In order to give possible participants more time to prepare to develop their research and presentations, the Society for the Study of Japonisme has decided to announce themes for upcoming International symposia (max. 2 years in advance). We hope our members will make use of this opportunity to participate.
2026 Theme: The Impact of Japanese Culture after World War II
(Applications will be accepted from mid-June, 2026)
How can the reception of Japanese culture abroad and its influence on local cultures be understood from the framework of Japonisme? After the war, interest in Japanese culture increased significantly in the United States during the 1950s, and global cultural exchanges between Japan and other cultures continue today in fields such as manga, anime, music, and fashion. The ociety for the Study of Japonisme International Symposium 2026 seeks to provide a forum for discussing the future possibilities of Japonisme studies from a critical perspective.
2027 Theme: Japonisme circulates
(Applications will be accepted from mid-June, 2027)
The construction of internalized images of exoticism is generally referred to as “self-Orientalism.” At the same time, one can also identify forms of deeply internalized Japonisme that no longer directly signify “Japan” only. Can these aspects be considered as a circular movement, a “return” of Japonisme to Japan? This symposium aims to explore the contours of Japonisme studies across periods and disciplines from a reciprocal perspective.