Thematic Routes

This is the heart of why I wanted to do this site: to offer alternative ways of exploring these artforms, ones that don't follow a linear historical path through the development of each form, and talk about views and ideas that cut across forms. These alternate angles will take some time to develop, but some of the ones I want to create (brown means there is something there, black type means I plan something) include:

• echoes of Modernism & Postmodernism

• Zen

• Samurai

• Realism

• Horror and the Supernatural

• why I get annoyed by so many books on Japanese arts

• Artistic Relations with the West

• Women

• Sex

• contests
• pacing
• genres & styles
• art/craft
• China
• Korea
• national sense of self
• popularity in Japan and outside

I dare say more will come to me as time goes on. Suggestions and comments are always welcome, so if you'd like to propose any others, email me.