Japanese studies expert honoured with US appointment

Jun 12, 2007

Dr Mark McLelland's ongoing research into Japanese history has culminated with an invitation to take up a prestigious Visiting Professorship in the United States.

The University of Wollongong lecturer from the Faculty of Arts will begin teaching at the University of Michigan's Center for Japanese Studies in September this year, where he will also complete a research project on reconstructing gender and sexuality in Tokyo 1945-1955.

A leading specialist in the history of sexual minority communities in post-war Japan, Dr McLelland is the first Australian expert in Japanese Studies to be appointed to the Toyota Visiting Professorship since its endowment in 1988.

"My project will look at the impact of the Occupation on Japanese ideas about heterosexual romance and relationships through an analysis of texts and incidents derived from the popular press, radio, film and theatre during Japan's first post-war decade," Dr McLelland said.

"Japan's defeat at the end of its 15 year war in 1945 saw widespread changes to the family and gender system. Women were given political rights for the first time and were recognised as independent agents at work, in the home and in their romantic relationships.

"Whereas war-time ideology had brought about the 'death of romance' in popular culture, with the relaxation of censorship at the war's end there was a sudden proliferation in discussion about the qualities of the 'new' or 'modern' couple and the popular press saw the sudden rise of a range of experts offering advice on the proper conduct of romance between the sexes."

The position provides a rotating chair for scholars and public figures pursuing research on public policy and other issues.

The primary objective of the Professorship is to promote American understanding of Japan among students, scholars, policy-makers, opinion leaders and those in business and the local community.

The University of Michigan houses the oldest and best resourced center for Japanese Studies in the US.

Dr McLelland will return from his appointment in April 2008.