This online series centered on films that represented historically marginalized communities in Japan: LGBTQIA+ ( Funeral Parade of Roses, 1969), Okinawans ( Untama giru, 1989), Zainichi Koreans ( Chong, 2000), and Japanese-Brazilians ( Saudade, 2011). The instructor provided historical background on each group and shared information on the production and reception of each film before segueing into focused discussions in which participants offered their own reflections and analyses. In so doing, the program considered questions such as: How did these films challenge perceptions of Japan’s supposed homogeneity and/or critique its history of colonialism? How were members of these communities represented in the films? What was their relationship with Japanese mainstream society, and how did they negotiate systems of oppression and discrimination? Through textual analysis and discussion, the program aimed to expose participants to the diversity of Japanese cinematic expression and encouraged them to interrogate common stereotypes regarding what constitutes Japanese culture.
Program Leader
Nathaniel Heneghan is an independent scholar, poet, playwright, and punk rock drummer based in Seattle, WA. He received his PhD from the University of Southern California, and his research examines the evolution of Zainichi Korean representation in literature and film from the colonial period to present. His current project explores notions of confession and “coming out” in recent Zainichi cultural production.
Dates and Time
Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 4 to 6 PM (Pacific Time)
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 4 to 6 PM (Pacific Time)
Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 4 to 6 PM (Pacific Time)
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 4 to 6 PM (Pacific Time)
This program took place on Zoom.
Program Expectations
Participants were expected to view the film and read any supplementary materials (links to watch the movies, essays, interviews, etc.) prior to each class. All materials were provided by the instructor.
Program Benefits
- Access to online resources.
- Free WA OSPI clock hours.
Program Resources
Click here for the Padlet site with the discussion questions explored by participants during the program.
This program was sponsored by the East Asia Resource Center at the University of Washington and funded by a Freeman Foundation grant in support of the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA).