Abstract

This book unravels America through seven cultures. It features a wide variety of titles, from well-known classics to lesser-known works never before released in Japan, as well as original films and TV shows from streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The end of the book also includes a unique "column" by the author, a political scientist with deep knowledge of the American media and election field. This remarkable work combines commentary on American culture, film reviews, and political analysis. "What aspects of American films and TV shows linger in Japanese readers' hearts, and what hidden hidden charms could be reevaluated? I have dedicated myself to conveying America in a natural way, striving to provide cultural commentary that will enhance your enjoyment of American films and TV shows." (From the text) Understanding the culture will truly bring the excitement, laughter, and tears to life! A must-read for all film and TV fans. A message from the author: "With the spread of online video streaming platforms, the consumption of American films and TV shows in Japan has entered a new phase in both quality and quantity. Amidst what could be called a "streaming revolution," film and TV fans are becoming increasingly discerning." I have come to feel firsthand that more and more people are not satisfied with consuming a rough storyline, but want to know the background of the characters and settings. (Omitted) More and more viewers are looking to truly enjoy Hollywood movies and dramas, with laughter and tears. Invisible cultural differences are ubiquitous in business and lifestyles, but understanding them can make movies and dramas many times more enjoyable. It also adds variety to the way you read translated self-help and business books from overseas. Even bestsellers written by American authors that are based solely on "their culture," such as "The Stanford Way" and "The Harvard Way," can provide clues for applying them to life and work in Japan by going through the circuit of "cultural translation."

Author’s Information

Associate Professor, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University.
Born in Tokyo in 1975. Graduated with a Master's degree in International Relations from the University of Chicago Graduate School. Received a PhD in Political Science from the Graduate School of Political Science at Waseda University. After working in the offices of a U.S. House of Representatives member and the Senate Election Headquarters, and as a reporter in the Economics and Politics Department of the TV Tokyo News Bureau, he is now an associate professor at Hokkaido University Graduate School. He has served as a visiting researcher at Columbia University, George Washington University, National Chengchi University in Taiwan, and Harvard University. He will assume his current position in 2023. His specialty is American politics. In addition to his original biography of President Obama from Asia, "The Conditions of the President" (Shueisha), he has written and translated many books, including "Invisible America" (Kodansha Gendai Shinsho) and "The Wall of American Politics" (Iwanami Shinsho). His awards include the Ohira Masayoshi Memorial Award and the Saito Makoto Award from the American Studies Association.