Assignment for Thursday, January 26
Gundam Cafe
The words denote that the building holds a restaurant/café. The Gundam figure out front and the Gundam symbol denote that it is based on the anime. The image connotes the popularity of this particular anime and anime in general in Japan, where they have a variety of themed cafes. Seeing the futuristic look of the building and knowing the storyline of the Gundam anime, you expect a sci-fi experience if you enter. It connotes the ideas of manga, anime and cosplay which are part of a paradigm of Japanese otaku culture prevalent with young people in the country.
Mount Fuji
The picture of Mount Fuji denotes an image of a mountain formed by a series of volcanic eruptions. The image of Mt. Fuji connotes a very iconic image of the country of Japan. If you are aware of codes of Japanese culture, it also signifies for you a religious site for many Japanese. When Japanese commuters pass Mt. Fuji on the train many will turn to it for a moment of prayer. It is also a sign of the importance of nature to the Japanese people. Being connected to nature is an important component of their indigenous religion of Shinto. Mount Fuji can be seen as a paradigm of power - the power of nature, religion and the country of Japan. When you look at the picture of Mount Fuji in the context of the Japanese culture, you begin to understand the importance of it to the Japanese people.
Todaiji Temple in Nara
The picture denotes a building that looks like an Asian temple. It denotes Japanese people visiting it as well as Western tourists. It also denotes grounds where deer roam freely. As an American looking at the picture, I see an image that signifies a culture very different from my own. The image connotes an ancient, Eastern culture, that is still thriving. Also, the fact that a number of people, including tourists, are visiting the site connotes that is is an important place. However, you need to know the codes of the Japanese culture to understand the importance of Nara. It was the first permanent capital of Japan and holds the largest Japanese Buddha statue. Japan has a very old culture and the people are very proud of it. Also, Buddhism is one of Japan's most prevalent religions. The deer on the grounds of the temple connote the importance of nature to the Japanese people.
Hey Michael, I really liked all of the photos that you chose and how you were able to evaluate them from your own perspective. If there is one thing I have to give as advice I guess it would be to talk a bit more about sign, signifier, and signified. I know you talked a lot about connotation and denotation but i don't think I saw anything about signs. I still feel like you did a really good describing your photos though.
ReplyDeleteHey Michael, I really like these three picture you post cause I've been to three of them in past two year, the Gundam Cafe is located near Akihabara station, what I saw the picture of Gundam Cafe the first word in my head is: OTAKU, I love OTAKU cultural and I also took Mizenko Sensei's anime course last semester. And you also talked about Mount Fuji, which I believed everyone will link Mount Fuji directly to Japan, also it's also represent the nature of Japan. Last I was in Nara feeding those deers outside Todaiji Temple with two of my friends, one is American and another one is Chinese, they all enjoy being around those cute deers, and what I see here is inclusiveness between people and animals.
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