Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan

Inspired by our exhibition Kwaidan, on Wednesday 22 October, the Durham University historian Dr Hansun Hsiung will introduce the culture and politics of the Meiji period – from the decline of the Samurai to the rise of militarism and colonialism, alongside the remarkable perseverance and transformation of Japanese literature, science and
art.

In March 1890, the storyteller and travel writer Lafcadio Hearn – once a student at Ushaw College – boarded a steamship bound for Yokohama in Japan, leaving behind forever his adopted home of the United States. In the years that followed, he became one of the world’s most famous chroniclers of Japanese culture. Hearn arrived in Japan at a moment of momentous change, in which Japanese society was being profoundly reshaped by rapid modernisation, urbanisation and Westernisation.

In this free public event, historians and cultural scholars from Durham University will introduce the culture and politics of the Meiji period – from the decline of the Samurai to the rise of militarism and colonialism, alongside the remarkable perseverance and transformation of Japanese literature, music, science and art.

The discussion will include contributions from Dr Hansun Hsiung (Japanese Studies), Dr Amanda Hsieh (Musicology), and Dr Fraser Riddell (English Studies) on topics including science and the supernatural, music and globalisation, and the relationship between Japan and the North East of England.

Due to high demand, this talk will take place at 6:30pm in our Exhibition Theatre. There will be a 45 minute talk, followed by a 15 minute Q&A session.

Pay as you wish for the talks, pre-book your place below.