Japanophilia: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Lafcadio hearn.jpg|right|thumb|[[Lafcadio Hearn]], aka Koizumi Yakumo, a notable scholar and author well known for his strong interest in Japanese culture and books on Japan.]]{{wiktionary}} |
[[Image:Lafcadio hearn.jpg|right|thumb|[[Lafcadio Hearn]], aka Koizumi Yakumo, a notable scholar and author well known for his strong interest in Japanese culture and books on Japan.]][[Image:Japanophile.jpg|thumb|200px|A non-Japanese, this "Japanophile" shows many aspects and interest of Japan and the Japanese culture.]]{{wiktionary}} |
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A '''Japanophile''' is a non-[[Japanese]] person with a strong interest in one or more aspects of [[Japan]] or [[Culture of Japan|Japanese culture]]. The word is sometimes used in a [[derogatory]] manner to denote a person with an excessive or misguided interest with Japan. |
A '''Japanophile''' is a non-[[Japanese]] person with a strong interest in one or more aspects of [[Japan]] or [[Culture of Japan|Japanese culture]]. The word is sometimes used in a [[derogatory]] manner to denote a person with an excessive or misguided interest with Japan. |
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Revision as of 12:39, 19 July 2006
A Japanophile is a non-Japanese person with a strong interest in one or more aspects of Japan or Japanese culture. The word is sometimes used in a derogatory manner to denote a person with an excessive or misguided interest with Japan.
"Japanophile" is also less commonly used to alternatively describe individuals who fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Scholars on the History of Japan
- Students of the Japanese language
- Scholars on the Sociology of Japan
- Politicians seen as particularly favourable to Japanese interests
- Fans of a particular aspect of Japanese culture (such as anime and manga, kendo, sumo wrestling, Japanese cuisine, and so forth)
- Anyone seen as (or believed to be) knowledgeable regarding a particular aspect of Japan, its culture or its influence.
Japanophilia is recently on the increase around the world, with the popularization of many Japanese cultural exports and Japanese pop culture, such as Zen Buddhism, sushi, J-Horror, and anime among others [1]. Once esoteric, many of these exports have gone from purely an otaku pastime to the mainstream, with sushi being de rigueur in some circles[citation needed]. However it does not always translate into political like of Japan itself[citation needed].
Notable Japanophiles have included Gwen Stefani, Lafcadio Hearn, Steven Seagal and Valentino Rossi.[citation needed]
Some Japanophiles have been criticized for having a limited perception of Japanese culture, and many of their interests of Japan are based on Western perceptions of an idealized or romantic view of Japan. Fans of anime and Japanese videogame are sometimes criticized for this and are known as otaku.
External links
- "Japan's Empire of Cool", Washington Post