This paper examines the relationship between literature and popular culture and its immanent culture, based on the premise that different immanent cultures exist in the depths of visible phenomena in both Japan and Korea. Specifically, the author compared the adapted novel “Janghanmong” with the Japanese original work as well as Korean dramas and K-pop idol groups with Japanese ones. As a result, it was found that the subjects of this research reflect the immanent cultures that are prominent in both Japan and Korea, which are “situation-oriented” and “ideal-oriented”, respectively.

View full abstract

The “Genius”, written by Theodore Dreiser, is generally regarded as the worst among his eight full-length novels. The novel’s protagonist Eugene is modeled after Dreiser himself. Dreiser’s handling of the material, which was too personal for objective treatment, is thought to be one of the main reasons for its poor reputation. The 1910 version of The “Genius” has a happy ending in which Eugene’s love for his ideal woman Suzanne is realized, but in the novel published in 1915 they are no longer together. Eugene’s affair with her leads to his downfall, and he blames himself for the death of his wife Angela, who loses her life after giving birth to their daughter via C-section. Eugene and Suzanne reunite in New York, but they say nothing to each other. In contrast to Angela’s tragic life, at the end of the novel Eugene makes a comeback as a painter, finding solace in living with his daughter. This paper focuses on the novel’s third part entitled “Revolt”, and attempts to discuss the ending of the novel as well as the story development of Eugene’s love with Suzanne, thus leading the reader to a better appreciation of the novel.

View full abstract

Regarding the public policy value of municipal characters, while their direct economic impact is important, their sustainability is crucial in terms of municipal branding. Therefore, this study summarizes the 10-year history of Kumamon's activities since its inception and the phenomenon it has engendered. It has become apparent that after a first boom due to the rapid spread of royalty-free illustration use among businesses nationwide and a second boom due to reconstruction assistance after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, Kumamon is now firmly established as a driving force in regional revitalization. Based on nationwide recognition and likability, Kumamon has achieved such awards as being ranked No. 1 in likability among all mascot characters for five consecutive years. Kumamon is universally well-liked regardless of region, gender, or age. Analysis of survey results show that Kumamonʼs activities, as represented by its royalty-free status, have attracted peopleʼs empathy and led to Kumamon being able to establish a firm connection with people. From the perspective of sustainable activities, the author believes that the conversion of this “empathy” into “connection” and its deepening would make Kumamonʼs activities more sustainable.

View full abstract

This paper is part of the authorʼs research on the use of referring expressions of characters in Hemingwayʼs works, following the papers “On the Use of Referring Expressions of Characters in ‘The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber’” （2020） and “Hemingwayʼs Works as Seen Through Referring Expressions of Characters: With Special Reference to ‘The Doctor and the Doctor’s Wife’” （2021）. This paper focusing on “Out of Season,” one of the authorʼs best-known stories from his short story collection In Our Time （1925）, attempts to analyze it from the standpoint of linguistic stylistics, as has been done in the past. The main characters of the work are Peduzzi, a trout fishing guide, and a young couple. It was found that the writerʼs skillful choice and placement of referring expressions played an essential part in creating the sense of incongruity and psychological distance among these characters that the readers feel from the story.

View full abstract

This study reflects on “Tedemiru zoukeiten,” which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2020. We intend to further the social, cultural, and educational development of Kumamoto Prefecture by considering the prospects following the 31st exhibition. By utilizing and examining prior studies and commemorative magazines published as commemorative projects, we summarized the outline of the efforts made so far and described the prospects by reflecting on these efforts. In the prospects, we first categorized the significance and clarified the future policy while linking it with the efforts made so far. To bring attention to the significance of this, we mandated the promotion of diversity of the exhibitors and exhibited works, and clarified the necessity of expanding the exhibition to cover all areas of Kumamoto Prefecture through traveling exhibitions.

View full abstract

This paper aims to analyze sustainability factors of anime tourism spots by investigating the local characteristics and initiatives of Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, which has been a long-standing anime tourism spot since the TV animation show Natsume Yujin-cho [Natsume’s Book of Friends] series went on the air in 2008. Fans of the show have continually kept visiting the area to enjoy the atmosphere of the anime scenes. In recent years, other anime tourist spots have tended to become theme parks that focus on recreating the world depicted in each work. However, in the case of Hitoyoshi City, the emphasis is on allowing fans to experience the nature and society of Hitoyoshi as depicted in the Natsume works in their raw form. The Natsume series itself features rich nature and the slow lifestyle of the protagonists’ daily lives, and Hitoyoshi Cityʼs approach emphasizes the natural regional character of the city in a manner consistent with this. This attitude of the city is supported by Natsume fans, and is thought to have led to the long-term continuation of anime tourism in the city.

View full abstract

For the purpose of traffic accidents prevention of young drivers at night, the authors conducted an evaluation experiment with 20 female college student participants regarding the visibility of reflective materials worn on people versus the visibility of the people themselves. The experiment involved a sample of 150 images taken at distances from 10 to 100 meters of reflective material on peopleʼs wrists, ankles, and wrists plus ankles. The visibility of the reflective material for all of the colors except blue was significantly higher than the visibility of the people themselves. In terms of color, yellow and green were rated higher and blue was rated lower. In terms of where it is attached to, “wrist” was rated significantly lower.

View full abstract

Parenting support is provided to parents of prekindergarten-aged children by municipalities through community child and parenting support services conducted by certified child-care centers. However, with regard to the implementation of parenting support in certified child-care centers, issues such as securing a location for these centers have been pointed out. In this study, in order to promote parenting support at certified child-care centers, a survey was conducted of parents with preschool-aged children to clarify the use of support services implemented in certified child-care centers and their needs in regard to child-rearing support. The results of a web-based survey of 600 parents revealed that parents wanted information on how to deal with and raise their children. In addition, it was suggested that the support and information required by parents differed depending on the age of the child and the facilities used by their second or older children.

View full abstract

Kyukei Indo （1879-1943, real name Nobuzo Indo） is famous for writing the lyrics of “Ryoshu” included in the “Chuto Kyoiku Shokashu” in 1907. However, he was also a teacher engaged in music education. Although he wrote and composed more than 500 songs in his lifetime, there has been no research conducted from a musicological point of view. After the publication of “Chuto Kyoiku Shokashu,” Indo continued to publish his works in textbooks, magazines, and sheet music collections. Many of his works have been reprinted in textbooks, magazines, and piece scores. The authors eventually plan to compile a catalog of all of Indoʼs works, but in this paper, as the first step, we will create a catalog of the works published in Sheet Music.

View full abstract