APP-101-41: Newsletter #2 (Modules5-7) by

1st Takeaway in M5- Look for the difference ~There are differences where there are similarities~

saitoku1_2 — 2024-03-24 21:06:03 UTC

In M5, I learned about orientalism. In particular, I have been paying attention to and thinking about the fact that Germany and France had a common Orientalism. By comparing countries that have something in common, I was able to learn more about the differences between countries, and through this, I was able to learn about differences in perception in many fields such as politics, painting, and literature. I also saw Anna and the King's Opening. Through this story, in which a British teacher goes to Siam to educate children and builds a relationship with the king, I was able to learn about interaction with other countries and respect for cultures. Dialogue and deepening understanding of other cultures are of utmost importance in building relationships with other countries. I'm still learning English, then I haven't been able to have more intimate conversations with my friends yet. However, in order to build a stronger relationship of trust with them, language is the top priority, but through M5, I was able to learn again that it is also important to work with other cultures.

Reference

１.Said, Edward, Orientalism. New York:　Pantheon, 1978. P18,19

2. Anna and the king (3 Versions Clips). 9’06”/ 18’08”

2nd Takeaway in M6- Protect innocent people ~The fear by violence produces nothing~

saitoku1_2 — 2024-03-24 21:19:50 UTC

In M6, I learned about Pol Pot's rule and revolution in Cambodia through the watching "First They Killed my Father". I was able to see how the Angker formed workers by taking actions such as the fear of force, the abolition of power and currency, and the abandonment of everything that Western culture had, and by instilling absolute obedience among the workers. However, I also learned through the film that the domination of violence can only produce anger and hatred, and that it cannot be brought together as one good group. Naturally, I don't think anyone would want to obey someone who has killed their loved ones. After all, time passes, and it is decided that one day you will take revenge. As in the movie, we were unable to start a revolution and only many innocent lives were lost, then I was able to learn again that revenge and killing each other cannot produce anything good.

Reference

First they killed my father. (2017). Netflix. 13’18”/ 19’09”/ 37’38”

3rd Takeaway in M7- Imperialism and loyalty ~What is the future beyond belief~

saitoku1_2 — 2024-03-24 21:22:48 UTC

In M7, we focused on the United States, and I learned about imperialism. It turns out that having islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean helps the United States to show its military presence and influence. Economic, political, and military domination is important for the establishment of imperialism. In order to do so, the United States acquired islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, which gave them an advantage in securing trade and resources, and they gained a great economic advantage, and by gaining more territory in terms of military affairs, they were able to demonstrate their military strategy and influence over many countries in Asia. I learned that they built up imperialism as a result. I focused on Japan and learned that the absolute existence of an emperor is also an important element of imperialism. Because of imperialism, there is a teaching in Japan that surrendering or submitting to an enemy army is a betrayal of the emperor. I think it makes sense. Acts that consider loyalty and obedience to the emperor to be absolute are excessively state-centric, and the freedom of the people is thought to disappear. However, in imperialism, loyalty, and submission to the symbol of the emperor was an act of supporting and benefiting the state, and I thought that it was not wrong at least.

Reference

1. Mason, C. (2014a). A short history of Asia. Palgrave MacMillan. Page 161-162

2. American Imperialism: Crash Course US History #28. (2014). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfsfoFqsFk4 1’03”/ 2’14”/ 7’18”/

The question I want to discuss with you- Freedom and obligation ~For the country or for yourself~

saitoku1_2 — 2024-03-24 21:27:49 UTC

We saw "First they killed my father" on the M6. In the movie, there were many scenes where small children of elementary school or junior high school age were armed with guns. Also, in the second half, the main character, a girl, also uses guns and bombs to protect her country. There were also scenes where they were learning combat techniques. What do you guys think about small children like them training and going to fight for the country? Also, what do you think about compulsory military service like in South Korea and North Korea? Firstly, I think that young children fighting with guns is a serious social problem, and it has many negative effects on their safety and psychological health. In the first place, the forced recruitment of children under the age of 15 and hostilities are war crimes, and participation in the armed forces is prohibited by international law. However, as in the film, the fact that children are being trained indicates that the situation in the country is serious. I think everyone understands that there is nothing good about making a claim using violence. For this reason, I believe that education for children to learn how to engage in dialogue and problem-solving instead of violence is one of the elements necessary for solving social problems. In addition, what do you think about compulsory military service like in South Korea and North Korea? I think there are pros and cons to this. Some people believe that strengthening national security and participating in military service will give them self-awareness, responsibility, or leadership. However, I am opposed to compulsory military service. The reason is that in the case of South Korea, they need to participate for 18 to 21 months. As a result, personal freedom is taken away. Professional athletes, singers, and other people who are active in other activities must also temporarily suspend their personal activities by participating in military service. I can't say that this is a good thing, as it could be a missed opportunity to step up further. What do you think?

Reference

First they killed my father. (2017). Netflix. 13’18”/ 127’12”/ 131’41”/ 151’18”

Current News- Mission and Contribution ~The culture and strengths that he has been built up for us~

saitoku1_2 — 2024-03-24 21:37:00 UTC

1. Summary of the news article;

Akira Toriyama. I think there are people who don't know who this name is just by hearing it. However, "DRAGON BALL". I think many people have heard the title of this manga at least once. Akira Toriyama is the name of the creator of Dragon Ball, which is popular around the world. Unfortunately, he passed away on March 1 this year. This report shocked not only Japan but many other countries. This article I found is about why Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, has become so popular all over the world. It describes how much of an impact he had.

2.Why did you pick this article;

Anime is one of Japan's strengths. There are many anime in Japan today, and their anime are known to people in many countries. I also have many opportunities to see DH introducing events and items that focus on anime, and as a Japanese person, I am proud of Japanese anime. It is such a popular anime, but one of the most popular anime is Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball. The reason I chose this article is that Dragon Ball has been a role model for many popular anime, and Japanese anime are now gaining popularity in many countries. These immensely popular titles, such as “One Piece” and “Naruto”, are also influenced by Dragon Ball. Then, why are Akira Toriyama and Dragon Ball so loved and celebrated in so many countries? I chose this article to find out.

3.What was the author’s purpose or point in writing this article?

The purpose of this article is twofold. One is how important Akira Toriyama and Dragon Ball are. The other is how Japan's pop culture is affecting the world. Firstly, the importance of Akira Toriyama and Dragon Ball is shown in many scenes. Cultural change, economic success, and the contribution of the anime industry. Anime has now become something that everyone has touched at least once. This does not matter your age or gender. My friend also watches Dragon Ball, and his parents also watch Dragon Ball. This proves to be timeless and loved. And if the popularity continues, many people will pay attention to it and the market will expand. In other words, it can be considered an economic success and contribution to the anime industry. Second, Japan's pop culture, anime, is popular overseas, which influences it in many situations. For example, the number of tourists who go to Japan to go to the place where the anime was modeled or to buy goods for the anime is increasing. Gaining popularity will increase the number of events in other countries and increase opportunities for cultural exchange. In addition, through these exchanges, creators and artists incorporate elements of anime and use them for their new works. This deepens relations with other countries and has a positive impact on the economy. Ticket sales by performing movies and events in other countries. In addition, the production side profits from the sale of the goods by expanding the market, and there are profits because many fans come to the place where the event is held. As you can see, Akira Toriyama and Dragon Ball, who had a lot of influence on the Japan anime industry, are now having a positive impact on other countries and have a big impact on the economy.

4.What are some comments or ideas you might have after reading this article?

This time, I focused on the influence of the anime industry, but of course I feel that anime has a big impact on other industries as well. For example, games, music, languages, and study　abroad, and immigration. You can experience the world of anime by making games like pocket monsters or making cards, which creates new entertainment for people. Anime naturally has an opening song and an ending theme. If you are selected for a popular anime, you will have the opportunity to have many people listen to your song, and as a result, it is not uncommon for you to gain popularity both in Japan and abroad. In addition, there are many people who become interested in the language of Japanese through anime and start studying Japanese or go to study abroad in Japan. A friend of mine also became interested in Japan because of anime and is now studying abroad in Japan. By spending a lot of time in Japan, many people get used to living in Japan and move to Japan in the future. It is a great opportunity to bring another culture's culture into Japan and potentially create a multicultural society in Japan in the future. In conclusion, Akira Toriyama and Dragon Ball have a tremendous influence not only in Japan but also overseas, and we can see that his efforts have made a good contribution not only to the anime industry but also to various scenes.

Citation

The New York Times. (2024, March 12). The biggest translation of "Dragon Ball" loved by foreign reporters has become a familiar presence in New York. Toyo Keizai Online. https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/740338