Focusing on the art and literary form of manga, this volume examines the intercultural exchanges that have shaped manga during the twentieth century and how manga’s culturalization is related to its globalization. Through contributions from leading scholars in the fields of comics and Japanese culture, it describes "manga culture" in two ways: as a fundamentally hybrid culture comprised of both subcultures and transcultures, and as an aesthetic culture which has eluded modernist notions of art, originality, and authorship. The latter is demonstrated in a special focus on the best-selling manga franchise, NARUTO.

"Following the opening of Japan, its early popular culture with colour woodcuts by the likes of Hokusai and Kuniyoshi has achieved worldwide fame. And with manga and anime, Japan's contemporary pop culture has also conquered the world. Woodcuts and woodblock printed books by famous ukiyo-e artists meet up with mass media comics and animated films from modern Japan."--Page [4] of cover.

′In the globalization ′game′ there are no absolute winners and losers. Neither homogenisation nor diversity can capture its contradictory movement and character. The essays and papers collected here offer, from a variety of perspectives, a rich exploration of creativity and innovation, cultural expressions and globalization. This volume of essays, in all their diversity of contents and theoretical perspectives, demonstrates the rich value of this paradoxical, oxymoronic approach′ - Stuart Hall, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the Open University Volume 3 of the Cultures & Globalization series, Creativity and Innovations, explores the interactions between globalization and the forms of cultural expression that are their basic resource. Bringing together over 25 high-profile authors from around the world, this volume addresses such questions as: What impacts does globalization have on cultural creativity and innovation? How is the evolving world ′map′ of creativity related to the drivers and patterns of globalization? What are the relationships between creative acts, clusters, genres or institutions and cultural diversity? The volume is an indispensable reference tool for all scholars and students of contemporary arts and culture.

Papers from the 1st- Symposium on Portuguese Traditions.

Written by the former director of European and American operations for Casio Computer Ltd., this major new work calls for revolutionary changes in Japanese society, including the diminished role of the emperor and the establishment of an American-style business management system. Illustrations.

"Delves beyond the traditional icons to reveal the everyday expressions of Thainess that so delight and puzzle. Through colourful text and 500 quirky photos, explore the country's alternative sights, from truck art and taxi altars to buffalo cart furniture and drinks in bags".--BOOKJACKET.

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