Japan Creative Centre (JCC) is pleased to present a lecture by Dr Yuko Kikuchi on the topic of Bamboo Nationalism. During the talk, Dr Kikuchi will be examining what is the common perception of the "Japanese Style" and its associated image of "simple, natural, clean cut, functional design." She will in particular touch on the use of bamboo and its relation to Japanese crafts and craft related product design.

This lecture seeks to give participants an insight into what is "Japaneseness" and the elements and factors that have come together to create the connection between bamboo and the Japanese brand from the late 19th century up to the present. Dr Kikuchi will also be taking questions from the audience after the lecture in the form of a question and answer session.

Do come join us at this exciting event where one can hopefully gain a better understanding of the cultural politics behind the idea of "Japanese-style" .

About the speaker:

Dr Yuko Kikuchi obtained her PhD in history of art and design from Chelsea College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London, MA in Area Studies and Cultural Studies from the University of Tsukuba and BA in English & American Literature from Aoyama Gakuin University/San Diego State University. Dr Kikuchi is also the author of "Japanese Modernisation and Mingei Theory: Cultural Nationalism and Oriental Orientalism" and several other publications on the topic of Japanese culture. Presently Dr Kikuchi is on a 3 month appointment as Visiting Senior Research Fellow in Asia Research Institute, NUS. Dr Kikuchi is also leading a joint international project "Oriental Modernity: Modern Design Development in East Asia, 1920-1990" together with design historians in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Canada and the UK to promote studies on transnational design histories within the region.

EVENT DETAILS:
DATE: Thursday, 11th August 2011

TIME & VENUE
6.30pm to 7.30pm
(Japan Creative Centre, 4 Nassim Road)
REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 6.00PM

ADMISSION :FREE

Please mail to jcc@sn.mofa.go.jp to register for a seat, we regret to inform that as there are limited seating, seats will be confirmed only upon receipt of confirmation email from JCC. Do register before the 6th of August to avoid disappointment!