From Gundam to Gaming: How Japanese Media Conquered Popular Culture

Look around any geek merchandise store today and one thing becomes clear: Japanese media is bigger than ever. Following a boom during the COVID-19 pandemic, audiences young and old are reading manga, watching anime, playing Japanese video games, building model kits, and buying scores of figurines. But how did we get here? Join PhD Candidate and contract professor Matt Poulter for an in-depth look at how anime, games, manga and other Japanese media went from foreign curiosities to niche interests that ebbed and flowed over the years, to genuine phenomena that only seem to be getting bigger. Along the way we'll look at trends that have come and gone, issues that have emerged around these forms of media, and what the future might hold for popular culture as Japan goes global Matt Poulter is a PhD candidate in the Communication and Culture program at York University and a contract professor at Carleton University's Film Studies department. His focus is on Media and Culture, specifically on Japanese Media and its impact on North American popular culture, including anime, manga, video games, and others. He also teaches on subjects like horror films, fandoms and fan cultures, and transhumanism. 🍻Get a drink, connect and learn at Tipsy Scholars Agenda 6:00pm - Doors open: Grab a seat, order drinks and food and settle in. 6:55pm - Host Introduction 7:00pm - Lecture starts 7:45pm - Q&A with Audience 8:00pm - Socialize and make friends, grab more drinks