Response Paper - Assignment Example

East Asian Pop Culture Introduction The article Winter Sonata and Cultural Practices of Active Fans in Japan: Considering Middle-Aged Women as Cultural Agents by Yoshitaka Mori is an in-depth analysis of the effects of Korean wave in the Japanese society. According to the writer, the Winter Sonata phenomenon has adversely affected the association of Japanese and Korean residents living in Japan. Though most Japanese society traditionally despised the Korean immigrants, activism on fair social-economic treatment has changed this perception and improved the Korean cultural integration in the society.

Additionally, with an introduction of innovative Korean entertainment products such as Korean movies and television programs, the situation is more likely to improve. The writer, therefore, analyses the integration of Korean culture in Japan through the perspectives of Japanese women who are fans of Winter Sonata (Chua & Iwabuchi, 2008). In the article, the writer creates a social conflict by explaining the differing opinion in the perception of Korean culture. In this regard, the writer’s mother has a pre juristic hatred against Koreans living in Japan despite her having a strong preference for the Winter Sonata, a Korean based television drama.

The writer is very concerned because she had many Korean friends, she had learned the Korean language and had at one time taught it to primary school students. Her mother on the other had had limited information on Korean culture, as well as limited interaction with Koreans (Chua & Iwabuchi, 2008). The writer is puzzled by the popularity of the Winter Sonata in Japan despite the Korean prejudice. In the research, the author evaluated the differences among the Sonata fans. In addition, the writer also examined on the reason behind Sonora’s high popularity in middle-aged and elderly women.

The author questions as to whether the show can be used to transform the negative perception of Korean culture by the Japanese society.Traditionally, the Japanese society had undermined the Korean culture due to historical reasons that are dated back in the early 1940s during the Second World War. Political and social injustices of the Korean society by Japan worsened the situation. In spite of this, the Korean culture has popularized a contemporary modern culture that is acceptable to Japanese culture.

In this regard, the writer appreciates the role of Korean films, contemporary Korean music and international events (including the 2002 FIFA World Cup) as the main cornerstones of promoting integration of Korean society in Japan. This transition has led to the gradual abolition of regressive government policies of banning importation of modern cultures in Japan (Chua & Iwabuchi, 2008).In conclusion, the Korean wave has also increased the appreciation of Korea as a tourist destination for Japanese residents.

Sonata has therefore led to increased appreciation of Korean culture and a new sensation to Japanese women who are discontented with the Japanese patriarchal society (Chua & Iwabuchi, 2008). The program has made many fans to be inquisitive of Asian and global cultures. In most women’s organization in Japan, the Winter Sonata and other Korean films are used in promoting cultural support and language education. It also provides a sensational entertainment option for middle-aged and elderly women.

ReferenceChua, B. H. & Iwabuchi, K.(2008). East Asian Pop Culture: Analysing the Korean Wave. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press, HKU.