Why Does Natsume Sōseki Still Resonate with Readers?
Literary scholar John Nathan's biography of Natsume Sōseki puts his great accomplishments -- and many shortcomings -- in superb literary and historical context.
japanese culture
Ian Buruma’s ‘A Tokyo Romance’ Is a Timeless Commentary on Cross-cultural Engagement
There's something deeply personal and universalistic about Ian Buruma's writing. He acknowledges the multiplicity of possible perspectives without sliding into the rudderless waters of postmodernism.
Selling Japan: How Much Is a Nation’s Culture Worth?
Via the billion-dollar Cool Japan Fund Inc, Japan is aiming to become one of the world's dominant culture forces. But can a national culture be commodified so easily?