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NOTE FROM THE ASSOCIATE CHAIR

Given that Asia comprises approximately 1/3 of the earth’s land mass, it is hardly surprising that our department engages with an incredibly broad array of languages and cultures. Even something that might seem straightforward, such as the timing of new year’s celebrations, varies widely across the continent. That said, for a big part of our community, January and February 2024 are times for new year’s observances marking the beginning of a “Wood Dragon” year in the sexagenary cycle, so it seems an appropriate time to sum up some of our department’s successes in 2023 and to look forward to things to come. Please read on to learn more about recent developments and upcoming events as we kick off a new semester!

PUBLICATIONS, NEWS, AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

On May 13, 2023, Yoshihiro Mochizuki took on the role of moderator at the 2023 MSU Workshop for Teachers of Japanese, hosted by Michigan State University. In this workshop, Prof. Yoshiro Hanai of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh explored the theme of “Embracing Learner Variability Through Individualization and Optimization: Concepts and Strategies.” Attended by a diverse group of K-12 and college Japanese educators, the discussion session, led by Mr. Mochizuki, served as a platform for sharing insights and experiences.

Mr. Mochizuki followed this with an invited talk at the Distinguished Visitors Program, hosted by the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures and its Japanese Program at Haverford College on October 5, 2023. His presentation, titled “Audience, Purpose, and Impact: The Keys to Effective Translation and Beyond,” introduced fundamental principles for successful translation to undergraduate and graduate students. Illustrating the impact of language on diverse cultures, he sparked a vibrant discussion among Japanese learners, highlighting the challenges of preserving nuances in translation.
 
Lastly, alongside Dr. William Matsuzaki, Mr. Mochizuki conducted a workshop at the TJSC 2023 Fall Workshop via Zoom on November 6, 2023. Titled “Ten Things You Can Do to Make Your Classroom More Inclusive,” the workshop offered ten practical strategies to create welcoming and respectful learning environments. Addressing microaggressions in Japanese language classrooms, Mr. Mochizuki ignited a spirited Q&A session among K-12 and college educators in Southern California, adding depth and value to the workshop and showcasing his dedication to advancing Japanese language education.

PhD student Cameron White has published a book review of Adam Kielman’s Sonic Mobilities: Producing Worlds in Southern China in The Journal of Asian Studies 82.4 (2023). Click here for more information about Cameron’s review.

Markus Nornes was on a jury for the Tokyo International Film Festival in October. His fellow jurors included director Raymond Red from the Philippines, and Japanese distributor Takei Miyuki. They gave the top prize to the Iranian film Maria, by Mahdi Asghari Azghadi.  

This year TIFF received 1,942 entries from 114 countries and regions and included 10 days of screenings and events at the festival’s venues in the Hibiya-Marunouchi-Yurakucho-Ginza area. The festival screened 219 films, an increase over the 174 shown last year, with 74,841 admissions (more than double the 2022 admissions) and another 73,081 attending related events.

Erin Brightwell has a new introduction to and annotated translation of a thirteenth-century Japanese anecdote collection out: “Timeless Todays in a Changing World: A Translation of Fujiwara no Nobuzane’s Ima monogatari” in Monumenta Nipponica 78.1 (Summer 2023): 1-89.

In December, ReConnect/ReCollect: Reparative Connections to Philippine Collections at the University of Michigan, co-directed by Deirdre de la Cruz and supported by the Humanities Collaboratory, wrapped up their two year project with a celebration and soft launch of their project website. The website is a multimodal toolkit that will provide extensive documentation of the project, and a suite of adaptable resources designed to encourage the development of culturally appropriate and historically minded approaches to the stewardship of Philippine colonial collections. The website will also feature Points of Origin, a 30-minute documentary by filmmaker Orlando de Guzman that follows visiting Filipino and Filipino American artists and Indigenous culture bearers as they engage with the U-M’s Philippine collections, and the ReConnect team’s trip to the Philippines in August 2023 to hand over digital and print copies of several archival and photographic collections. The website will go live in mid-February—check it out! 

FROM THE FIELD AND BEYOND

If you’re wondering where a major in Asian Studies can help to take you, check out this story about ALC alum Elise Jayakar, ’16. Elise went from UM to doing an MA at Columbia University and is now working at Good Shepherd Service in NYC.

In November and December, Miranda Brown—currently in Taiwan—appeared in two episodes of the History Channel hit series, Ancient Recipes with Sohla.  Click on the links to catch Miranda talking about the history of jianbing and the cookies discovered in Turfan.

IN THE CLASSROOM

On November 9, 2023, the Japanese Language Program orchestrated a vibrant and informative Study Abroad and Summer Programs Fair. This event served as a comprehensive exploration of study-abroad programs, summer initiatives, and internships available both in Japan and the United States. The fair aimed to provide valuable insights and firsthand experiences to students contemplating overseas educational endeavors. 

Returning students who had actively participated in the following renowned programs shared their enriching experiences with attendees.
The Featured Programs:

  • University of Michigan - CGIS (Center for Global and Intercultural Study)
  • Hitotsubashi University (Tokyo, Japan – summer/semester programs)
  • CET (Osaka, Japan - summer program)
  • JCMU (Japan Center for Michigan Universities; Shiga, Japan - summer/semester programs)
  • HIF (Hokkaido International Foundation; Hakodate, Japan - summer program)
  • Middlebury College, School of Japanese (Vermont, US - summer program)
  • Come On Out - Japan


The fair attracted a diverse audience of students contemplating future studies in Japan. Attendees engaged in thoughtful conversations with returnees, seeking valuable advice and insights. The interactive nature of the event facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas, making it an invaluable resource for those considering a study-abroad journey.
In orchestrating the Study Abroad and Summer Programs Fair, the Japanese Language Program not only showcased a myriad of opportunities but also created a platform for students to connect, share experiences, and pave the way for exciting educational adventures on the global stage. The event exemplified the program's commitment to fostering a community of culturally aware and globally engaged individuals.

The Japanese Language Program also successfully organized a Mochitsuki (traditional Mochi pounding) event on Saturday, January 13. The gathering saw enthusiastic participation from 22 students, JLP instructors, and Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs). Together, they immersed themselves in the cultural experience of traditional mochi making.

ON-CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS

Join us on March 4, 2:30-4:00 in the Osterman Common Room for the next departmental colloquium. We will nourish you both intellectually and nutritionally with snacks and a talk about a pre-circulated paper by Trent Walker, “Bitexts in Glocal Perspective: Towards an Intellectual History of Buddhist Translation in Early Modern Southeast Asia.” More details to follow soon.

 

STAY IN TOUCH

The departmental newsletter is published in September, January, and April, and we’d love to hear from you!  Please send your submissions and/or any questions to the Associate Chair (elbright@umich.edu), and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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University of Michigan Department of Asian Languages and Cultures · 202 S Thayer St Ste 6111 · Ann Arbor, MI 48104-5413 · USA

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