Group 5 General Topic: Culture

Group 5 started to divide up the different cultures. We found common topics that might fit under the three broader initial topics of Traditional Culture, Modern Culture, and Pop Culture. With this, we tried to find and discuss some of the more interesting subtopics that could have intriguing information to present to the class. Some of the more interesting sub-genres that we came up with were: fashion, art, music, anime/ manga, shrine/ temples, architecture, gaming, and technology amongst others. We found the idea of a timeline and comparison through the different ages to be a good starting point for formatting our presentation. From the more classical periods like Asuka and Edo to the modern day civilization of the 21st century. From then we tried to figure out who wanted to focus on what topic. Lachlan is going to start the presentation with Japanese art and art history. He plans to look into both the literal aspects of art, like paintings and drawings, but also focus on outward branches of art. For example, music through the ages, literature, and architecture. Tying it all back to how these artistic representations have changed into the pop culture form of the otaku culture. From there Theresa will be handling the anime and manga history of Japan. Dabbling into the kawaii- culture that envelops fashion like Harajuku style or lolita fashion, literature from a manga perspective, music like ots’ or even vocaloids, movies like live actions and animations, and finally the general Japanese otaku community and how it is different from its western counterpart. Next Joshua will be handling technology in Japan and its advancements. This is perfect for tying in the gaming community to that of the closely related otaku community, and how technologies such as VR and technology related gaming conventions involve both sides. He will also be talking about how technology has evolved and how the Japanese people’s values have shaped their views on technology. He will finish with exploring the origin of these values in traditional Japan and how technology went from being a necessity of war to the more modern view of comfort, convenience, and entertainment. Finally, Rhea will end off our presentation by doing a complete 180 on the advancements of technology, and in turn look at more traditional aspects of Japan. More specifically festivals and traditional events that Japanese people still hold highly even in today's society. Things like, when you go to a festival what do you are supposed to wear and how that has changed from traditional kimonos to modern clothing. The activities one can participate in festivals like watching fireworks or buying masks. Where these festivals would take place, and which temple belonged to which deity.  Ending her section by presenting the holidays and festivals in the modern 21st century and the customs associated with them. Like the relationship between KFC and Christmas, or how valentine's day has turned into a national tradition alongside white day and other interesting traditions. These are all the topics one can look forward to in our presentation.