Honors Theses (East Asian Languages and Literatures)

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    Japanese Gendered Features, Idols, and the Ideal Female Romantic Partner
    (University of Oregon, 2018) Huaman, Jaqueline
    Gendered language features, or lack thereof, are utilized in Japanese society to perpetuate feminine ideals in the media. This thesis focuses specifically on how the ideal female romantic partner is portrayed in modern Japanese media through the use of gendered language features. Japanese has been considered a very gendered language. However, more recent research has questioned whether the description of gendered features in Japanese reflects a language ideal or language reality. For example, in 2004, Janet Shibamoto-Smith investigated language and its use as a cultural model for romance, specifically looking at how language was used by the protagonists of romance novels in the 1980s and 1990s in Japan. Similarly, this paper explores how Japanese idol music serves as a model for romance and ideal female partners in contemporary society. Following the methodology set up by Shibamoto-Smith, this study investigates language use in the media of the 2010s in order to analyze the linguistic representations of an ideal female partner.
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    Ultraman- Compassion, Family, and Perseverance Represented in a Popular Science-Fiction Television Series (1966-2009)
    (2011-09-29) Yamamoto, Joe
    Despite the amount of research that has been committed to the study of Japanese popular culture, the deeper meaning of Ultraman still confounds experts and viewers alike. Critics of Ultraman contend that, because the program consists of actors in rubber suits playing heroes and monsters on scale-model cities, the program only appeals to children who enjoys watching colossal beings fight while causing massive destruction to their surroundings. Although the plot centers around the battle between good and evil, Ultraman is more than simply a gimmick for children. Stories also depict acts of compassion, family, and perseverance that provide viewers examples on how to better themselves when faced with certain challenges. As a result, the Ultra-Series serves not only as a form of popular entertainment, but it is also as an example of teaching ethics through storytelling. I argue that the Ultra-Series is both entertaining and educational to viewers of all ages because of the themes of compassion, family, and perseverance that its characters demonstrate. To support my argument, I analyze selected episodes of the Ultra-Series from 1966 to 2007, recent movies based on the Ultra-Series, and songs from the 1970s and 1980s dedicated to the Ultra-Series characters. I conclude that, because the characters demonstrate morality, the program inspires viewers to move forward in a world where the odds will always be pressed against them.
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    Tanuki Magazine- Japanese Culture Worldwide
    (University of Oregon, 2005-06) Ortland, Kathryn Ruth
    Rich with tradition and ripe with nostalgic imagery, Japan captivates the Western mind. Japanese culture was almost unknown in the West two hundred years ago, yet its influences today permeate entertainment media worldwide. Though the popularity of Japanese music, movies, and animation is increasing cultural exposure to Japan, few resources exist to provide honest and educational information on Japanese ways of life. The unfortunate result is that the average American is far better acquainted with Hollywood stereotypes of Japan than with the real thing. TANUKI is a magazine that fills the deficit in coverage of Japanee popular and traditional culture outside of the entertainment market. It is designed as a travel-centric cultural interest magazine for readers who seek the hidden influences, new trends, and lingering traditions of Japan.