This unit explores contemporary Japanese popular culture through the topic areas of anime, manga, popular music, television and the spread of Japanese popular culture abroad. On successful completion of this unit, students will have some understanding of the role popular culture plays in everyday life in Japan and ways in which ideas and values are communicated through it. This unit will assist students learning the Japanese language to develop an understanding of Japanese culture. However, no proficiency in the Japanese language is required and non-language students will be able to gain a foundational knowledge of Japanese popular culture. Students study excerpts of various authentic examples as well as the academic literature in the field.