Outside in: Lost in Academia

American linguistic anthropologist Debra Occhi dives into the fascinating world of mascots and characters. From adorable to heroic, she explores how their naming is shaped by sound.

Korean sociologist Ahn Eunbyul examines Japan's railway culture. Beyond mere transportation, she explores how train travel itself becomes an experience of discovery, nostalgia, and connection.

A German intellectual historian explores sangaku; wooden tablets inscribed with math problems that are devoted to temples and shrines. What do they tell about Japan's tradition of mathematics?

A Thai media and culture scholar dives into Comic Market, a vast showcase for self-published works. She uncovers how doujin culture drives creativity, and how virtual and physical worlds are blending.