An Introduction to Japanese Subcultures (FutureLearn)

Explore different aspects of Japanese subcultures

Japanese subculture has been long considered as ephemeral youth culture compared to authentic traditional culture. It contains, however, subversive power which encourages younger generations to re-create the world they live in. We mainly focus on the significance of immaturity and vulnerability of youth which eventually give permission to younger people (in other words, minorities) to stay as they are.

In this course, together with three other specialists, Professor Niijima, Professor Takahashi and Professor Ohwada, we will explore girls comics, boys comics, the Hatsune Miku vocaloid, cosplay, and J-pop idols, focusing on the themes such as Love, Battle, Technology and Fan culture, in which you’ll learn about the different cultural creations that underpin Japanese subcultures. With materials for cultural analysis, you’ll develop a basic knowledge of key Japanese subcultures, learning the recognisable traits of each.

Understand the historic context of Japanese subcultures

On the course you’ll discover historic background of youth culture in Japan, and understand the enormous impact of World War II.

Learn about Japanese subcultures and the youth of Japan

Finally, this course will give you a new perspective on the young people of Japan, exploring how they can be seen to elaborate the world of “immaturity” and “vulnerability.” You will see the reason these characteristics of Japanese subculture attracts “global” attentions.

What topics will you cover?

- Understanding Japanese youth culture

- Considering vulnerability and immaturity in Japanese social context

- Love relationship and self-acknowledgment

- Battles and competition in educational institutions

- Machine and Human

- Derivative works and fun culture

- A history of subculture since 1970

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

- Evaluate the significant meanings of youth culture

- Interpret subcultural materials along with social background

- Compare the context of Japanese subculture with learners’ own cultural background

- Investigate the reason why Japanese culture has a strong impact and popularity in global context