A Place to Be: Ibasho and Community Comfort in the TV Series Midnight Diner
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Date
2023
Authors
O'Brien, Laurel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This thesis will discuss the concept of ibasho, "a place to be," as it appears in the beloved television and Netflix show Midnight Diner (Shin’ya Shokudō, 2009). In my research, I examine stories of the many patrons of one small diner in an alleyway in Tokyo, who come together over nostalgic foods and share the burdens of the difficulties they each face. I argue that spaces like the Midnight Diner exemplify ibasho, or “places to be,” which offer community support and provide warmth, acceptance, inclusion, growth, and healing to troubled souls in a fast-paced and complicated world. This ibasho modeled in Midnight Diner bears relevance to us now as an example of deeply supportive community. In this thesis, I analyze depictions of ibasho in Midnight Diner, showing the value it has to offer us as we look for ways to connect with one another in our lives.
Description
43 pages
Keywords
Ibasho, Television, Japanese, Community, Belonging