The main purpose of this book is to offer to philosophers and students abroad who show a great interest in Japanese philosophy and the philosophy of the Kyoto school major texts of the leading philosophers. This interest has surely developed out of a desire to obtain from the thought of these philosophers, who stood within the interstice between East and West, a clue to reassessing the issues of philosophy from the ground up or to drawing new creative possibilities.The present condition (...) seems to be, however, that the material made available to further realize this kind of intellectual dialogue is far too scarce. This book is intended to be of some help in this regard.The book presents selected texts of representative philosophers of the Kyoto school such as Nishida Kitaro, Tanabe Hajime, Miki Kiyoshi, Nishitani Keiji, and others who best illustrate the characteristics of this school, and works that together portray its image as a whole. Those who are interested in Japanese philosophy or specifically the philosophy of the Kyoto School can survey a comprehensive representation from this book.These texts are, of course, quite difficult and cannot be well understood without sufficient preliminary knowledge. Expository essays have therefore been included after each text to provide guidance. In each of these commentaries a scholar of our time with deep understanding of the philosopher in question has provided an account of his life, intellectual journey, and the significance of the text included here.From this book will emerge a new dialogue of ideas that in turn will engender new developments in philosophy, thereby further expanding the network of philosophical thought worldwide. (shrink)

This is an English translation of a book authored by Fujita Masakatsu. The main purpose of this book is to offer to philosophers and students abroad who show a great interest in Japanese philosophy and the philosophy of the Kyoto school major texts of the leading philosophers. This interest has surely developed out of a desire to obtain from the thought of these philosophers, who stood within the interstice between East and West, a clue to reassessing the issues of (...) philosophy from the ground up or to drawing new creative possibilities.The present condition seems to be, however, that the material made available to further realize this kind of intellectual dialogue is far too scarce. This book is intended to be of some help in this regard.The book presents selected texts of representative philosophers of the Kyoto school such as Nishida Kitaro, Tanabe Hajime, Miki Kiyoshi, Nishitani Keiji, and others who best illustrate the characteristics of this school, and works that together portray its image as a whole. Those who are interested in Japanese philosophy or specifically the philosophy of the Kyoto School can survey a comprehensive representation from this book.These texts are, of course, quite difficult and cannot be well understood without sufficient preliminary knowledge. Expository essays have therefore been included after each text to provide guidance. In each of these commentaries a scholar of our time with deep understanding of the philosopher in question has provided an account of his life, intellectual journey, and the significance of the text included here.From this book will emerge a new dialogue of ideas that in turn will engender new developments in philosophy, thereby further expanding the network of philosophical thought worldwide. (shrink)

Diese Abhandlung verteidigt gegen die heute vorherrschenden realistischen Interpretationen des kantischen transzendentalen Idealismus eine anti-realistische Zwei-Welten-Interpretation. Durch konkrete Textanalysen wird gezeigt, dass die realistische Interpretation an der Antinomienlehre und dem vierten Paralogismus (A) scheitern muss, während die anti-realistische Interpretation erlaubt, die Kritik der reinen Vernunft im Ganzen zu einer kohärenten Sinneinheit zu strukturieren. Anschließend wird der konkrete Gehalt von Kants anti-realistischer Ontologie der raumzeitlichen Wirklichkeit erhellt. Dafür entwickelt der Verfasser eine intuitionistische Wahrheitskonzeption (ein empirisches Gegenstück der Wahrheitskonzeption des mathematischen Intuitionismus), (...) kombiniert mit der Superassertibilität à la Crispin Wright. Die von Michael Dummett bereit gestellte Begrifflichkeit "Realismus/Anti-Realismus‟ erweist sich als fruchtbar nicht nur für die Analyse der kantischen Position selbst, sondern auch für ein klares Verständnis der mannigfaltigen Interpretationsansätze des transzendentalen Idealismus. (shrink)

“Myth” comprises the first chapter of the book, The Logic of the Imagination, by Miki Kiyoshi.In this chapter Miki analyzes the significance of myth (shinwa) as possessing a certain reality despite being “fictions.” He begins by broadening the meaning of the imagination to argue for a logic of the imagination that involves expressive action or poiesis (production) in general, of which myth is one important product. The imagination gathers in myth material from the environing world lived by the social (...) collectivity. Its formation of images (Bilder) expresses the pathos of a people vis-a-vis their environment, but myth also contains elements of logos in the form of intellectual representations and figures. And their combination becomes expressed externally by stimulating and guiding action. In this way Miki argues that myths contain both emotive and kinetic elements, which by moving people to action, are capable of making history. Thus rooted in the symbiosis between individual and social and between society and environment, myth possesses a “historical creativity.” And he also argues that myths can be present with a sense of reality at any epoch in history, even today, wherever and whenever their primeval power is felt to function, “drawing out” a new reality, a new world, out of the natural world. (shrink)

“Myth” comprises the first chapter of the book, The Logic of the Imagination, by Miki Kiyoshi. In this chapter Miki analyzes the significance of myth (shinwa) as possessing a certain reality despite being “fictions.” He begins by broadening the meaning of the imagination to argue for a logic of the imagination that involves expressive action or poiesis (production) in general, of which myth is one important product. The imagination gathers in myth material from the environing world lived by the (...) social collectivity. Its formation of images (Bilder) expresses the pathos of a people vis-à-vis their environment, but myth also contains elements of logos in the form of intellectual representations and figures. And their combination becomes expressed externally by stimulating and guiding action. In this way Miki argues that myths contain both emotive and kinetic elements, which by moving people to action, are capable of making history. Thus rooted in the symbiosis between individual and social and between society and environment, myth possesses a “historical creativity.” And he also argues that myths can be present with a sense of reality at any epoch in history, even today, wherever and whenever their primeval power is felt to function, “drawing out” a new reality, a new world, out of the natural world. (shrink)

Since the 1980s, a number of discourses have celebrated the coming of the information society in Japan. In those discourses, enabling media interactivity has been emphasized as the objective of technological innovations, creating a sort of `myth' of media interactivity. This article tries to investigate the close relationship between media interactivity and surveillance modality in newly emergent information and communication technologies, especially SNS (social networking services) on the Internet. While the traditional image of surveillance society is gloomy and repressive, contemporary, (...) ubiquitous surveillance appears brighter and more fun, since people voluntarily engage with interactive media whilst acknowledging its surveillance modality. In that sense, the logic of surveillance is not merely repressive but also seductive for users of interactive media. Given the rising desire for public security after 9/11, the logic of surveillance is becoming more prevalent and dominant all over the world. With the rise of globalized security, philosophical and social scientific interrogations of security-obsessed contemporary society have become indispensable for critical academic discourse. In order to critically interrogate rising surveillance and media interactivity, this article tries to analyze the liberating potentials of the ideal of hospitality, which is expected to offer a counter-logic against surveillance. (shrink)

The members of the Six gene family were identified as homologues of Drosophila sine oculis which is essential for compound-eye formation. The Six proteins are characterized by the Six domain and the Six-type homeodomain, both of which are essential for specific DNA binding and for cooperative interactions with Eya proteins. Mammals possess six Six genes which can be subdivided into three subclasses, and mutations of Six genes have been identified in human genetic disorders. Characterization of Six genes from various animal (...) phyla revealed the antiquity of this gene family and roles of its members in several different developmental contexts. Some members retain conserved roles as components of the Pax-Six-Eya-Dach regulatory network, which may have been established in the common ancestor of all bilaterians as a toolbox controlling cell proliferation and cell movement during embryogenesis. Gene duplications and cis-regulatory changes may have provided a basis for diverse functions of Six genes in different animal lineages. (shrink)

Vertebrate haemoglobin (Hb), the oxygen‐carrying protein of the blood, consists of two α‐ and two β‐subunits, each containing one haem, and shows cooperative oxygen binding known as the haem–haem interaction. The amino‐acid sequences of Hbs found in different species have diverged considerably and the homology in the most distantly related ones is only 40%. How can such varied amino‐acid sequences give rise to similar three‐dimensional structures and functional properties? To what extent do amino‐acid replacements affect the structure of haemoglobin? Which (...) mutations are responsible for the functional differences between haemoglobins from different species? Expression of α‐ and β‐globins in Escherichia coli has enabled us to introduce any mutations in the haemoglobin molecule at will. By X‐ray crystallographic and functional studies of the engineered mutants, we are trying to answer these questions. (shrink)

This book is the fifth volume in the series of Collected Papers on Advancing Uncertain Combinatorics through Graphization, Hyperization, and Uncertainization: Fuzzy, Neutrosophic, Soft, Rough, and Beyond. This volume specifically delves into the concept of Various SuperHyperConcepts, building on the foundational advancements introduced in previous volumes. The series aims to explore the ongoing evolution of uncertain combinatorics through innovative methodologies such as graphization, hyperization, and uncertainization. These approaches integrate and extend core concepts from fuzzy, neutrosophic, soft, and rough set theories, (...) providing robust frameworks to model and analyze the inherent complexity of real-world uncertainties. At the heart of this series lies combinatorics and set theory—cornerstones of mathematics that address the study of counting, arrangements, and the relationships between collections under defined rules. Traditionally, combinatorics has excelled in solving problems involving uncertainty, while advancements in set theory have expanded its scope to include powerful constructs like fuzzy and neutrosophic sets. These advanced sets bring new dimensions to uncertainty modeling by capturing not just binary truth but also indeterminacy and falsity. In this fifth volume, the exploration of Various SuperHyperConcepts provides an innovative lens to address uncertainty, complexity, and hierarchical relationships. It synthesizes key methodologies introduced in earlier volumes, such as hyperization and neutrosophic extensions, while advancing new theories and applications. From pioneering hyperstructures to applications in advanced decision-making, language modeling, and neural networks, this book represents a significant leap forward in uncertain combinatorics and its practical implications across disciplines. -/- The book is structured into 17 chapters, each contributing unique perspectives and advancements in the realm of Various SuperHyperConcepts and their related frameworks: Chapter 1 introduces the concept of Body-Mind-Soul-Spirit Fluidity within psychology and phenomenology, while examining established social science frameworks like PDCA and DMAIC. It extends these frameworks using Neutrosophic Sets, a flexible extension of Fuzzy Sets, to improve their adaptability for mathematical and programming applications. The chapter emphasizes the potential of Neutrosophic theory to address multi-dimensional challenges in social sciences. Chapter 2 delves into the theoretical foundation of Hyperfunctions and their generalizations, such as Hyperrandomness and Hyperdecision-Making. It explores higher-order frameworks like Weak Hyperstructures, Hypergraphs, and Cognitive Hypermaps, aiming to establish their versatility in addressing multi-layered problems and setting a foundation for further studies. Chapter 3 extends traditional decision-making methodologies into HyperDecision-Making and n-SuperHyperDecision-Making. By building on approaches like MCDM and TOPSIS, this chapter develops frameworks capable of addressing complex decision-making scenarios, emphasizing their applicability in dynamic, multi-objective contexts. Chapter 4 explores integrating uncertainty frameworks, including Fuzzy, Neutrosophic, and Plithogenic Sets, into Large Language Models (LLMs). It proposes innovative models like Large Uncertain Language Models and Natural Uncertain Language Processing, integrating hierarchical and generalized structures to advance the handling of uncertainty in linguistic representation and processing. Chapter 5 introduces the Natural n-Superhyper Plithogenic Language by synthesizing natural language, plithogenic frameworks, and superhyperstructures. This innovative construct seeks to address challenges in advanced linguistic and structural modeling, blending attributes of uncertainty, complexity, and hierarchical abstraction. Chapter 6 defines mathematical extensions such as NeutroHyperstructures and AntiHyperstructures using the Neutrosophic Triplet framework. It formalizes structures like neutro-superhyperstructures, advancing classical frameworks into higher-dimensional realms. Chapter 7 explores the extension of Binary Code, Gray Code, and Floorplans through hyperstructures and superhyperstructures. It highlights their iterative and hierarchical applications, demonstrating their adaptability for complex data encoding and geometric arrangement challenges. Chapter 8 investigates the Neutrosophic TwoFold SuperhyperAlgebra, combining classical algebraic operations with neutrosophic components. This chapter expands upon existing algebraic structures like Hyperalgebra and AntiAlgebra, exploring hybrid frameworks for advanced mathematical modeling. Chapter 9 introduces Hyper Z-Numbers and SuperHyper Z-Numbers by extending the traditional Z-Number framework with hyperstructures. These extensions aim to represent uncertain information in more complex and multidimensional contexts. Chapter 10 revisits category theory through the lens of hypercategories and superhypercategories. By incorporating hierarchical and iterative abstractions, this chapter extends the foundational principles of category theory to more complex and layered structures. Chapter 11 formalizes the concept of n-SuperHyperBranch-width and its theoretical properties. By extending hypergraphs into superhypergraphs, the chapter explores recursive structures and their potential for representing intricate hierarchical relationships. Chapter 12 examines superhyperstructures of partitions, integrals, and spaces, proposing a framework for advancing mathematical abstraction. It highlights the potential applications of these generalizations in addressing hierarchical and multi-layered problems. Chapter 13 revisits Rough, HyperRough, and SuperHyperRough Sets, introducing new concepts like Tree-HyperRough Sets. The chapter connects these frameworks to advanced approaches for modeling uncertainty and complex relationships. Chapter 14 explores Plithogenic SuperHyperStructures and their applications in decision-making, control, and neuro systems. By integrating these advanced frameworks, the chapter proposes innovative directions for extending existing systems to handle multi-attribute and contradictory properties. Chapter 15 focuses on superhypergraphs, expanding hypergraph concepts to model complex structural types like arboreal and molecular superhypergraphs. It introduces Generalized n-th Powersets as a unifying framework for broader mathematical applications, while also touching on hyperlanguage processing. Chapter 16 defines NeutroHypergeometry and AntiHypergeometry as extensions of classical geometric structures. Using the Geometric Neutrosophic Triplet, the chapter demonstrates the flexibility of these frameworks in representing multi-dimensional and uncertain relationships. Chapter 17 establishes the theoretical groundwork for SuperHyperGraph Neural Networks and Plithogenic Graph Neural Networks. By integrating advanced graph structures, this chapter opens pathways for applying neural networks to more intricate and uncertain data representations. (shrink)

This book represents the fourth volume in the series Collected Papers on Advancing Uncertain Combinatorics through Graphization, Hyperization, and Uncertainization: Fuzzy, Neutrosophic, Soft, Rough, and Beyond. This volume specifically delves into the concept of the HyperUncertain Set, building on the foundational advancements introduced in previous volumes. The series aims to explore the ongoing evolution of uncertain combinatorics through innovative methodologies such as graphization, hyperization, and uncertainization. These approaches integrate and extend core concepts from fuzzy, neutrosophic, soft, and rough set theories, (...) providing robust frameworks to model and analyze the inherent complexity of real-world uncertainties. At the heart of this series lies combinatorics and set theory—cornerstones of mathematics that address the study of counting, arrangements, and the relationships between collections under defined rules. Traditionally, combinatorics has excelled in solving problems involving uncertainty, while advancements in set theory have expanded its scope to include powerful constructs like fuzzy and neutrosophic sets. These advanced sets bring new dimensions to uncertainty modeling by capturing not just binary truth but also indeterminacy and falsity. In this fourth volume, the integration of set theory with graph theory takes center stage, culminating in "graphized" structures such as hypergraphs and superhypergraphs. These structures, paired with innovations like Neutrosophic Oversets, Undersets, Offsets, and the Nonstandard Real Set, extend the boundaries of mathematical abstraction. This fusion of combinatorics, graph theory, and uncertain set theory creates a rich foundation for addressing the multidimensional and hierarchical uncertainties prevalent in both theoretical and applied domains. The book is structured into thirteen chapters, each contributing unique perspectives and advancements in the realm of HyperUncertain Sets and their related frameworks. -/- The first chapter (Advancing Traditional Set Theory with Hyperfuzzy, Hyperneutrosophic, and Hyperplithogenic Sets) explores the evolution of classical set theory to better address the complexity and ambiguity of real-world phenomena. By introducing hierarchical structures like hyperstructures and superhyperstructures—created through iterative applications of power sets—it lays the groundwork for more abstract and adaptable mathematical tools. The focus is on extending three foundational frameworks: Fuzzy Sets, Neutrosophic Sets, and Plithogenic Sets into their hyperforms: Hyperfuzzy Sets, Hyperneutrosophic Sets, and Hyperplithogenic Sets. These advanced concepts are applied across diverse fields such as statistics, clustering, evolutionary theory, topology, decision-making, probability, and language theory. The goal is to provide a robust platform for future research in this expanding area of study. The second chapter (Applications and Mathematical Properties of Hyperneutrosophic and SuperHyperneutrosophic Sets) extends the work on Hyperfuzzy, Hyperneutrosophic, and Hyperplithogenic Sets by delving into their advanced applications and mathematical foundations. Building on prior research, it specifically examines Hyperneutrosophic and SuperHyperneutrosophic Sets, exploring their integration into: Neutrosophic Logic, Cognitive Maps,Graph Neural Networks, Classifiers, and Triplet Groups. The chapter also investigates their mathematical properties and applicability in addressing uncertainties and complexities inherent in various domains. These insights aim to inspire innovative uses of hypergeneralized sets in modern theoretical and applied research. The third chapter (New Extensions of Hyperneutrosophic Sets – Bipolar, Pythagorean, Double-Valued, and Interval-Valued Sets) studies advanced variations of Neutrosophic Sets, a mathematical framework defined by three membership functions: truth (T), indeterminacy (I), and falsity (F). By leveraging the concepts of Hyperneutrosophic and SuperHyperneutrosophic Sets, the study extends: Bipolar Neutrosophic Sets, Interval-Valued Neutrosophic Sets, Pythagorean Neutrosophic Sets, and Double-Valued Neutrosophic Sets. These extensions address increasingly complex scenarios, and a brief analysis is provided to explore their potential applications and mathematical underpinnings. Building on prior research, the fourth chapter (Hyperneutrosophic Extensions of Complex, Single-Valued Triangular, Fermatean, and Linguistic Sets) expands on Neutrosophic Set theory by incorporating recent advancements in Hyperneutrosophic and SuperHyperneutrosophic Sets. The study focuses on extending: Complex Neutrosophic Sets, Single-Valued Triangular Neutrosophic Sets, Fermatean Neutrosophic Sets, and Linguistic Neutrosophic Sets. The analysis highlights the mathematical structures of these hyperextensions and explores their connections with existing set-theoretic concepts, offering new insights into managing uncertainty in multidimensional challenges. The fifth chapter (Advanced Extensions of Hyperneutrosophic Sets – Dynamic, Quadripartitioned, Pentapartitioned, Heptapartitioned, and m-Polar) delves deeper into the evolution of Neutrosophic Sets by exploring advanced frameworks designed for even more intricate applications. New extensions include: Dynamic Neutrosophic Sets, Quadripartitioned Neutrosophic Sets, Pentapartitioned Neutrosophic Sets, Heptapartitioned Neutrosophic Sets, and m-Polar Neutrosophic Sets. These developments build upon foundational research and aim to provide robust tools for addressing multidimensional and highly nuanced problems. The sixth chapter (Advanced Extensions of Hyperneutrosophic Sets – Cubic, Trapezoidal, q-Rung Orthopair, Overset, Underset, and Offset) builds upon the Neutrosophic framework, which employs truth (T), indeterminacy (I), and falsity (F) to address uncertainty. Leveraging advancements in Hyperneutrosophic and SuperHyperneutrosophic Sets, the study extends: Cubic Neutrosophic Sets, Trapezoidal Neutrosophic Sets, q-Rung Orthopair Neutrosophic Sets, Neutrosophic Oversets, Neutrosophic Undersets, and Neutrosophic Offsets. The chapter provides a brief analysis of these new set types, exploring their properties and potential applications in solving multidimensional problems. The seventh chapter (Specialized Classes of Hyperneutrosophic Sets – Support, Paraconsistent, and Faillibilist Sets) delves into unique classes of Neutrosophic Sets extended through Hyperneutrosophic and SuperHyperneutrosophic frameworks to tackle advanced theoretical challenges. The study introduces and extends: Support Neutrosophic Sets, Neutrosophic Intuitionistic Sets, Neutrosophic Paraconsistent Sets, Neutrosophic Faillibilist Sets, Neutrosophic Paradoxist and Pseudo-Paradoxist Sets, Neutrosophic Tautological and Nihilist Sets, Neutrosophic Dialetheist Sets, and Neutrosophic Trivialist Sets. These extensions address highly nuanced aspects of uncertainty, further advancing the theoretical foundation of Neutrosophic mathematics. The eight chapter (MultiNeutrosophic Sets and Refined Neutrosophic Sets) focuses on two advanced Neutrosophic frameworks: MultiNeutrosophic Sets, and Refined Neutrosophic Sets. Using Hyperneutrosophic and nn-SuperHyperneutrosophic Sets, these extensions are analyzed in detail, highlighting their adaptability to multidimensional and complex scenarios. Examples and mathematical properties are provided to showcase their practical relevance and theoretical depth. The ninth chapter (Advanced Hyperneutrosophic Set Types – Type-m, Nonstationary, Subset-Valued, and Complex Refined) explores extensions of the Neutrosophic framework, focusing on: Type-m Neutrosophic Sets, Nonstationary Neutrosophic Sets, Subset-Valued Neutrosophic Sets, and Complex Refined Neutrosophic Sets. These extensions utilize the Hyperneutrosophic and SuperHyperneutrosophic frameworks to address advanced challenges in uncertainty management, expanding their mathematical scope and practical applications. The tenth chapter (Hyperfuzzy Hypersoft Sets and Hyperneutrosophic Hypersoft Sets) integrates the principles of Fuzzy, Neutrosophic, and Soft Sets with hyperstructures to introduce: Hyperfuzzy Hypersoft Sets, and Hyperneutrosophic Hypersoft Sets. These frameworks are designed to manage complex uncertainty through hierarchical structures based on power sets, with detailed analysis of their properties and theoretical potential. The eleventh chapter (A Review of SuperFuzzy, SuperNeutrosophic, and SuperPlithogenic Sets) revisits and extends the study of advanced set concepts such as: SuperFuzzy Sets, Super-Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets,Super-Neutrosophic Sets, and SuperPlithogenic Sets, including their specialized variants like quadripartitioned, pentapartitioned, and heptapartitioned forms. The work serves as a consolidation of existing studies while highlighting potential directions for future research in hierarchical uncertainty modeling. Focusing on decision-making under uncertainty, the tweve chapter (Advanced SuperHypersoft and TreeSoft Sets) introduces six novel concepts: SuperHypersoft Rough Sets,SuperHypersoft Expert Sets, Bipolar SuperHypersoft Sets, TreeSoft Rough Sets, TreeSoft Expert Sets, and Bipolar TreeSoft Sets. Definitions, properties, and potential applications of these frameworks are explored to enhance the flexibility of soft set-based models. The final chapter (Hierarchical Uncertainty in Fuzzy, Neutrosophic, and Plithogenic Sets) provides a comprehensive survey of hierarchical uncertainty frameworks, with a focus on Plithogenic Sets and their advanced extensions: Hyperplithogenic Sets, SuperHyperplithogenic Sets. It examines relationships with other major concepts such as Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets, Vague Sets, Picture Fuzzy Sets, Hesitant Fuzzy Sets, and multi-partitioned Neutrosophic Sets, consolidating their theoretical interconnections for modeling complex systems. This volume not only reflects the dynamic interplay between theoretical rigor and practical application but also serves as a beacon for future research in uncertainty modeling, offering advanced tools to tackle the intricacies of modern challenges. (shrink)

古代西洋より伝わったとされる対称美の分析―黄金比。しかし、本書では葛飾北斎、歌川広重など偉大な日本の先人たちはすでに、黄金比を会得していたことを証明しています。なぜ、北斎がすばらしいのか?なぜ、俳句は 5・7・5なのか?富士山はどの角度から眺めるのが一番美しいのか?すべては黄金比を使い、美の世界を数値化することで見える新たな世界。初めて黄金比を用い、実例を分析した本書は日本初の試み。.

Purpose This paper aims to introduce a cross-cultural study of the views and implications of Snowden’s revelations about NSA/GCHQ surveillance practices, undertaken through surveys administered in eight countries. The aims and academic and social significance are explained, and justification is offered for the methods used. Design/methodology/approach Pilot surveys were deployed in two countries, following which revised versions were deployed in eight countries. Quantitative analysis of suitable answer sets and quantitative analysis were performed. Findings Through the pilot survey studies conducted in (...) Japan and Spain, the academic significance and meaningfulness, as well as social significance of the project, were confirmed. Practical implications The results of the cross-cultural study are expected to contribute not only to the advance of surveillance study but also to the enhancement of ordinary, non-technical people’s awareness of state surveillance and their proactive approach to protecting their own rights and dignity from covert intrusion by government agencies. Originality/value This paper clarifies the importance and methodologies of investigating the social impact of Snowden’s revelations on youngsters’ attitudes toward privacy and state surveillance in a cross-cultural analysis framework. Although a few other studies have assessed the impact of Snowden’s revelations, these have mostly focussed on the USA, so this is the only study to date considering that impact on a broad international scale, using highly similar surveys to ensure comparability. (shrink)

PurposeThis paper aims to deal with the attitudes towards and social impact of Edward Snowden’s revelations in Japan, taking the Japanese socio-cultural and political environment surrounding privacy and state surveillance into account.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey of 1,820 university students and semi-structured follow-up interviews with 56 respondents were conducted, in addition to reviews of the literature on privacy and state surveillance in Japan. The outcomes of the survey were statistically analysed, and qualitative analyses of the interview results were also performed.FindingsSnowden’s revelations have (...) had little influence over Japanese youngsters’ attitudes towards privacy and state surveillance, mainly due to their low level of awareness of the revelations and high level of confidence in government agencies.Practical implicationsThe study results imply a need for reviewing educational programmes for civic education in lower and upper secondary education.Social implicationsThe results of this study based on a large-scale questionnaire survey indicate an urgent necessity for providing Japanese youngsters with opportunities to learn more about privacy, liberty, individual autonomy and national security.Originality/valueThis study is the first attempt to investigate the social impact of Snowden’s revelations on Japanese youngsters’ attitudes towards privacy and state surveillance as part of cross-cultural analyses between eight countries. (shrink)

Looking back, the process in which Ulrich Beck’s epoch-making work of Risikogesellschaft was introduced and translated into Japanese attracted great public interest there. This paper revisits the significance of the concept ‘risk society’ in the context of postwar Japan. Facing both the natural and artificial disasters caused by the huge earthquake in Fukushima in 2011, Japanese society was compelled to reconsider its atomic energy policy implemented after the end of the Second World War. While the general public has strongly embraced (...) an anti-nuclear sentiment after witnessing the 3/11 disasters, the government and leading LDP are still eager to restart the atomic plants that have been suspended since the tragedy in Fukushima. Considering those complicated sociopolitical conditions concerning the legitimacy of the atomic energy policy in Japan, Risikogesellschaft redux might be a useful way through which we can envisage a future direction to take. (shrink)

膨大な資料をもとに魅力あふれる西田の素顔を描きだし、彼の言葉に豊かな広がりを与える決定的評伝。.

The construction of a secure and safe society using information and communication technology is recognised as an urgent issue in Japan. This recognition is based on public fear about crime related to manufactured risk caused by modernisation or industrial civilisation. This fear has created a social atmosphere that has led to the rapid development and implementation of security systems using ICT, such as security cameras, smart IC cards and mobile phones, to establish security and safety in Japanese society. However, the (...) never-ending quest for social security and safety with ICT will inevitably cause further manufactured risk, which could lead to serious problems in the future. We have to recognise such risk and control it appropriately. (shrink)