Cultural Politics of the Tibetan Diaspora in Japan

On one side, Japanese individuals—primarily women—seek healing and self-transformation by traveling to Tibet and Tibetan areas of South Asia, forming interpersonal and romantic relationships with Tibetans, studying Tibetan Buddhism and language, volunteering in Tibet support groups, and participating in the preservation of Tibetan culture in multifaceted ways. Their self-narratives often reflect a trajectory from personal brokenness to a sense of belonging and restored well-being. Their support for the Tibetan diaspora intersects with Japanese subcultures of healing, spiritual entrepreneurship, new religiosity, and progressive multiculturalism. To analyze these dynamics, the lecture draws on manga and ethnographic case studies from both Japan and India.

On the other side, since its inception in 1965, the Tibetan diaspora in Japan has received ideological and financial support from conservative, anti-CCP, pan-Asianist organizations and individuals. This form of support raises questions about the politics of refugee assistance and the broader implications of refugee pragmatism.

By examining these two poles of engagement, the lecture situates the Tibetan diaspora within the unique sociopolitical context of Japan, highlighting contrasts with Euro-American dynamics. While the focus is on Japan, the data is brought into conversation with developments in South and Southeast Asia. The lecture is structured as an overview of these themes and invites discussion that may inform the final manuscript.

source: nichibun.ac.jp