New Books in East Asian Studies

Author Steven K. Bailey discusses the intense air raids on Japanese-held Hong Kong by US Navy pilots during WWII. Through detailed records and personal stories, he sheds light on the experiences of American servicemen and the impact of the war on both pilots and civilians in Hong Kong.

Discover the lives of Japanese poets Yanagawa Seigan and Kōran, who practiced traditional Sinitic poetry. Learn about their itinerant lifestyle, political activities, and Kōran's imprisonment. Explore their mastery of poetic tradition amid Japan's monumental change.

Author Stephanie Balkwill discusses Empress Dowager Ling's rise to power in China, highlighting the influence of Buddhism and multiculturalism. The podcast explores gender norms, societal reinvention, and the challenges faced by powerful women in sixth-century China.

Translation scholar Eric Reinders discusses Chinese translations of Tolkien's works, uncovering new perspectives and common themes of religion, fantasy, and translation. Topics include gods and heathens, fate and doom, and the challenges of translating fantasy concepts into Chinese. Reinders also shares insights on his upcoming projects on cosmogony, riddles, and a new venture into Dracula.

Laura Moretti and Satō Yukiko discuss graphic narratives from early modern Japan, highlighting the widespread popularity of 'kusazōshi.' The podcast explores the visual-verbal imagination, challenges in translation, and incorporation of games in these narratives, offering insights into the vibrant world of Japanese literature and culture.

Journalist Bill Lascher discusses his book on U.S. war correspondent Melville Jacoby's experiences in China and the Philippines during WWII, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in war-torn regions, the vibrant atmosphere of wartime China, and Mel's tragic death in an accidental crash while covering war preparations in Australia.

Diana P. Parsell discusses the fascinating life of Eliza Scidmore, the trailblazing journalist behind Washington's cherry trees. Topics covered include Eliza's travels to Alaska and China, her dedication to cross-cultural understanding and environmental conservation, and her pioneering role in journalism and travel writing.

Columbia University professor Ying Qian discusses her book on documentary media in 20th-century China, highlighting the role of documentary in shaping revolutionary history. The interview explores the dialectical relationship between documentary form and revolution, the significance of media in societal events and power dynamics, and the evolution of media studies beyond traditional forms.

Rodolfo Maggio, a senior researcher at the University of Helsinki, discusses Sino-Pacific relations focusing on the peaceful 2024 elections in the Solomon Islands. He explores the influence of China, language challenges, and the role of community leaders in maintaining peace and addressing economic inequalities.

Dr. Alfred Peredo Flores discusses US settler militarism in Guam, focusing on land dispossession, racialization of labor, and military policing of intimate relationships. The podcast explores Chamoru resilience and resistance against US military presence and the impact of tourism on the island.