This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Professor Peipei Qiu on examining  Japanese narratives in literature and cinema, with the results of the project being used for the Spring 2017 course, “The Narratives of Japan: Fiction and Film.” In looking at films adapted from literature or connected through common themes, we examined the aesthetic choices of the directors and authors, and the ways in which the narratives interact with their social contexts. This project covers a broad range of Japanese storytelling, from the oldest extant collection known as the Kojiki to the animated films of Hayao Miyazaki.

For this project, I researched, evaluated, and collected relevant secondary and theoretical materials on Japanese film and literature (notably Rashomon, Ugetsu Monogatari, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, The Makioka Sisters and Fires on the Plain) for the course syllabus, which I compiled into an annotated bibliography for Professor Qiu’s review. I compiled lists of Japanese films based on the literature of contemporary authors like Banana Yoshimoto, Haruki Murakami, and Natsuo Kirino, and gathered required films and readings from Vassar’s library and through loan systems. Once the syllabus was finalized, I digitized the readings, and learned to “rip” DVDs to create video files using HandBrake and Final Cut Pro. As I assisted Professor Qiu in preparing course materials, I conducted my own research on Hayao Miyazaki’s films Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away to create a visual presentation on “Environmentalism in Miyazaki’s Animation,” which will be shown to Professor Qiu’s class as part of the course material. This presentation explores how these particular films not only reflect Miyazaki’s personal view of environmentalism, but also embody different aspects of an ancient Japanese philosophy towards nature, ultimately connecting ancient Japanese literature with contemporary cinematic storytelling.

I am grateful to have been a part of this project this summer. I had the amazing experience of working with Professor Qiu and conducting intensive research that not only built on my academic skills, but also allowed me to gain some insight into the logistics of creating courses here at Vassar. I enjoyed exploring the richness of Japan’s literary and cinematic storytelling tradition, and I am incredibly excited for my work to be a part of Vassar’s curriculum in the spring.