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UID:400@harvard-yenching.org
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250324T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250324T130000
DTSTAMP:20250224T205112Z
URL:https://www.harvard-yenching.org/events/religion-and-humor-in-early-mo
 dern-japanese-graphic-narrative-kibyoshi/
SUMMARY:Religion and Humor in Early Modern Japanese Graphic Narrative Kiby
 ōshi
DESCRIPTION:Co-sponsored with the Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies\
 n\nThe depiction of religious figures in a humorous manner for entertainme
 nt purposes is prevalent in modern Japan. This cultural practice is often 
 explained within the context of Japanese attitudes towards religion after 
 the Meiji Restoration. Nevertheless\, when examining the historical use of
  religious figures in entertainment\, it becomes clear that this playful e
 ngagement with religious imagery has deeper roots that date back to premod
 ern times. This talk examines the relationship between religion and humor 
 in early modern Japan\, specifically through the lens of kibyōshi—a gen
 re of playful graphic narratives that flourished during the Edo period fro
 m 1775 to 1806. Through a combination of visual and textual analyses\, I o
 bserved that kibyōshi authors cleverly employed religious icons to satiri
 ze religious practices\, comment on contemporary social issues\, convey mo
 ral lessons\, and simultaneously bless the readers. These findings highlig
 ht the complex dynamics of the materiality of religions\, the publishing i
 ndustry\, and the social environments of the time\, offering a fascinating
  look at how religion and humor intertwined in Japan's cultural history.
CATEGORIES:Visiting Scholar Talks
LOCATION:Common Room (#136)\, 2 Divinity Avenue\, Cambridge\, MA\, United S
 tates
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