The French philosopher Félix Guattari frequently visited Japan during the 1980s. He encountered artists like Kusama Yayoi, dancers like Tanaka Min, architects, urban planners, writers and activists. Ueno Toshiya was a young sociologist at the time, and he was one of Guattari's guides and interlocutors. We will pre-read essays by Guattari and Ueno, and discuss the French philosopher's lasting influence in Japan.

There will be two pre-read essays (no lecture). Please RSVP to Markus Nornes (nornes@umich.edu) for the PDFs.

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Ueno Toshiya is a sociologist, media theorist, critic and DJ. He teaches in the Expressive Cultures Department at Wako University, Tokyo. He is a prolific writer in both academic and popular contexts. His books include Situation, Cultural Politics of Rock and Pop, Urban Tribal Studies, Thinking Diaspora, Red Metal Suits: Wars in Animation and more. He was a key figure in introducing British Cultural Studies to Japan.