New Books in East Asian Studies

Shuchen Xiang, author of 'Chinese Cosmopolitanism: The History and Philosophy of an Idea', discusses the Chinese cultural tradition as a cosmopolitan melting pot that synthesized different cultures. She argues that 'Chinese' identity is not a racial identity and explains how China embraced distinct peoples into a common identity. The podcast explores the singularity of Western racism, the metaphysical framework of Chinese cosmopolitanism, harmony and diversity, the concept of the barbarian, processual holism, and Chinese theories of war and military efficacy.

Henrietta Harrison, an expert in China's relations with the West, discusses her book about the fascinating lives of two translators between Qing China and the British Empire. The podcast explores the role of interpreters in the 1793 British embassy to China, challenges the dominant narrative of the encounter, and highlights the repression faced by cultural go-betweens. It delves into the educational backgrounds of the translators, their different translation styles, and their impact on China-Britain relations.

Guest Jeffrey Angles and Japanese author Shigeru Kayama discuss the Godzilla novels, their cultural significance, and differences from the movies. The interview also covers Kayama's career, including his discomfort with the evolving perception of Godzilla. Translator Jeffrey Angles shares his future projects, including a novel by Satsuko Sumura, and the possibility of translating a Mothra novel.

Russia's naval power is often underestimated, but it has been actively establishing itself as a major maritime power. The podcast explores the book 'The Sea in Russian Strategy' and its analysis of Russian grand strategy. It discusses the importance of maritime power to Russia, its naval missions, strategic approaches, and future scenarios. The podcast also highlights Russia's shift towards becoming a seafaring nation, its focus on developing civilian maritime capabilities, and its growing influence in regions like Africa.

Harry Harootunian, an eminent Marxist historian, discusses his new book on Japan and the global fascist imaginary. He explores the formation of capitalism and fascism in Japan, highlighting the uneven development of capitalism and how it integrates preexisting practices. He reinterprets epochal moments in Japanese history, examining the Meiji Restoration, Japan's capitalist expansion, and its transition to fascism. Harootunian offers a retheorization of capitalist development and a unique perspective on Japan's path to modernity.

This podcast explores the growing interest in saunas in Japan, influenced by Finland's sauna culture. It discusses the popularity of moveable saunas, integrating saunas into hot spring facilities, and social distinctions among sauna enthusiasts. It also addresses concerns about allowing children in saunas and explores COVID-19 measures in Japanese saunas.

Kimberley Ens Manning, author of 'The Party Family: Revolutionary Attachments and the Gendered Origins of State Power in China', explores the crucial role of family ties and women in the formation and consolidation of the state in revolutionary China. She uncovers how family and ideology intertwined to create an important building block of state capacity and governance. The podcast delves into various topics such as women's leadership, activism in education and public health, land reform, gender dynamics during the Great Leap Forward, and the implications of China's Marriage Law. Kimberley Ens Manning also discusses her ongoing projects on the one-child policy and advocacy for transgender children.

The podcast explores the complex reality of journalism in China, challenging the assumption that it is all propaganda. It delves into the diversity within the industry, highlighting the existence of investigative journalists and internal critics. The concept of 'post-truth' and its impact on the Chinese news sector is examined, as journalists struggle with changing business models. The chapter also discusses the tightening conditions faced by news makers in China and the shift towards new communication platforms.

Kai Jun Chen, author of Porcelain for the Emperor, discusses court-sponsored porcelain production in Qing China, exploring topics such as technological specialization, managerial expertise, and the imposition of imperial order. The podcast also delves into the role of technocrats, the significance of porcelain objects, and the intersection of technocrats and cultural literacy in Qing China.

Kin Cheung, a scholar of contemporary Buddhism at Moravian University, discusses his research on a Chinese-American community healer who reveals the limitations of current academic approaches to Buddhism. They explore code-switching as a feature of life for Asian Americans and Kin's father conducts a blessing ritual. They also highlight the need for representation of Asian American Buddhists and discuss the unexpected animal presence during a ritual.