Creating Places and Transferring Culture: American Theme Parks in Japan

Abstract

In this chapter, we consider the ways that elements of Japanese heritage have been incorporated into the contemporary Hollywood theme parks of Disney (Tokyo) and Universal Studios (Osaka), resulting in an attraction quite different from their US counterparts. This presents a significant change to the way in which these places have been traditionally developed, resulting in a glocalised tourist attraction that appeals to both Japanese and foreign visitors. By taking a cultural landscape approach, the authors uncover the cultural layers of these two theme parks, resulting in a deeper understanding of the relationship between Western and Asian culture, presenting a popular culture phenomenon that transcends a traditional monocultural approach. Consequently, theme parks should be seen as more than bland, ‘placeless’ places of Western cultural imperialism.