Offering a broad introduction to Japanese history post-WWII, this lecture course will explore the influence of traditional Japanese arts and culture in shaping contemporary Japanese society. The synthesis of Japanese traditionalism and integration of technology continues to shape various youth subcultures and popular design aesthetics that have gained popularity on a global scale.

Topics will include textile manufacturing, popular music, cosplay, street fashion, postmodern Japanese architecture, food design, globalization of Japanese retail companies, video game diplomacy, and indigenous religions of Japan.