New images of Japan in France: A survey to Japan Expo
New images of Japan in France: A survey to Japan Expo

Summary/Abstract: France and Japan have a long history of mutual exchanges and interests. In both countries, many images circulated about the other and those pictures compose a specific exoticism. Exoticism is a specific attraction for a far and different site, and Japan occupies a special place in French minds since the Japonist craze at the beginning of the 20th century. Thus, in this tradition of representations, the recent worldwide success of Japanese popular culture (manga, cartoons, music, etc) has added a new perspective, specifically in France, where this pop culture has a long history. The Japanese cartoons began to be broadcast on national television during the 1970’s, and it filled the majority of children programs during the two following decades, a context that gave birth to a strong community of fans. One of the most eloquent testaments to this craze is Japan Expo, an event hold every year in Paris since 1999. In this convention, pop culture elements are mixed with more traditional aspects of Japanese culture and everyday life. Many famous Japanese artists are invited and the visitors can have fun with various activities. So, this unique place has been chosen to conduct a survey about the new images of Japan in France. Exoticism about Japan began with the opening of the country during the Meiji era, and, since then, Japan has always kept its image of being a unique and mysterious country, determined by the paradox of extreme modernity coexisting with strong traditions. The Japan Expo is then the occasion to question that idea and to confront it with the representations shared by the visitors of this event. Questionnaires have been distributed during the four days of the convention in July 2012 and the results give a portrait of a praised Japan, still comprehended on the central notion of paradox, but with new references taken into pop culture contents.

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