Scott Koga-Browes | Ritsumeikan University (original) (raw)

Papers by Scott Koga-Browes

Research paper thumbnail of Radio Towers: Interwar Japan’s Public Radio System

Media History, 2023

Between 1930 and 1943 over 400 public radio receiver installations were erected by Japan’s nation... more Between 1930 and 1943 over 400 public radio receiver installations were erected by Japan’s national broadcaster in public parks around Japan. They were intended to bring radio broadcast- ing, during this period the voice of the state, to a wider audience and to play a part in Japan’s home-front mobilisation efforts. The majority of installations seem to have been destroyed during or shortly after World War Two but roughly 40 are known to be extant, these have yet to receive systematic attention from either Japanese or foreign academics, they thus offer a fresh focus for research into the relationships between the interwar Japanese state and the listening publics. This paper aims primarily to draw attention to the existence of these little-known objects, it also offers a sketch of the media landscape into which they emerged, and covers two significant contemporary social developments — the growth of coordinated mass sport and exercise, and the ‘year 2600’ celebrations of 1940 — which contributed to the spread of radio towers.

Research paper thumbnail of Radio Towers: Interwar Japan's Public Radio System

Media History, 2023

Between 1930 and 1943 over 400 public radio receiver installations were erected by Japan's nation... more Between 1930 and 1943 over 400 public radio receiver installations were erected by Japan's national broadcaster in public parks around Japan. They were intended to bring radio broadcasting, during this period the voice of the state, to a wider audience and to play a part in Japan's home-front mobilisation efforts. The majority of installations seem to have been destroyed during or shortly after World War Two but roughly 40 are known to be extant, these have yet to receive systematic attention from either Japanese or foreign academics, they thus offer a fresh focus for research into the relationships between the interwar Japanese state and the listening publics. This paper aims primarily to draw attention to the existence of these little-known objects, it also offers a sketch of the media landscape into which they emerged, and covers two significant contemporary social developments-the growth of coordinated mass sport and exercise, and the 'year 2600' celebrations of 1940-which contributed to the spread of radio towers.

Research paper thumbnail of Yase - radio tower

Yase radio tower, Kyoto CIty

Research paper thumbnail of Komatsubara Park - Radio Tower etc

Various images of the Matsubara Park (Kyoto) radio tower, and its contemporary features, a flagpo... more Various images of the Matsubara Park (Kyoto) radio tower, and its contemporary features, a flagpole stand and <i>fujidana</i> wisteria trellis.<br>

Research paper thumbnail of Hago-jido Park - radio tower etc

These images show a public 'radio tower' erected in 1941 in Hagi-jidō Park in the north o... more These images show a public 'radio tower' erected in 1941 in Hagi-jidō Park in the north of Kyoto City, Japan. More information on radio towers in general in paper referenced below

Research paper thumbnail of Funaokayama Park Radio Tower

Various images of the Funaokayama Park (Kyoto) radio tower, and its surroundings - a raised open-... more Various images of the Funaokayama Park (Kyoto) radio tower, and its surroundings - a raised open-air stage, below it a broad flat area for exercise and a now disused fountain. <br>

Research paper thumbnail of Scokobro/Pandoc-Abbreviations: Consistency

First release of pandoc filter providing replacement of arbitrary abbreviations with their expans... more First release of pandoc filter providing replacement of arbitrary abbreviations with their expansion on document processing.

Research paper thumbnail of Kyoto City's Public 'Radio Towers

立命館国際研究 The Ritsumeikan Journal of International Studies, Jul 25, 2019

This paper introduces Kyoto’s ‘radio towers’, a largely forgotten element of Japan’s early mass m... more This paper introduces Kyoto’s ‘radio towers’, a largely forgotten element of Japan’s early mass media history and a now scarce concrete reminder of the interpenetration of the private and state spheres characteristic of Japan in the 1930s and early 1940s. After a brief survey of the early development of radio broadcasting in Japan and the social, technological and political factors that fed into their conception, the paper presents a brief survey of the towers still known to be extant in Kyoto City. Attempts at preservation have been haphazard but there seems to be a growing realisation that these often overlooked and sometimes misconstrued pieces of public heritage are worthy of the attention of both academics seeking to understand the intersection of radio, state and audience in 1930s Japan and of those with an interest in preserving their local history.

Research paper thumbnail of Circulation v Ad Pricing, 1977-2008 Japan

Research paper thumbnail of Newspaper Sales in Japan: Basic Business Model

Research paper thumbnail of Social distance portrayed: television news in Japan and the UK

Visual Communication, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of At the Digital Watershed: Terrestrial Television Broadcasting in Japan

Japanese Studies, 2012

The switch to digital terrestrial broadcasting on 24 July 2011 marked a watershed for the broadca... more The switch to digital terrestrial broadcasting on 24 July 2011 marked a watershed for the broadcasting industry in Japan. Digitalisation is the single largest industry-wide event since the advent of alternative distribution technologies, satellite and cable, in the 1980s. Preparation for the switch to digital, known as chideji-ka, has put existing business arrangements under pressure and has led to a renewed focus on the future shape of the industry. There is increasing acknowledgement that change, especially in the relationship between central and local broadcasters, is inevitable. This paper summarises the position of the industry at the beginning of its digital age, arguing for a new view of broadcasting in Japan that recognises the two-tier reality behind industry rhetoric. It also summarises the major options open to the industry as it looks to redefine itself in a much-changed media environment. 1 Kwak, 'Restructuring the Satellite Television Industry', 63. 2 KBS Kyoto (Kinki H os o) applied for protection under the Corporate Rehabilitation Law in 1994 after involvement in the Itoman scandal which left it with debts of ¥11.5 billion, from which it finally emerged in October 2007. 'KBS Ky oto, k osei sh uketsu iwau'.

Research paper thumbnail of Left and right in TV news images in Japan and the UK

Ritsumeikan annual review of international studies, 2021

Directional preferences in moving images are primarily theorized as deriving from 'cultural' fact... more Directional preferences in moving images are primarily theorized as deriving from 'cultural' factors, principally the dominant language's reading/writing direction. This study examines the origins of this notion and positions it within recent analytical thinking. In order to expand the context of analysis it draws in research from neurology and practical knowledge of typical production tools. Two manifestations of directionality-camera panning movements (pans) and soundbite gaze direction-are compared, data is drawn from two countries, Japan and the UK, where directional conventions may differ. Results suggest there is a limited degree of support for the hypothesis that reading/writing direction is linked to directional preferences in television news image creation, but the processes involved may be subconscious rather than conscious and analysts should therefore be wary of attibuting semiotic significance to these variations, of 'over-reading' manifestations of directionality in news images.

Research paper thumbnail of Japan Advertising spend on major media

Advertising spend on 4 major media (TV, newspapers, magazines, radio) 1985 - 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Hanbaiten figures graphed

graphs figures from related spreadsheet

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in hanbaiten employment 2001-2015

the origin of this date is the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association website. <br... more the origin of this date is the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association website. <br> Source - http://www.pressnet.or.jp/data/employment/employment04.php <br>It describes the decline in the number of both part-time and full-time employees at newspaper distribution businesses in Japan between 2001 and 2015<br>

Research paper thumbnail of Japan Press Freedom Rankings

Aggregated historical Freedom House and Reporters Sans Frontiers 'press freedom' rankings... more Aggregated historical Freedom House and Reporters Sans Frontiers 'press freedom' rankings for Japan, 2002-2017

Research paper thumbnail of Brief Technical History

An introduction for undergrads to the development of the mass-media, through changes in technology.

Research paper thumbnail of Thesis Data

Research paper thumbnail of Thesis Data (see link for details)

Research paper thumbnail of Radio Towers: Interwar Japan’s Public Radio System

Media History, 2023

Between 1930 and 1943 over 400 public radio receiver installations were erected by Japan’s nation... more Between 1930 and 1943 over 400 public radio receiver installations were erected by Japan’s national broadcaster in public parks around Japan. They were intended to bring radio broadcast- ing, during this period the voice of the state, to a wider audience and to play a part in Japan’s home-front mobilisation efforts. The majority of installations seem to have been destroyed during or shortly after World War Two but roughly 40 are known to be extant, these have yet to receive systematic attention from either Japanese or foreign academics, they thus offer a fresh focus for research into the relationships between the interwar Japanese state and the listening publics. This paper aims primarily to draw attention to the existence of these little-known objects, it also offers a sketch of the media landscape into which they emerged, and covers two significant contemporary social developments — the growth of coordinated mass sport and exercise, and the ‘year 2600’ celebrations of 1940 — which contributed to the spread of radio towers.

Research paper thumbnail of Radio Towers: Interwar Japan's Public Radio System

Media History, 2023

Between 1930 and 1943 over 400 public radio receiver installations were erected by Japan's nation... more Between 1930 and 1943 over 400 public radio receiver installations were erected by Japan's national broadcaster in public parks around Japan. They were intended to bring radio broadcasting, during this period the voice of the state, to a wider audience and to play a part in Japan's home-front mobilisation efforts. The majority of installations seem to have been destroyed during or shortly after World War Two but roughly 40 are known to be extant, these have yet to receive systematic attention from either Japanese or foreign academics, they thus offer a fresh focus for research into the relationships between the interwar Japanese state and the listening publics. This paper aims primarily to draw attention to the existence of these little-known objects, it also offers a sketch of the media landscape into which they emerged, and covers two significant contemporary social developments-the growth of coordinated mass sport and exercise, and the 'year 2600' celebrations of 1940-which contributed to the spread of radio towers.

Research paper thumbnail of Yase - radio tower

Yase radio tower, Kyoto CIty

Research paper thumbnail of Komatsubara Park - Radio Tower etc

Various images of the Matsubara Park (Kyoto) radio tower, and its contemporary features, a flagpo... more Various images of the Matsubara Park (Kyoto) radio tower, and its contemporary features, a flagpole stand and <i>fujidana</i> wisteria trellis.<br>

Research paper thumbnail of Hago-jido Park - radio tower etc

These images show a public 'radio tower' erected in 1941 in Hagi-jidō Park in the north o... more These images show a public 'radio tower' erected in 1941 in Hagi-jidō Park in the north of Kyoto City, Japan. More information on radio towers in general in paper referenced below

Research paper thumbnail of Funaokayama Park Radio Tower

Various images of the Funaokayama Park (Kyoto) radio tower, and its surroundings - a raised open-... more Various images of the Funaokayama Park (Kyoto) radio tower, and its surroundings - a raised open-air stage, below it a broad flat area for exercise and a now disused fountain. <br>

Research paper thumbnail of Scokobro/Pandoc-Abbreviations: Consistency

First release of pandoc filter providing replacement of arbitrary abbreviations with their expans... more First release of pandoc filter providing replacement of arbitrary abbreviations with their expansion on document processing.

Research paper thumbnail of Kyoto City's Public 'Radio Towers

立命館国際研究 The Ritsumeikan Journal of International Studies, Jul 25, 2019

This paper introduces Kyoto’s ‘radio towers’, a largely forgotten element of Japan’s early mass m... more This paper introduces Kyoto’s ‘radio towers’, a largely forgotten element of Japan’s early mass media history and a now scarce concrete reminder of the interpenetration of the private and state spheres characteristic of Japan in the 1930s and early 1940s. After a brief survey of the early development of radio broadcasting in Japan and the social, technological and political factors that fed into their conception, the paper presents a brief survey of the towers still known to be extant in Kyoto City. Attempts at preservation have been haphazard but there seems to be a growing realisation that these often overlooked and sometimes misconstrued pieces of public heritage are worthy of the attention of both academics seeking to understand the intersection of radio, state and audience in 1930s Japan and of those with an interest in preserving their local history.

Research paper thumbnail of Circulation v Ad Pricing, 1977-2008 Japan

Research paper thumbnail of Newspaper Sales in Japan: Basic Business Model

Research paper thumbnail of Social distance portrayed: television news in Japan and the UK

Visual Communication, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of At the Digital Watershed: Terrestrial Television Broadcasting in Japan

Japanese Studies, 2012

The switch to digital terrestrial broadcasting on 24 July 2011 marked a watershed for the broadca... more The switch to digital terrestrial broadcasting on 24 July 2011 marked a watershed for the broadcasting industry in Japan. Digitalisation is the single largest industry-wide event since the advent of alternative distribution technologies, satellite and cable, in the 1980s. Preparation for the switch to digital, known as chideji-ka, has put existing business arrangements under pressure and has led to a renewed focus on the future shape of the industry. There is increasing acknowledgement that change, especially in the relationship between central and local broadcasters, is inevitable. This paper summarises the position of the industry at the beginning of its digital age, arguing for a new view of broadcasting in Japan that recognises the two-tier reality behind industry rhetoric. It also summarises the major options open to the industry as it looks to redefine itself in a much-changed media environment. 1 Kwak, 'Restructuring the Satellite Television Industry', 63. 2 KBS Kyoto (Kinki H os o) applied for protection under the Corporate Rehabilitation Law in 1994 after involvement in the Itoman scandal which left it with debts of ¥11.5 billion, from which it finally emerged in October 2007. 'KBS Ky oto, k osei sh uketsu iwau'.

Research paper thumbnail of Left and right in TV news images in Japan and the UK

Ritsumeikan annual review of international studies, 2021

Directional preferences in moving images are primarily theorized as deriving from 'cultural' fact... more Directional preferences in moving images are primarily theorized as deriving from 'cultural' factors, principally the dominant language's reading/writing direction. This study examines the origins of this notion and positions it within recent analytical thinking. In order to expand the context of analysis it draws in research from neurology and practical knowledge of typical production tools. Two manifestations of directionality-camera panning movements (pans) and soundbite gaze direction-are compared, data is drawn from two countries, Japan and the UK, where directional conventions may differ. Results suggest there is a limited degree of support for the hypothesis that reading/writing direction is linked to directional preferences in television news image creation, but the processes involved may be subconscious rather than conscious and analysts should therefore be wary of attibuting semiotic significance to these variations, of 'over-reading' manifestations of directionality in news images.

Research paper thumbnail of Japan Advertising spend on major media

Advertising spend on 4 major media (TV, newspapers, magazines, radio) 1985 - 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Hanbaiten figures graphed

graphs figures from related spreadsheet

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in hanbaiten employment 2001-2015

the origin of this date is the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association website. <br... more the origin of this date is the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association website. <br> Source - http://www.pressnet.or.jp/data/employment/employment04.php <br>It describes the decline in the number of both part-time and full-time employees at newspaper distribution businesses in Japan between 2001 and 2015<br>

Research paper thumbnail of Japan Press Freedom Rankings

Aggregated historical Freedom House and Reporters Sans Frontiers 'press freedom' rankings... more Aggregated historical Freedom House and Reporters Sans Frontiers 'press freedom' rankings for Japan, 2002-2017

Research paper thumbnail of Brief Technical History

An introduction for undergrads to the development of the mass-media, through changes in technology.

Research paper thumbnail of Thesis Data

Research paper thumbnail of Thesis Data (see link for details)

Research paper thumbnail of Developing a Degree Program 'Beyond Borders': Lessons from the First US-Japan Undergraduate Joint Degree Program

Presentation given at QS Apple Conference in Fukuoka, Nov 2019. Describes briefly the background ... more Presentation given at QS Apple Conference in Fukuoka, Nov 2019.
Describes briefly the background and challenges to setting up Ritsumeikan University, College of IR's Joint Degree Program with American University (DC)

Research paper thumbnail of Directionality in TV News: NHK and the BBC

Directional preferences in moving images are primarily theorized as deriving from 'cultural' fact... more Directional preferences in moving images are primarily theorized as deriving from 'cultural' factors, principally the dominant language's reading/writing direction. This study examines the origins of this notion and positions it within recent analytical thinking. In order to expand the context of analysis it draws in research from neurology and practical knowledge of typical production tools. Two manifestations of directionality-camera panning movements (pans) and soundbite gaze direction-are compared, data is drawn from two countries, Japan and the UK, where directional conventions may differ. Results suggest there is a limited degree of support for the hypothesis that reading/writing direction is linked to directional preferences in television news image creation, but the processes involved may be subconscious rather than conscious and analysts should therefore be wary of attibuting semiotic significance to these variations, of 'over-reading' manifestations of directionality in news images.

Research paper thumbnail of Reflections on a Decade at the Forefront of the Internationalisation of Japanese Higher Education: A Roundtable

Ritsumeikan Kokusai Kenkyu: The Ritsumeikan Journal of Intenational Studies, Mar 19, 2024

This roundtable discussion was conducted in July 2023 at Ritsumeikan University's College of Inte... more This roundtable discussion was conducted in July 2023 at Ritsumeikan University's College of International Relations between Professor Akihiko Kimijima and several of the first generation of the College faculty responsible for teaching in the Global Studies (GS) and American University-Ritsumeikan Joint Degree (JD) programs. The discussion covers a range of topics including: the history of the College of International Relations, the creation and development of the GS and JD programs, the Japanese university sector and system, hybridity within the development of student cultures within international programs, the 'practice' of International Relations within an educational setting, and the history and changing interpretations of the concept of 'internationalisation' within Japanese higher education. The content also interacts with broader themes connected to Japanese society, Japanese academia, and Japan's role in the international environment. As a central figure in the creation of both the GS and JD programs, Kimijima-sensei's experience and opinions on these matters will be of significant scholarly interest to current and future faculty within the College of International Relations, and for future creators and managers of international or English medium degrees, both in Japan and overseas.

Research paper thumbnail of Building Beyond the Degree,  Establishing Internationalised Student Support and Community Structures at a Japanese University

The Ninth Annual Conference on Global Higher Education at Lakeland University, Japan, Jun 3, 2023

This paper, delivered by the current and former heads of the Ritsumeikan - American University Jo... more This paper, delivered by the current and former heads of the Ritsumeikan - American University Joint Degree Program (JDP), examines the structures and community-based initiatives necessary to support an environment where students studying in English can have a university experience equivalent to their Japanese medium degree peers. The paper examines initiatives undertaken by various actors at the Kinugasa campus of Ritsumeikan University over the last decade in support of the English language medium based students based there (Global Studies and JDP major students and large numbers of exchange students). The initiatives examined include the creation of: library services in English, an English medium college writing tutorial system (the first in a Japanese university), English based internship classes, and student community led support programs. The initiatives of various actors in this regard are examined and range from centrally initiated programs from the core of the university, individual college level activities, and student group/association projects. The process and efficacy of both such top-down and bottom-up initiatives is examined, as is the necessity of such structures in providing essential out-of-classroom support for international and English medium students. The decade long journey to full provision of these services and the transition of many from centrally administered projects to community based ‘self-propagating’ associations is an interesting case study in institutional and student community adaption to the provision of services to a new and growing section of the student community in Japan: English language medium students.

Research paper thumbnail of Managing Japan’s First Joint Undergraduate Degree Before and During the Covid-19 Pandemic: The Ritsumeikan University – American University Partnership

Global Japan and Academia During Covid-19, 2022

This paper examines the how the challenges of the pandemic were overcome within Japan’s first eve... more This paper examines the how the challenges of the pandemic were overcome within Japan’s first ever joint undergraduate degree: The American University - Ritsumeikan University Bachelor of Arts in Global International Relations. The joint degree (a single degree awarded jointly by both institutions using a single integrated curriculum and involving two years of study at both institutions) is the only one of its kind in Japan and the background to its creation, operation and evolution are thus unique experiences within the Japanese higher education sector. This paper, presented by Ritsumeikan’s outgoing and incoming heads of the program, will detail the history, operations and curriculum of the degree and the challenges which have been faced and overcome by it in its first five years of existence. These included the establishment and management of the degree, the complexities of its curriculum, the integration of practices from institutions with differing organisational structures and cultures, through to maintaining it and looking after students after the arrival of the pandemic. The impact of travel bans, student movement and course delivery will be highlighted, as will the broader applicability of the joint degree’s experience, structures and development to the post-pandemic recovery of the higher education sector in Japan.