June 03, 2022

The Afterlife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi: Historical Fiction and Popular Culture in Japan

By Susan Westhafer Furukawa, Associate Professor of Japanese
Harvard University Asia Center, 2022

Book cover of The Afterlife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi: Historical Fiction and Popular Culture in Japan by Susan Westhafer Furukawa. Popular representations of the past are everywhere in Japan, from cell phone charms to video games to manga (Japanese comics). Even young hipsters dress as their favorite historical figures in Japan. But how does this mass consumption of the past affect the way consumers think about history and what it means to be Japanese?

Furukawa’s book examines historical narratives and popular culture in Japan by exploring the consistent and evolving presence of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a 16th-century samurai leader.

Throughout the 20th- and 21st-century, Hideyoshi has continued to be an ever-present figure who changes with the needs of the current era, expanding our understanding of the powerful role that historical narratives play in Japan.

Furukawa teaches courses that consider how the narratives people create are subject to cultural, historical, and sociopolitical influences and that explore the ways in which language and stories are often used to curate our understanding of the environment and the world.


Also In This Issue

  • Beloit’s 172nd Commencement unfolded on a perfect spring day on May 15, the first large-scale celebration of graduation in two years — after the pandemic pre-empted, then altered Beloit’s traditional ceremony on the Middle College lawn. The class of 2022 reveled in coming together with families, friends, faculty, and staff, and President Bierman remarked that no one would take such a gathering for granted again. “It is great to be here all together in all three dimensions!” he said.

    Powerhouse field named for Bill Flanagan, Mackey Chair Lynda Barry, and more news in brief

    more
  • Beloit’s 2022 Commencement speaker Tori Key’03 with President Scott Bierman.

    A memorable message for a spectacular class

    more
  • Ron Watson

    Faculty and staff earn top teaching and mentoring awards

    more
  • Book cover of “Aesthetics of Repair” by Michael Dango.

    Crisis Style: The Aesthetics of Repair

    more

This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Read our Web Privacy Policy for more information.

Got it! ×