Scandal in Japan: Transgression, Performance and Ritual

This book explores media scandals in contemporary Japanese society, analyzing them as mediatized rituals that follow moral disturbances throughout Japanese history. It provides a detailed analysis of three case studies, including the drug scandal of Sakai Noriko, the donation scandal of Ozawa Ichirō, and the Olympus accounting fraud. It appeals to students and scholars of Japanese culture and society, anthropology, communication, and media studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 11 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Introduction:
This book delves into the realm of media scandals in contemporary Japanese society, offering a fresh perspective on the study of scandal in Japan. By examining scandal as a distinctively mediatized ritual that traces moral disturbances throughout Japanese history, the book provides a novel understanding of the phenomenon. The analysis primarily focuses on the interplay between media and society, examining social performances and the ways in which Japanese individuals involved in scandals communicate and behave when addressing the public.
Media and Society:
The book explores the relationship between media and society in Japan, examining how media outlets shape public perception and influence societal attitudes. It analyzes the role of media in perpetuating and amplifying scandals, as well as the ways in which individuals and organizations respond to media scrutiny. The book also considers the impact of media scandals on public trust and confidence in institutions.
Social Performances:
In analyzing media and society, the book emphasizes the role of social performances in shaping scandal narratives. It explores how individuals and organizations present themselves to the public, employing various strategies to manage and mitigate the consequences of scandal. The book examines the language used by transgressors to explain their scandals, as well as the cultural and social norms that influence their behavior.
Case Studies:
To provide a comprehensive understanding of media scandals in Japan, the book includes detailed analysis of three case studies:
1. The drug scandal of the popular Japanese celebrity Sakai Noriko: This case study explores the scandal that erupted when Sakai Noriko was arrested for possession of illegal drugs. It examines the media coverage of the scandal, the reactions of the public and the legal consequences of Sakai Noriko's actions.
2. The donation scandal centering the heavyweight politician Ozawa Ichirō: This case study delves into the scandal that emerged when Ozawa Ichirō was accused of accepting illegal donations from construction companies. It examines the media coverage of the scandal, the political implications of Ozawa Ichirō's actions and the subsequent investigation and prosecution.
3. The Olympus accounting fraud revealed by the British CEO Michael Woodford: This case study explores the scandal that erupted when Michael Woodford, the CEO of Olympus Corporation, exposed accounting fraud at the company. It examines the media coverage of the scandal, the legal consequences of Olympus Corporation's actions and the impact of the scandal on the Japanese business community.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of media scandals in contemporary Japanese society. By examining scandal as a mediatized ritual that traces moral disturbances throughout Japanese history, the book provides a novel perspective on the phenomenon. The detailed analysis of three case studies offers a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which media, society, and social performances interact to shape scandal narratives. This book will appeal to students and scholars of Japanese culture and society, anthropology, communication and media studies, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of scandal in modern society.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032472485