Representations of Japanese Nature - Mediating the Ineffable

Scholars have long recognised that "nature" is mediated, constructed and represented by culture, as also is technology, nature's "unnatural" counterpart. This book explores how changes, potential and actual, in conceptualizations of nature and technology are mediated and represented in Japan. It considers Japanese reactions to natural disasters, examines the tensions between traditional ways of life, rooted in nature, and the technologies of modernity, and discusses various art forms and literature which focus on nature and technology. Overall, the book assesses how far Japanese people see Japan itself as being in harmony with, or at odds with, nature.

About the author

Dolores Martinez is Emeritus Reader in Anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and Research Associate at the University of Oxford

Summary

Scholars have long recognised that “nature” is mediated, constructed and represented by culture, as also is technology, nature’s “unnatural” counterpart. This book explores how changes, potential and actual, in conceptualizations of nature and technology are mediated and represented in Japan. It considers Japanese reactions to natural disasters, examines the tensions between traditional ways of life, rooted in nature, and the technologies of modernity, and discusses various art forms and literature which focus on nature and technology. Overall, the book assesses how far Japanese people see Japan itself as being in harmony with, or at odds with, nature.

Product details

• Authors: Dolores Martinez
• Assisted by: Dolores Martinez (Editor), Martinez Dolores (Editor)
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.12.2021
• EAN: 9781138308688
• ISBN: 978-1-138-30868-8
• No. of pages: 224
• Series: Japan Anthropology Workshop Series; Japan Anthropology Workshop Series
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general); SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / General, Anthropology, Society & culture: general, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / General, TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING / Environmental / General, environmental science, engineering & technology, Society and culture: general, Environmental science, engineering and technology