New Books in East Asian Studies

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.

Lucia Liu, expert on the effects of economic reforms and changes in the management of death in China, discusses the impact of funeral industry reforms on reshaping citizens. The podcast explores the resilience of traditional social conventions in end-of-life commemoration and challenges the assumption of a shift towards individualism. Other topics include the rise of personalized funerals, the role of religion, and the nationalization of funeral institutions.

Jieh-min Wu, author of Rival Partners, discusses the extensive Taiwanese investment in China despite political differences. He explores the impact of Taiwan's contribution to China's rise and the cooperative efforts between Taiwanese entrepreneurs and Guangdong officials. The podcast covers topics ranging from the Guangdong model to the challenges faced by Taiwanese businesspeople in China during the global financial crisis. Wu also delves into China's rent-seeking development model and its goals in chip-making, as well as the efforts of Western countries to contain China's high-tech development.