"Understanding the Global Appeal of Japanese Popular Culture" at Pitt, October 9.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host Hendrix College President William M. Tsutsui and his lecture "Understanding the Global Appeal of Japanese Popular Culture" on Friday, October 9.

The rising international prominence of Japanese popular culture—from manga and anime to sushi and Hello Kitty—is something that has been hard to ignore over the past quarter century. But why have global audiences responded so enthusiastically to Japanese entertainment products, and what cultural, social, and economic factors have contributed to the riotous creativity of Japanese pop since World War II?

It is the first event in the Mid-Atlantic Region Association for Asian Studies Conference at the University of Pittsburgh from October 9 through 11. The event is free and open to the public, and guests do not have to be registered for the conference to attend. The lecture runs from 2:00 to 3:30 pm in 1500 Posvar Hall (map).