An Introduction to Japanese Subcultures

Online Course

Keio University

Future Learn

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An Introduction to Japanese Subcultures

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Prerequisites & Facts
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What is the course about?

An Introduction to Japanese Subcultures

The course An Introduction to Japanese Subcultures is an online class provided by Keio University through Future Learn. It may be possible to receive a verified certification or use the course to prepare for a degree.

Explore Japanese subcultures and learn about their history from the 1970s to today.

Course description

4 weeks

Subcultures have existed for a long time: the greasers of 1950s America, the mods and rockers of the 1960s and 70s in England, the grunge of the 1980s and 90s, to name a few. Each subculture sits within a broader ‘parent’ culture and can often give us an insight into cultural fears and hopes, especially in the youth of the population.
On this course you will get an introduction to Japanese subcultures that have developed since the 1970s.
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.

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 fan culture
A history of subculture since 1970

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

This is an introductory course and is open to anyone with an interest in Japan and Japanese culture.
Some of the course videos will be in Japanese with English subtitles.

Keio University
Keio University is Japan’s first modern institution of higher learning, and since 1858 has established itself as a leader in Japan through its continued commitment to education, research and medicine.

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Prerequisites & Facts

An Introduction to Japanese Subcultures

Course Topic

History, Language, Social History

University, College, Institution

Keio University

Course Skill Level

see course summary

Course Language

English

Place of class

Online, self-paced (see curriculum for more information)

Degree

Certificate

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Degree & Cost

An Introduction to Japanese Subcultures

To obtain a verified certificate from Future Learn / Keio University you have to finish this course or the latest version of it, if there is a new edition. The class may be free of charge, but there could be some cost to receive a verified certificate or to access the learning materials. The specifics of the course may have been changed, please consult the provider to get the latest quotes and news.

Keio University

An Introduction to Japanese Subcultures

provided by Future Learn

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