Dr. Joey Genevieve Martinez, University Vice Chancellor for International Affairs, warmly welcomed the Japan Foundation, the UP Asian Center, and attending faculty and participants, describing the event as “another window for us to connect” and gain fresh perspectives on Japanese culture.
In another message, Dr. Marie Joy Banawa, Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, highlighted the significant role of the Japan Foundation in fostering international intellectual collaboration between the two institutions.
She emphasized that through the event, students are offered opportunities to hone their skills in crafting research papers as they engage more deeply in international studies, and “transcend beyond their premises.”
Dr. Karl Ian Cheng Chua, Assistant Professor at the Asian Center of UP Diliman, who later led the forum with two lectures, introduced the workshop and stressed the need for spaces where students can pursue Japanese studies, pointing out that the country has only three institutions offering such programs.
In his introduction to Japanese Studies research, he further highlighted the importance of moving beyond a “very Manila-centric” perspective and encouraged scholars not only to think about Japan, as is often the case, but also to actively write about it.
“We're not actually studying Japan; we're studying ourselves,” Dr. Chua noted, adding that the need for such spaces varies by region. These spaces, he explained, allow students interested in Japan Studies to reflect on why they have to study about Japan.
The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM), established in 1996, is the sole institution responsible for implementing Japan’s comprehensive international cultural exchange programs worldwide.
Director Ben Suzuki emphasized that JFM fosters understanding of Japan’s customs through its three main areas of focus: Arts and Cultural Exchange, Japanese-Language Education, and Japanese Studies and Global Partnerships.
JFM also provides opportunities for Filipino scholars who wish to delve deeper into Japan’s cultural studies, supporting passionate individuals in expanding their knowledge of Japan while promoting international awareness and sensitivity.
Navigating Academia in a Southeast Asian Context
During his first lecture session, Dr. Chua discussed how geopolitical inequalities continue to shape global academia, noting that many fields in humanities and social science remain dominated by Western scholars, for instance, having English as the default academic language.
He recognized that Western-centered disciplines continue to set the standards for what is considered valuable research, while semi-peripheral regions are often expected to use methods and languages tied to former empires and remain largely unreceptive to alternative paradigms.
He also added that knowledge from the margins or peripheries—whether conveyed in English, semi-centric, or locally specific languages—is frequently dismissed as overly empirical, political, or outdated, even though it still depends on dominant centers for reference.
Dr. Chua urged academics to reflect on positionality, the limitations of Western social science in non-Western contexts, and the dilemmas scholars face when addressing different audiences.
He also highlighted and pointed to the enduring influence of colonial knowledge systems, which often frame certain regions as problems rather than as opportunities for new ways of thinking.
Global Trends, Local Boundaries: Cosplay and Cultural Norms
In his second lecture on “The Dilemma of Cosplay,” Dr. Chua talked about the diverse motivations behind the practice, stressing that many participants see it as a form of escapism, a chance to momentarily inhabit another identity, or an expression of admiration for a favorite character.
He pointed out that others view it as a creative outlet which allows them to express themselves through costume design, performance, and reinterpretation.
Among globalized popular culture phenomena, Dr. Chua highlighted cosplay as particularly influential, attracting fans who aspire to embody their favorite characters. He said that this trend can be seen as a hallmark of the success of “Cool Japan.”
However, he also pointed out that in countries with Muslim populations, cultural and religious norms may limit women’s participation.
The talk also drew attention to the growing visibility of hijabi cosplayers, who have developed techniques to adapt costumes without removing the hijab. These methods often involve incorporating the hijab into accessories or styling it to resemble a character’s hair, allowing participants to remain true to both their craft and their personal beliefs.
This led to a discourse on the influence of “soft power,” and the notion of authenticity.The discussion took an interesting turn when a question arose about whether non-Muslim cosplayers could participate in “hijabi cosplay.”
One of the audiences argued that the answer depends largely on cultural context, suggesting that acceptance varies according to local norms and societal attitudes.
The exchange of views underscored the complexities of cultural appropriation, adaptation, and respect within global cosplay communities, emphasizing that what may be embraced in one context could be controversial in another.
Dr. Chua explained, “What they think is a dilemma is already a unique costume for them.” He added, “You are not looking at the authenticity, but the misreading of the culture.”
Following this, the afternoon segment featured information sessions on the UPD Asian Center, led by Professor Dr. Jocelyn Celero and Ma. Renelyn Buenaventura, Junior Museum Specialist.
Written by Tresha De Villa
Proofread by Fame Orong
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