The Influence of Globalization on Ecological Literacy in Japan

Globalization, understood as an intensification of modernism, has been a powerful force for cultural change. This book examines how one aspect of globalization, Hollywood films, influences Japanese thinking as regards to human nature relationships. It evaluates the influence of these films by way of an analysis of linguistic, behavioral changes.

Globalization, understood as an intensification of modernism, has over the past fifty years been a powerful force for cultural change. This study examines how one aspect of globalization, Hollywood films, influences Japanese thinking as regards to human-nature relationships. A critical discourse analysis of the most popular cinematic texts in Japan during a five-year period (1997_2001) uncovers the latent ideologies and messages linked to a modern worldview. This interdisciplinary work evaluates the influence of these films by way of a descriptive survey of Japanese culture; data from a university student focus group; and an analysis of linguistic, behavioral, and attitudinal changes toward environmental issues. A holistic approach to curricular reform that grounds ecological principles in traditional perceptions of nature is proffered as a way of countering exogenous influences while restoring a sense of balance to the culture-ecosystem.