Workshop examines how Japanese genres deployed

A workshop conducted at UOW on 3 and 4 July investigated the different ways in which originally Japanese genres, aesthetics and styles have been taken up, deployed and transformed by female fans transnationally.

The workshop (entitled “Japanese Transnational Fandoms and Female Consumers”), was sponsored by the ARC’s Cultural Research Network and CAPSTRANS (Centre for Asia-Pacific Social Transformation Studies at UOW). [Fandom refers to a subculture comprising fans characterised by a feeling of sympathy and camaraderie with others who share a common interest].

About 20 speakers looked at the impact of Japanese popular culture in Australia and the region.

The opening lecture was delivered by Professor Christine Yano from the University of Hawaii who spoke on the global Hello Kitty Fandom.

Dr Mark McLelland of the School of Social Sciences, Media and Communication said the way in which Japanese products, styles and images are received in different cultures as well as the (sub) cultural ends to which they are deployed was investigated.

He said that the workshop also examined the impact of the fandom on the changing nature of consumerism, participatory fan culture and particularly gender in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Of particular interest in the workshop was the ‘yaoi’ or ‘boys’ love’ (BL) manga/animation fandom popular with girls and young women.

Dr McLelland said that over the past decade there has been a massive boom in interest in this genre (including commercially translated and published volumes as well as amateur fan-authored productions) in Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States.

Among speakers talking on this topic were Dr Kazumi Nagaike (Oita University) who related the history and cultural context of Japanese BL fandom while Dr Fran Martin (University of Melbourne) spoke on the BL fandom in Taiwan.

Dr Martin was co-organiser of the workshop with Dr McLelland.

Last reviewed: 7 July, 2008