Japanese Literary Awards

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Shoichi Inoue

いのうえ しょういち

Inoue Shoichi

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1955-01-13 （Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese

Career

Occupations
Architectural historian, Cultural/folklore historian, University professor, Researcher, Author, Critic, Television commentator
Active Years
1980-
Affiliations
International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken) — Director / Professor, Institute for Research in Humanities, Kyoto University (former assistant)

Education

Kyoto University
Faculty of Engineering / Department of Architecture (Graduate School: Engineering, Architecture)
Degree: 修士
Period: 1974-1980
Year of Graduation: 1980
Country: Japan
Graduated from Kyoto University Faculty of Engineering and completed a master's degree at the Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Architecture.

Awards

Suntory Prize for Social Science and Humanities
1986
Work: The Manufactured Myth of the Katsura Imperial Villa
Organization: Suntory Foundation / Prize Committee
Result: 受賞
Art Encouragement Prize (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)
1999
Work: Namban Fantasia
Organization: Agency for Cultural Affairs (Art Encouragement)
Result: 受賞
Shinsho (Non-fiction paperback) Award
2016
Work: Kyoto Haters
Organization: Shinsho Award Committee
Result: 受賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

The Manufactured Myth of the Katsura Imperial Villa

1986 Architectural history / scholarly

A study examining the creation of legends and discourses around the Katsura Imperial Villa and the modern mythologization and reception of architecture.

Architectural historyCultural historyMyth-making

On Beauty (Bijin-ron)

1991 Cultural critique / essay

An essayistic work discussing historical and cultural views of 'beauty' in Japan and examining the relationship between appearance and social value.

Beauty studiesSocio-cultural analysisAesthetics

Namban Fantasia

1998 Historical cultural study

Examines the reception history of Namban (Western/foreign) culture in Japan and explores the processes that generated related legends and images.

Foreign cultural receptionHistorical receptionLegend studies

Kyoto Haters

2015 Essay / cultural criticism

A critical look at Kyoto as a region and culture, offering skepticism toward tourism narratives and traditional images.

Regional studiesCultural criticismTourism

Bibliography

  • The Birth of the Hearse
  • The Manufactured Myth of the Katsura Imperial Villa
  • On Beauty (Bijin-ron)
  • Namban Fantasia
  • You Can See the Underwear: A Cultural History of Shame
  • Kyoto Haters

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Combines academic analysis with essayistic narrationPolemic and ironic argumentative styleAccessible, popularizing prose
Recurring Motifs
KyotoBeauty and aestheticsHistory of customsArchitecture and power

Legacy

Known for a distinctive perspective crossing architectural history and the history of customs, he authored many works that bridge academic and general audiences. Widely recognized for writings on Kyoto and beauty studies while respected in academia for contributions to folklore and architectural history.

Academic Societies

  • Contemporary Folklore Research Society

Trivia

  • He has stated that he does not own a smartphone or personal computer (owns a mobile phone).
  • An avid Hanshin Tigers fan; has written about the team.
  • Started playing piano at age 41.