Manga Studies is now emerging as an important field of scholarship and criticism within Japanese Studies and Cultural Studies, but its methodologies and theoretical foundations are still being developed in relation to both existing academic disciplines and everyday practices. Manga, and related media such as anime and video games, have given rise to a new participatory culture which reaches far beyond graphic narratives. Today’s students are not simply consumers of manga. They live in a convergent media environment where they occupy multiple roles as fans, students and “produsers” (producers + users) of Japanese cultural content. Many students are engaged in “scanlation” and “fansubbing” sites as well as the production and dissemination of dōjin (fan-produced) work. These practices contribute to manga’s global appeal, influence and ease of access, but also raise ethical and legal issues, not least infringement of copyright. Invited proposals include, but are not limited to, the following themes: Fan appropriations of and contributions to manga culture in Japan and beyond, Ethical and legal challenges in the production and consumption of manga, Institutional support for or criticism of manga culture, The use of manga in Japan studies and Japan language pedagogy, The future of “manga studies” – theory and methods.
Due date for proposals: 13 July 2014