Examines a wide variety of Japanese manga, anime, films and video games and discuss the relevance of these texts to contemporary Japanese and American society. Considers the historical contexts during which these unique forms of media developed, with special attention to changes that occurred follow-ing the American occupation in the aftermath of World War II. Particularly focuses on the pop culture texts Japan has exported since becoming an economic superpower in the 1980s. Explores utopian/dystopian expression in Japanese sci-fi narratives of this era, and the complex interplay of gender and technology in the new posthuman societies that these narratives envision. Also considers the significance of global fandom as we chart the rise of the American otaku, and its relevance to future Japanese-American relations. Prerequisite: Morrissy Honor Students or permis- sion of Director, Morrrissy Honor's program. Fulfills general education requirement in cross- cultural studies. [ 3 credits ]