Engineering - Dream Super-Express: A Cultural History of the World's First Bullet Train (Studies of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University)

Dream Super-Express: A Cultural History of the World's First Bullet Train (Studies of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University)

Name: Dream Super-Express: A Cultural History of the World's First Bullet Train (Studies of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University)
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Book Synopsis: A symbol of the "new Japan" displayed at World's Fairs, depicted in travel posters, and celebrated as the product of a national spirit of innovation, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen—the first bullet train, dubbed the "dream super-express"—represents the bold aspirations of a nation rebranding itself after military defeat, but also the deep problems caused by the unbridled postwar drive for economic growth. At the dawn of the space age, how could a train become such an important symbol? In Dream Super-Express, Jessamyn Abel contends that understanding the various, often contradictory, images of the bullet train reveals how infrastructure operates beyond its intended use as a means of transportation to perform cultural and sociological functions. The multi-layered dreams surrounding this high-speed railway tell a history not only of nation-building but of resistance and disruption. Though it constituted neither a major technological leap nor a new infrastructural connection, the train enchanted, enthralled, and enraged government officials, media pundits, community activists, novelists, and filmmakers. This history of imaginations around the monumental rail system resists the commonplace story of progress to consider the tug-of-war over the significance of the new line. Is it a vision of the future or a reminder of the past, an object of international admiration or a formidable threat? Does it enable new relationships and identities or reify existing social hierarchies? Tracing the meanings assigned to high-speed rail shows how it prompted a reimagination of identity on the levels of individual, metropolis, and nation in a changing Japan.

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Are you ready to embark on a journey through time and culture? Introducing Dream Super-Express: A Cultural History of the World's First Bullet Train, a captivating book that takes you on a fascinating ride through the birth of a symbol. As the product of a nation's determination to rebuild and redefine itself, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen holds the key to understanding the intricacies of postwar Japan. Immerse yourself in the multi-layered dreams and tales that surround this high-speed marvel, and unveil the hidden stories of nation-building, resistance, and disruption.

In Dream Super-Express, author Jessamyn Abel masterfully reveals how the bullet train transcends its mere function as a mode of transportation. With each turn of the page, you'll discover how this technological achievement shaped the future of Japan, captivating the hearts and minds of government officials, media pundits, and even renowned novelists and filmmakers. From its enchanting allure to its provocative controversies, every facet of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen holds a mirror to Japanese society.

But it doesn't stop there. Dream Super-Express also explores the power of infrastructure as a cultural and sociological force. Step beyond the boundaries of just a train and delve into the complex web of meanings and symbols assigned to this high-speed rail. Is it a vision of progress or a nostalgic reminder of the past? Does it represent international admiration or a formidable threat? Discover how the Tōkaidō Shinkansen ignites a continuous tug-of-war over its significance, challenging existing social hierarchies and paving the way for new relationships and identities.

Don't miss your chance to experience this extraordinary journey into the heart of Japan's transformation. Order Dream Super-Express today and unlock the secrets behind the nation's most iconic bullet train. Click here to take the first step towards a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and history.

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