Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2024
Publication Title
Global Storytelling: Journal of Digital and Moving Images
Volume
4
Issue
2
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3998/gs.5911
Keywords
Geisha and Maiko, Japanese cooking, Japanese performing arts, manga, Japanese drama
Abstract
The Western fascination with geisha began with the travels of Sadayakko (1871–1946) and Hanako (Ōhta Hisa, 1868–1945), the first geisha to perform overseas in the United States and Europe. Hanako’s captivating face inspired Auguste Rodin (1840–1917) to sculpt her numerous times, making her the only Asian he ever depicted. To Rodin, she symbolized Asian beauty and mystery, leading to her Orientalization. Early photographs of Japanese individuals sent to the West, often featuring geisha and kabuki actors, further fueled Western interest in geisha.
The West’s initial encounters with geisha were not part of the Meiji government’s official narrative. Sadayakko, often overlooked in Japanese history, was the first Japanese woman performer to travel to the West since the Meiji era. Early photographs of geisha were possible because many Japanese people were hesitant to pose for photography, fearing it could capture their souls.
Starting in the 2000s, Japan embraced its “soft power,” heavily exporting its cultural identity through the “Cool Japan” campaign, which aimed to market Japanese culture globally. Scholars analyze “Cool Japan” as a cultural phenomenon and its impact on national branding and Japanese nationalism. As technological advancements increased access to Japanese cultural goods, the ownership of Japan’s cultural narrative shifted away from the government’s campaign.
This paper explores Netflix’s role in disseminating Japanese culture globally, focusing on The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House (2023) and Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (2016, 2019). The Makanai challenges stereotypes surrounding maiko while Midnight Diner pairs Japanese recipes with heartwarming stories of overlooked individuals. Netflix redefines storytelling by featuring complex characters deeply rooted in Japanese culture, promoting active engagement among viewers and challenging Western stereotypes. Utilizing Édouard Glissant’s concept of opacity, this paper illustrates how Netflix content respects the complexity and mystery of Japanese culture, fostering a deeper understanding and respect.
Rights
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0
Recommended Citation
Kanesaka, K., (2024) “Netflix Originals: Performing the Private Lives of Marginalized Communities for a Global Audience”, Global Storytelling: Journal of Digital and Moving Images 4(2): 3. doi: https://doi.org/10.3998/gs.5911
