Media Theory in Japan

This book explores Japanese media theory, offering insights that challenge Eurocentric perspectives and redefine the discipline's boundaries. Media Theory in Japan presents a rich tapestry of thought.

This volume offers a comprehensive overview of Japanese media theory from the 1910s to the present, marking a significant milestone for English-language readers. Media Theory in Japan introduces a wealth of theoretical and conceptual work that has largely remained under-explored in Western discourse. By challenging the Eurocentric foundations of media theory, this book seeks to redefine its practice and location, providing fresh perspectives that highlight Japan's unique contributions to the field.

The essays included in Media Theory in Japan cover a diverse array of topics, such as the insights of foundational Japanese thinkers, theories of mediation, and the philosophy of media. The authors delve into the intricate connections between early Japanese television and consumer culture, as well as the intersections of architecture and communications theory. This interdisciplinary approach not only broadens the scope of media theory but also emphasizes the importance of situating media studies within specific cultural contexts.

By tracing the theoretical frameworks that emerge from Japan's media ecology, the contributors successfully decenter traditional Eurocentric narratives. They showcase the value of Japanese perspectives in reassessing media theory's parameters and definitions. The essays encompass a variety of disciplines, including philosophy, feminist critique, literary theory, marketing discourse, and art, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and situational understanding of media theory.