The best way to combine themes from all the cross-cultural films & genres examined is to explore first of all the concept of the "other" which has been a key ingredient of America’s perception of Japan since our time period began. Japan is western, but not, eastern but not, an ally, but not; the difference lies in tension and/or misunderstanding between the two cultures; first starting with a military conflict and continuing with an economic one.

Chon Noriega first examines the difference between the American and Japanese concepts of the Other: Western thought keeps the Other externalized and separate as a way of defining the Self by contrast. Japanese thought seeks to maintain both Self and Other within the culture by immersing the Self in the Other (Noriega).

godzilla

introduction

genesis

evolution

conclusion