, before eventually going back to the United States where he started his career in the banking industry. Very soon after, Mr. Noddin received a job position with AIG, who he has been with ever since, and formerly served as President & CEO at AIG Japan Holdings. Mr. Noddin gives fantastic insight to his experiences, detailing the importance of communication, trust, and accountability. Mr. Noddin states: “to me, leadership is about inspiring people to go somewhere that they wouldn't necessarily go on their own. Management is about, I got a set of tasks to do today.” Mr. Noddin holds open discussions across department on how to achieve clearly set objectives through each stakeholders' point of view. These discussions help create a sense of ownership and accountability amongst his staff in producing quality work. Additionally, attending social events outside of work and showing his “human side” has allowed Mr. Noddin to better engage with his employees. By building trust in this way, Mr. Noddin finds that his employees are more willing to seek advice when they are in conflict. “[Japanese people] have to put this façade on because that's what culture expects…so give them the opportunity to break with that…it makes a big difference.” To encourage innovation, Mr. Noddin launched a venture capital-like operation within AIG in which a select number of employees worked on a short-term project to launch a product from scratch. Mr. Noddin explains: “that [project] was probably the single most effective thing we've done here, in my stint, to be able to prove to people it's okay to be creative, it's okay to think differently. We even let them change their work hours.” For newcomers to Japan, Mr. Noddin advises to stay resilient, focus on the objectives, and respect Japanese history and culture, commenting that anyone coming to Japan to lead should “try to show how you can use that to become competitive and unique and different in the Japanese market.”
Jonathan interviews Dr. Curtis Kelly - Professor of English, Faculty of Business and Commerce at Kansai University. Harvard course referenced in podcast More Online Harvard Courses (some are FREE!) Think Tanks Contacts: JonathanShachter@gmail.com, ctskelly@gmail.com
Jonathan interviews Dr. Simon Humphries - Professor of Intercultural Communication, Faculty of Foreign Language Studies and Graduate School of Foreign Language Education and Research at Kansai University. We discuss his chapter in the forthcoming book: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Language Teaching. You can read the chapter here: Please teach me how to teach. You can order the book here for 50% off: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Language Teaching Contacts: JonathanShachter@gmail.com, shumphri@kansai-u.ac.jp
Chris interviews Dr. Kris Ramonda - Associate Professor, Faculty of Foreign Language Studies at Kansai University. Contacts: haswell247@gmail.com, k.ramonda@icloud.com