The re-articulation of cultural studies in Japan and its consequences for Japanese studies

Abstract

This article analyzes the global circulation of Cultural Studies in the light of its `re-articulation' within the certain local context in Japan. Furthermore, it will not simply raise the question of how to put Cultural Studies into Japanese Studies, but, by taking the detour via the re-articulation of Cultural Studies in Japan, wants to ask what Japanese Studies might `learn' from this already contextualized formation of Cultural Studies. This approach is important because it will illuminate the opportunities for Japanese Studies (and Area Studies in general) to contribute to the project of `provincialization' of Anglo-American Cultural Studies by sustaining a constant reflux of theories and approaches from marginalized formations of Cultural Studies into its geographical centers. •