It is undeniable that Japan’s modern culture was shaped by the Meiji government’s policy of Westernization. Western thoughts and practices were introduced as essential elements of Japan’s modernization and have been incorporated into the very foundations of the state such as the legal system or education against any possible resistance. This particular historical background has greatly influenced how foreign culture is received in Japan.
From the Meiji era until today, it is clear that much of the cultural products we encounter in our daily lives originate in the West. However, to us, these cultural elements are no longer a product of “others”. Bach or Mozart, jazz or rock. These are part of the cultural environment in which we were raised and are undoubtedly part of “our culture”.
By considering specific genres, this lecture raises the question of how Western culture, such as music, literature or the performing arts were received in Japan and how they were incorporated into our educational canon.
＊As the schedule for guest lectures is still being adjusted, the overall schedule may change.