I am interested in media practice and journalism practice. In my doctoral programme, I have been focusing on the sociology of memory (collective memory theory) and discussing the process by which national memory is reproduced and the process by which counter-memories are constructed, with a particular focus on journalism practice. Recently, I have also been researching the people's media-based practice and practice using data. I am also actively conducting interview surveys and fieldwork.
① Re-examining media memory theory with a focus on journalism practice
I am conducting a theoretical review of media memory theory, which has traditionally been focused on the analysis of texts and technology, by relying on Nick Couldry's media practice theory. In particular, I have been focusing on the journalism practice of producing news, and have proposed a perspective that examines the problem of socially manifested memory by going back to the news production process. I am also working on research that connects sociological practice theory, represented by Pierre Bourdieu, to the contemporary media environment.
② Research into the process of reproduction of national memory of the Asia-Pacific War
Based on the theoretical perspective of ①, I am analysing the process of reproduction of the Asia-Pacific War Memory in Japanese society. Specifically, I am dealing with the memory of the Kamikaze attacks reproduced by the ‘August Journalism’ that defines the Japanese news media, and the memory of the Battle of Manila that is not constructed. In addition to analysing news texts, I have also visited places such as the Chiran Peace Museum and the Manila Battle Memorial Ceremony, and conducted life story interviews with journalists. In recent years, I have also turned my attention to Southeast Asian countries other than Manila.
③ Research on the preservation and combination of traces of memory based on practical archive theory
I am focusing on digital archives such as the NHK War Testimony Archives, and examining the kinds of memories that the practices of the people involved in archiving construct. In particular, I am re-examining digital archive theory from the perspective of the practices of piecing together the traces of memories preserved in archives, rather than from the perspective of those managing the archives. I am also examining the process of selecting specific items from among the countless traces archived.
④ A practical re-examination of social media
I am also working on research into the kind of practices that underpin the texts that appear on social media. In particular, I am focusing on the invisible practices of content moderators that are based on social media, and I am exploring the possibility of reconstructing social media theory from the perspective of those who are ‘exploited’ because they are located outside of the media space.
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