Japan -- family

[clay dube]

Dear all:

Hello, I am the one who spoke to you about Japanese family, gender, and religions on last Saturday. Looking back, I feel my talk was too basic to many of you (as I was not aware how well prepared you were) and I now regret that I did not give historical depth in speaking of those subjects. I just hope I have some other opportunities to revise my talk.

Below are the links to YOUTUBE materials that I wished to show in class but could not. The first three are of Laser Daimon, a popular comedian in Japan. He is quite popular but "feared" among the youth and I think you know why once you see some of these clips. "Homesexuality" issue, though, is a different matter (which I will not go into now): my impression is that the theme of homosexuality is overused in Japanese mass media. The last one presents some clips from Ranma 1/2- I think some of your students may already be familiar with this series of animation.

It was a great pleasure to see you.
Mariko Tamanoi

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZQmq5fjTG4o

http://youtube.com/watch?v=UqDtUtAOUyM&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QYMrvO7jjc0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10wKwlIjjtI
--

Mariko Tamanoi
Associate professor
Department of Anthropology
University of California, Los Angeles
341 Haines Hall - Box 951553
Los Angeles, California 90095-1553

Office Number: Haines Hall 325
Campus Code: 155303
Tel: (310) 206-8399
Fax: (310) 206-7388
e-mail: [email protected]

[Anonymous]

I was fascinated by the concept of IE. Its very interesting in comarison with my own concept of family and inheiritance. Instead of focusing on the property value the name becomes the important value. I've wondered how some family names dissapear in America, especially considering the mulitple marriages situation which divorce may bring. It seems as the Japanese have solved this issue of family name lasting over time with the practices of IE. I suppose it really isn't the name itself unless it is about to expire. Also the concept of resurrecting an old family name was interesting. I've taught students about the practice of an apprentice taking on the name of their master when the master leaves the craft...it was hard for them to understand, as they thought the apprentice was losing their identity... when in reality they were gaining so much more, the name of the master and all that goes along with that. I guess the IE of a master might go along with their apprentices or is that not true?

thanks again for the presentation, lots of food for thought,
Mike Blois

[Anonymous]

Thank you , Professor Tamanoi, for your presentation. I was not familiar at all with the organization of Japanese families into an Ie. It was so interesting to hear the variety of solutions used to determine a head of household. In the presentation you mentioned this was abolished in postwar as an official unit but has remained a strong institution. I am wondering how strong it is with the families of our students here in the US? I am really surprised that I had not known about Ie, knowing the hundreds of Japanese students and families I've worked with through the years...

The ancestor worship and shrine information was more familiar, yet I appreciated the specific information about who "the ancestors" are and who "the departed" are, as well as the information on rituals and Japan being a "country of many ghosts."

I watched the YouTube clips you posted with Laser Daimon as Hard Gay. Hilarious. Over the top stereotyping, wrapped around sincere acts. Very interesting. Made me laugh out loud a few times.

For animation, I highly recommend "My Neighbor Totoro" directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It was my children's favorite video when they were younger.

[Anonymous]

The IE system was very interesting, I would have to say that in Japan a last name is only the beginning, unlike in America. Under the IE life your finantual future and social class are all affected. I have a good friend in Tokyo Japan, we played college water polo together and he never mentioned anything. Is there any reason he would not speak of his IE?
I would love to get an answer, He is not in Japan again, i hope he can be reached.

[Anonymous]

I was unable to connect with U-tube, can you send me the name of the skits and I can look them up on U-Tube without the defaulting link?

[Anonymous]

Hi,
None of the YOUTUBE links worked. It might just be my computer, but is there any way to post more information so that we can find them on YOUTUBE? And thanks again for the interesting talk!

[Author]

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