役職/
Position

Former Visiting Professor

研究分野/
Field

Social history/cultural anthropology of food

【日本語のページ】

・Tell me about your research briefly.

I am currently doing research on the transformation of food packaging in Japan since the early twentieth century to the present day. This seems like a very trivial subject, but in fact, it is interconnected with the issues that are at the center of contemporary life, such as the shifting food habits, the rise of the food processing industry and the garbage problem. I am approaching this topic from a comparative perspective, utilizing my knowledge of the similar processes that have taken place in the Netherlands and in Poland.

・At TUFS what is your lecture?

The course I taught at TUFS focused on my previous research, in which I analyzed the connection between globalization and nation branding on the example of food. I find the case of 'washoku', which was assigned the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO, a very useful tool for discussing issues such as culinary nationalism and gastrodiplomacy. Engaging Japanese students in such a discussion proved very interesting.

・Japan studies in TUFS have issued a policy to lay emphasis on the reinforcement of the Japan's ability to deliver a message to the world. What do you think is necessary for that?

I think that it is absolutely crucial for young people in Japan to invest time and effort in improving their English language proficiency. This should be also an absolute priority for the education system.

・How about TUFS and students?

I was actually very pleasantly surprised, and very much impressed, by the English proficiency of the TUFS students who took my course. They were very intelligent and quite engaged.

・Compared with overseas, what is good in Japan and not good in Japan?

What I find fascinating in Japan is that since 1988, when I first came here, not much has changed, in essence. This continuity is comforting to a certain extent, but at times quite worrying. In any rate, I am very happy that my favorite restaurants are still in business!