International Perspectives on Yanagita Kunio and Japanese Folklore Studies

A collection of essays by North American and Japanese scholars on the life, work and influence of Yanagita Kunio (1875-1962), the founder of Japanese Folklore Studies. In addition to providing background information on Yanagita and his discipline, the eight contributors whose evaluations of Yanagita vary critically examine his research methodology, political stance, use of language, relevance for nation-building efforts in the Third World, and impact on Japanese intellectuals. Also included is an annotated translation of Chapter Two of Yanagita's 1941 essay, Nihon no matsuri (The Festivals of Japan).

Author: J. Victor Koschmann
Publisher: Cornell East Asia Series
Published: 03/31/2010
Pages: 216
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.40w x 0.70d
ISBN13: 9780939657377
ISBN10: 0939657376
BISAC Categories:
- Social Science | Folklore & Mythology

About the Author

J. Victor Koschmann is Professor of History at Cornell University.

Keibo Oiwa is a cultural anthropologist, environmentalist, prominent public figure and professor of International Studies at Meiji Gakuin Univeristy. Oiwa is founder of the Sloth Club, Japan's leading 'Slow Life' environmental group.

Shinji Yamashita is a Professor at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, Japan.