Japanese Idols Go to China: Cultural Adaptation and Nationalism

This book explores the Chinese acceptance of Japanese popular culture, particularly the relationship between AKB48 and SNH48, in the context of nationalist ideology and international relations in East Asia. It aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of contemporary East Asian cultural exchanges and nationalist expressions and challenge existing understandings of nationalism. It concludes that popular culture fandom can promote hegemonic political ideologies or serve as an antidote.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

This captivating book delves into the intricate and sometimes peculiar relationship between the "idol" groups AKB48 and SNH48, as well as the broader context of nationalist ideology and international relations in East Asia. Its primary objective is to enhance the reader's knowledge and understanding of contemporary East Asian cultural exchanges and nationalist expressions in tangible forms. Furthermore, this book endeavors to uncover previously overlooked aspects of nationalism's metamorphosis in both China and Japan and challenge prevailing scholarly and popular understandings of nationalism. By examining the nationalism factor in popular culture within Chinese and Japanese contexts, this book ultimately concludes that popular culture fandom possesses the potential to both perpetuate hegemonic political ideologies and serve as a powerful antidote.

Introduction:
The acceptance of Japanese popular culture, particularly the fascinating and occasionally awkward relationship between the "idol" groups AKB48 and SNH48, within the framework of nationalist ideology and international relations in East Asia, is the subject of this book. It seeks to broaden the reader's understanding of contemporary East Asian cultural exchanges and nationalist manifestations in concrete terms. Additionally, this book aims to explore hitherto undiscovered facets of nationalism's evolution in both China and Japan and challenge established scholarly and popular interpretations of nationalism. By interrogating the nationalism factor in popular culture within Chinese and Japanese contexts, this book ultimately concludes that popular culture fandom holds the potential to both perpetuate hegemonic political ideologies and serve as a potent antidote.

Nationalist Ideology and International Relations in East Asia:
The study of nationalist ideology and international relations in East Asia is a complex and multifaceted field that encompasses a wide range of topics. This book specifically focuses on the Chinese acceptance of Japanese popular culture, particularly the intriguing and sometimes awkward relationship between the "idol" groups AKB48 and SNH48. By examining the historical, political, and cultural factors that have shaped this relationship, the book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics that underpin contemporary East Asian cultural exchanges and nationalist expressions.

The Idol Groups AKB48 and SNH48:
AKB48 and SNH48 are two prominent "idol" groups in Japan that have gained significant popularity in China and other parts of East Asia. These groups are known for their catchy music, energetic performances, and close connections with their fans. However, their relationship with nationalist ideology and international relations in East Asia is not without its complexities.

AKB48 and Nationalism:
AKB48 has been criticized for its perceived promotion of Japanese nationalism. Some critics argue that the group's emphasis on Japanese culture, language, and history, as well as its participation in cultural exchange programs with Japan, undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, it is important to note that AKB48 is not a political organization and does not have any official stance on national issues. Rather, the group's popularity in China can be attributed to its ability to tap into the growing demand for Japanese popular culture among young Chinese audiences.

SNH48 and Nationalism:
SNH48, on the other hand, has been praised for its efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. The group has participated in cultural exchange programs with China and other East Asian countries, and its members have expressed a willingness to learn about and appreciate different cultures. This approach has helped to build bridges between Japan and other East Asian countries, and has contributed to a more positive perception of Japan in the region.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book situates the Chinese acceptance of Japanese popular culture, specifically the intriguing and sometimes awkward relationship between the "idol" groups AKB48 and SNH48, within the broad context of nationalist ideology and international relations in East Asia. By enhancing the reader's knowledge and understanding of contemporary East Asian cultural exchanges and nationalist expressions in concrete forms, the book aims to contribute to a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the region. Additionally, by exploring hitherto undiscovered aspects of nationalism's metamorphosis in both China and Japan and challenging prevailing scholarly and popular understandings of nationalism, the book seeks to challenge the existing boundaries of knowledge and understanding in this field.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793608178