Henri Meschonnic and Shiguehiko Hasumi: Modernity After Postmodernism
A 1996 symposium between the University of Tokyo and Paris VII challenged the notion of Japan as an exemplar of postmodernity. Ukai Satoshi humorously noted that Westerners and their neighbors cite Japan as an exemplary exception, turning it into a paradox that confirms rather than refutes theories. The collection, edited by Henri Meschonnic and Shiguehiko Hasumi, includes contributions from Japanese scholars Ukai Satoshi (on Japanese colonialism), Nemoto Misako (on the 1940s philosophical debate about overcoming modernity), and Nishitani Osamu (rethinking the end of history). French contributions include Meschonnic's critique of how Heidegger and Derrida are instrumentalized by Japanese cultural nationalism, calling for a relationship beyond academic handshakes. Published by Maisonneuve & Larose, the book was reviewed by Philippe Forest in artpress.
Key facts
- Symposium held in November 1996 between University of Tokyo and Paris VII.
- Ukai Satoshi observed that Japan is often cited as an exemplary exception by Westerners.
- Nemoto Misako recalled the first philosophical debate on 'overcoming modernity' in 1940s Japan.
- Nishitani Osamu invited a rethinking of the 'end of history'.
- Henri Meschonnic contested the instrumentalization of Heidegger and Derrida by Japanese cultural nationalism.
- Meschonnic called for a relationship 'more than an exchange of handshakes and academics'.
- Book published by Éditions Maisonneuve & Larose.
- Review by Philippe Forest in artpress.
Entities
Artists
- Henri Meschonnic
- Shiguehiko Hasumi
- Ukai Satoshi
- Nemoto Misako
- Nishitani Osamu
- Philippe Forest
Institutions
- University of Tokyo
- Paris VII University
- Éditions Maisonneuve & Larose
- artpress
Locations
- Tokyo
- Japan
- Paris
- France
Sources
- artpress —