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Misunderstanding Japan

An exploration of the impact of western representations on our view of Japan, and its people - from the first Victorian travellers through to Alan Whicker and Clive James.

What images come into your head when you think of Japan?

Dr Christopher Harding explores how Western media representations of Japan, from the very first Victorian travellers through to Alan Whicker and Clive James, have revisited the same themes.

Often portrayed as workaholics driven by a group mentality, with submissive women and bizarre crazes, Dr Harding asks whether many of these stereotypes have led to the country being misunderstood by people in the West.

Have the Japanese had a role in perpetuating some of these stereotypes in an effort to set themselves apart?

What do our images, feelings, fears and fantasies about Japan tell us about ourselves?

Producer: Keith Moore

Available now

50 minutes

Last on

Thu 29 Oct 2015 02:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 24 Oct 2015 22:06GMT
  • Sun 25 Oct 2015 01:06GMT
  • Sun 25 Oct 2015 02:06GMT
  • Sun 25 Oct 2015 03:06GMT
  • Sun 25 Oct 2015 15:06GMT
  • Wed 28 Oct 2015 09:06GMT
  • Wed 28 Oct 2015 13:06GMT
  • Wed 28 Oct 2015 23:06GMT
  • Thu 29 Oct 2015 02:06GMT