The Strong and the Weak in Japanese Literature

The Strong and the Weak in Japanese Literature

Author: Fuminobu Murakami

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2010-06-10

Total Pages: 285

ISBN-13: 1136970517

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This book uses texts from classical to modern Japanese literature to examine concepts of 'respect for the strong', as a notion of an evolutionary society, and 'sympathy for the weak', as a notion of a non-violent and changeless egalitarian society. The term strong refers not just to those with strength and power. It also includes other ideal attributes such as beauty, youth and goodness. Similarly, the term weak implies not only the weak and infirm, but also the disadvantaged, the indecent, the unsophisticated and those generally shunned by society. The former are associated not only with the power of life, competition, evolution, progress, development, ability, effectiveness, efficiency, individuality, the future, hope and romance, but also with violence, fighting, bullying, discrimination and sacrifice. The latter, in contrast, invoke notions of peace, egalitarianism, anti-discrimination and welfare, as well as stagnation, retreat, retrogression, degeneration and the decline of vital powers. By using these two concepts Murakami skillfully weaves a narrative that is part literary criticism, part social commentary. As such the book will be of huge interest to not only scholars and students of Japanese literature, but also those of Japanese society and culture.


Health Transitions and the Double Disease Burden in Asia and the Pacific

Health Transitions and the Double Disease Burden in Asia and the Pacific

Author: Milton James Lewis

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 338

ISBN-13: 0415575435

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With in-depth analysis of more than fifteen countries, this volume examines the impact of the double disease burden on health care regimes, resource allocation, strategies for prevention and control on the wealthiest nations in the region, as well as the smallest Pacific islands. Milton Lewis, University of Sydney.


Film Censorship in the Asia-Pacific Region

Film Censorship in the Asia-Pacific Region

Author: Tiong Guan Saw

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13: 0415656893

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Film censorship has always been a controversial matter, particularly in jurisdictions with restrictive state-based censorship systems. This book reviews the film censorship system in the Asia-Pacific by comparing the systems used in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Australia. It identifies the key issues and concerns that arise from the design and implementation of the system by examining the censorship laws, policies, guidelines and processes. The book evaluates film practitioners' and censors' opinion of, and experience in, dealing with those issues, and goes on to develop reform proposals for the film censorship system.


Civilization, Nation and Modernity in East Asia

Civilization, Nation and Modernity in East Asia

Author: Chih-Yu Shih

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 0415524261

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This book explores the crisis of cultural identity which has assaulted Asian countries since Western countries began to have a profound impact on Asia in the nineteenth century. Confronted by Western 'civilization' and by 'modernity', Asian countries have been compelled to rethink their identity, and to consider how they should relate to Western 'civilization' and 'modernity'. The result, the author argues, has been a redefining by Asian countries of their own character as nations, and an adaptation of 'civilization' and 'modernity' to their own special conditions. Asian nations, the author contends, have thereby engaged with the West and with modernity, but on their own terms, occasionally, and in various inconsistent ways in which they could assert a sense of difference, forcing changes in the Western concept of civilization. Drawing on postmodern theory, the Kyoto School, Confucian and other traditional Asian thought, and the actual experiences of Asian countries, especially China and Japan, the author demonstrates that Asian countries' redefining of the concept of civilization in the course of their quest for an appropriate postmodern national identity is every bit as key a part of 'the rise of Asia' as economic growth or greater international political activity.


Asian and Pacific Cities

Asian and Pacific Cities

Author: Ian Shirley

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-03-12

Total Pages: 317

ISBN-13: 1136217134

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The cities of Asia and the Pacific are at the epicentre of development in what is arguably, the most populous, culturally distinctive, and economically powerful region in the world. 16 major cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok, Singapore, Auckland, Kuala Lumpur and Santiago, located in countries as diverse as Mexico and Vietnam, Samoa and India, China and Australia, exemplify the changing patterns of development across this vast region of the world. By tracking economic and social trends the contributors to this collection reveal how a wide range of political and cultural factors have interacted over time to provide a powerful explanation for the shape and characteristics of ‘the city’ today. Based on a collaborative research programme and drawing on the work of local researchers, this book examines the realities of city development characterised by domestic migration, spatial and social fragmentation, squatter settlements and gated communities, economic experiments and the emergence of the ‘Asian Tigers’. The collection as a whole records the way in which countries in this region have moved from underdevelopment to become global economic and political powers. This book provides a fascinating journey through Asia and the Pacific by generating an insiders’ view of each city and an insight into national development. As such it will be of great interest to students and scholars interested in: the Asian and Pacific region; in disciplines such as economics, politics, geography and sociology; and in policy domains such as urban planning and economic development.


Eurasia's Regional Powers Compared - China, India, Russia

Eurasia's Regional Powers Compared - China, India, Russia

Author: Shinichiro Tabata

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-12-17

Total Pages: 392

ISBN-13: 1317667867

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Taking a long view, and a wide perspective, this book by Japan's leading scholars on Asia and Eurasia provides a comprehensive and systematic comparison of the three greatest powers in the region and assesses how far the recent growth trajectories of these countries are sustainable in the long run. The book demonstrates the huge impact on the region of these countries. It examines the population, resource and economic basis for the countries' rise, considers political, social and cultural factors, and sets recent developments in a long historical context. Throughout, the different development paths of the three countries are compared and contrasted, and the new models for the future of the world order which they represent are analysed.


Arts and Cultural Leadership in Asia

Arts and Cultural Leadership in Asia

Author: Jo Caust

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2015-05-08

Total Pages: 325

ISBN-13: 1317599217

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Arts and cultural activity in Asia is increasingly seen as important internationally, and Asia’s growing prosperity is enabling the full range of artistic activities to be better encouraged, supported and managed. At the same time, cultural frameworks and contexts vary hugely across Asia, and it is not appropriate to apply Westerns theories and models of leadership and management. This book presents a range of case studies of arts and cultural leadership across a large number of Asian countries. Besides examining different cultural frameworks and contexts, the book considers different cultural approaches to leadership, discusses external challenges and entrepreneurialism, and explores how politics can have a profound impact. Throughout the book covers different art forms, and different sorts of arts and cultural organisations.


The Cambridge Companion to Modern Japanese Culture

The Cambridge Companion to Modern Japanese Culture

Author: Yoshio Sugimoto

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2009-06-30

Total Pages: 672

ISBN-13: 1107495466

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This Companion provides a comprehensive overview of the influences that have shaped modern-day Japan. Spanning one and a half centuries from the Meiji Restoration in 1868 to the beginning of the twenty-first century, this volume covers topics such as technology, food, nationalism and rise of anime and manga in the visual arts. The Cambridge Companion to Modern Japanese Culture traces the cultural transformation that took place over the course of the twentieth century, and paints a picture of a nation rich in cultural diversity. With contributions from some of the most prominent scholars in the field, The Cambridge Companion to Modern Japanese Culture is an authoritative introduction to this subject.


The Father's Role

The Father's Role

Author: M. E. Lamb

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-10-28

Total Pages: 393

ISBN-13: 1134988338

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Multivariable Modeling and Multivariate Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences shows students how to apply statistical methods to behavioral science data in a sensible manner. Assuming some familiarity with introductory statistics, the book analyzes a host of real-world data to provide useful answers to real-life issues. The author begins by exploring the types and design of behavioral studies. He also explains how models are used in the analysis of data. After describing graphical methods, such as scatterplot matrices, the text covers simple linear regression, locally weighted regression, multiple linear regression, regression diagnostics, the equivalence of regression and ANOVA, the generalized linear model, and logistic regression. The author then discusses aspects of survival analysis, linear mixed effects models for longitudinal data, and the analysis of multivariate data. He also shows how to carry out principal components, factor, and cluster analyses. The final chapter presents approaches to analyzing multivariate observations from several different populations. Through real-life applications of statistical methodology, this book elucidates the implications of behavioral science studies for statistical analysis. It equips behavioral science students with enough statistical tools to help them succeed later on in their careers. Solutions to the problems as well as all R code and data sets for the examples are available at www.crcpress.com


The Cambridge History of Japanese Literature

The Cambridge History of Japanese Literature

Author: Haruo Shirane

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2015-12-31

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 1316368289

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The Cambridge History of Japanese Literature provides, for the first time, a history of Japanese literature with comprehensive coverage of the premodern and modern eras in a single volume. The book is arranged topically in a series of short, accessible chapters for easy access and reference, giving insight into both canonical texts and many lesser known, popular genres, from centuries-old folk literature to the detective fiction of modern times. The various period introductions provide an overview of recurrent issues that span many decades, if not centuries. The book also places Japanese literature in a wider East Asian tradition of Sinitic writing and provides comprehensive coverage of women's literature as well as new popular literary forms, including manga (comic books). An extensive bibliography of works in English enables readers to continue to explore this rich tradition through translations and secondary reading.