Globalisation and Japan.

Since the end of World War 2 and the subsequent occupation by Allied forces Japan has wholeheartedly embraced global trends and fashions. Japanese people have a distinct knack for picking and choosing those trends which most appeal to them, never allowing anything to be thrust upon them. Globalisation though, is a two-way street, as much as Japan incorporates world cultures into their own they also have a strong global influence. The list of global trends started in Japan is seemingly endless, everything from computer consoles (and games), car design, robotics, fashion and music. Having the world's second largest economy is no accident, Japan must stay at the forefront of world trends in order to capitalise on and maintain their powerful position. Companies like Sony and Toyota create new technologies which are eagerly snapped up by hungry consumers the world over. Sony's Playstation 3 has quickly established itself as the premier gaming system, producing titles which have broken records thought to have been unattainable. Toyota has pioneered hybrid car technology which is receiving a warm reception from both consumers and fellow car companies who aren't ashamed to jump on the green technology band wagon. Beginning with the Prius, Toyota has now incorporated hybrid technology into the vast majority of its products, including their luxury arm, Lexus.

The true test of globalisation is a countries ability to not only embrace foreign trends but to also contribute globally with their own products and ideas. Japan achieves this on a higher level than any country that Iam aware of. For every McDonald's or KFC one encounters you can rest assured that their will be a Toyota in the drive though or a child playing his PSP whilst waiting for his food.

Ihei Kimura (b Tokyo, 12 Dec 1901; d Tokyo, 31 May 1974).
Began his career in Taiwan in 1920 where he trained as a photographer. Returning to Japan in 1924 he established a photographic studio in the Nippori district of Tokyo. From 1930 he worked for several years in the advertising section of a soap and cosmetics company, where he continued to develop his style. In 1933, he joined fellow photographer and formed the group Nippon Kōbō ("Japan workshop"), which emphasized "realism" in photography using 35mm cameras; this group quickly disintegrated so Kimura formed an alternative group, Chūō Kōbō ("central workshop") with a whole new batch of photographers. During the World War 2 he worked in Manchuria and also contributed to propaganda magazines supporting Japan’s war effort. Once the war had ended Kimura was able to once again photograph the everyday scenes that he became famous for. He travelled extensively around the world, most notably to Paris where he completed an acclaimed series of photos.

Kimura's photos provide a great insight into the everyday lives of Japanese people. They never look posed and present a realistic portayal of Japanese society. Personally Iam a huge fan of Kimura's work. His photos have a depth of feeling which greatly appeals to me. As a historical reference his work is extremely valuable. Of particular note is his series of photos taken in Akita which showcase both his talent and range.

http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/555/art.asp

Japanese Popular Culture.

Popular culture in Japan is one of the most diverse aspects of this hectic multi-layered land. For the purposes of this post I will focus solely on drift racing and it's metamorphosis from underground recreational activity to worldwide multi-million dollar enterprise. Drifting refers to a driving technique and to a motor sport where the driver intentionally over steers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels through turns, while preserving vehicle control and a high exit speed.

Although the technique of drifting has been evident in motor sports for decades, modern day drifting was born in the hills of Osaka in the early 80s. With the advent of the new freeway systems many of the old mountain roads were left empty. A small crew of thrill seekers claimed these roads as their own and began regularly pushing the limits of their high powered, real wheel drive street machines. Before long this small crew of drifters had developed a huge following and spurned a whole legion of copycats. By 1988 professional drift events were being staged at Tsukuba Circuit in Shimotsuma. http://www.motoracing-japan.com/circuit/09_tsukuba.html

Today drifting has evolved into a competitive sport where drivers compete in rear wheel drive cars to earn points from judges based on various factors. At the top levels of competition, for example the D1 Grand Prix from Japan and others in Malaysia, Australia, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Formula-D in the United States, King of Europe Drift Series in Europe, Drift Mania in Canada, and the NZ Drift Series in New Zealand. Despite the worldwide popularity of drifting, Japan remains universally lauded as both the premier drifting location and for spawning the greatest advocates of the technique. Drifting is one the most popular sports in Japan today, with drivers such as Kenji Takayama, Daigo Saito and Suenaga Naoto enjoying an almost cult like status amongst fans of the sport.

http://madeinatlantis.com/life/drifting_culture.htm