The Mexican Transpacific: Nikkei Writing, Visual Arts, and Performance

The Mexican Transpacific explores the influence of a Japanese ethnic background or lack thereof in the writing of several twentieth and twenty-first-century Mexican authors, directors, and artists. It focuses on texts, films, and artworks produced by Asian Mexicans, contrasting them with the representation of Asians by Mexican authors with no Asian ancestry. The book aims to historicize the experience of this silenced community and bring their voice and agency to the fore.

Format: Hardback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Vanderbilt University Press

The Mexican Transpacific delves into the profound influence of a Japanese ethnic background, or the absence thereof, on the writing, visual arts, and performance of numerous twentieth and twenty-first-century Mexican authors, directors, and artists. Despite the undeniable impact of the Nikkei communities on Mexico's history and culture, and the recent surge of historical studies focused on these two communities, the study of their cultural production and self-definition has largely been overlooked. This book, a continuation of the author's previous research on cultural production by Latin American authors of Asian ancestry, primarily focuses on texts, films, and artworks created by Asian Mexicans, rather than treating the Japanese or Chinese as mere subjects of study. However, it also compares and contrasts these representations with those of Mexican authors with no Asian ancestry. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the author aims to amplify the voice and agency of this marginalized community, contributing to the historical documentation of their unique experiences.

The Mexican Transpacific emerges as a crucial contribution to the domains of contemporary Mexican studies, Latin American studies, race and ethnic studies, transnational Asian studies, and Japanese diaspora studies. In the context of theoretical frameworks such as cultural studies, the decolonial turn, and postcolonial theory, this work sheds light on the multifaceted dynamics of identity, culture, and representation. By examining the influence of Japanese ethnicity on the creative output of Mexican authors, directors, and artists, The Mexican Transpacific offers a fresh perspective on the complex interplay between heritage, migration, and artistic expression.

The book explores the diverse ways in which Japanese heritage has shaped the narratives, visual aesthetics, and performance styles of Mexican authors, directors, and artists. It delves into the themes of cultural hybridity, identity negotiation, and the complexities of belonging in a multicultural society. Through a comprehensive analysis of literature, film, and artistic works, The Mexican Transpacific uncovers the rich tapestry of cultural expressions that emerge from the intersection of Mexican and Japanese traditions.

One of the key strengths of the book is its interdisciplinary approach, which combines insights from various fields such as literature, film studies, cultural anthropology, and sociology. This multidisciplinary approach allows the author to delve into the nuances of cultural representation, power dynamics, and social hierarch
issues that are often overlooked in studies that focus solely on one aspect of the Mexican Transpacific. By integrating multiple perspectives, the author provides a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities and nuances of the creative process and the impact it has on the lives
of marginalized communities.

Moreover, The Mexican Transpacific is particularly relevant in the current political and social context, where issues of identity, migration, and cultural diversity are at the forefront of global discourse. The book offers valuable insights into the experiences of Asian Mexicans and their contributions to Mexican society, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the diverse tapestry of cultures that make up contemporary Mexico.

In conclusion, The Mexican Transpacific is a groundbreaking work that fills a significant gap in the literature on Mexican studies, Latin American studies, race and ethnic studies, transnational Asian studies, and Japanese diaspora studies. Through its interdisciplinary approach and comprehensive analysis, the book offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between heritage, migration, and artistic expression. It amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized communities, contributing to the historical documentation of their unique experiences. As such, The Mexican Transpacific is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the intersections of culture, identity, and representation in contemporary Mexico and beyond.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780826504944