I am hoping to locate someone in Japan who has done work on sport & society or who might be interested in the topic. As a graduate thesis-type project I have been researching sport in the context of globalization and localization at The George Washington University.

My preliminary findings indicate it has served as a force of both integration and fragmentation throughout history.

Exporting your country's sports culture has in the past been considered akin to imperialism. Now more recently we see foreign athletes become some of the dominate stars in what once were considered national pastimes, and suddenly local sports no longer look so local. Evidence of this is abundant, but consider the African [African-American? --Moderator] stars in basketball and the American sumo wrestlers.

The recent economic trade conflicts between the US and Japan obscure a recent sports trade between these countries. A Japanese player has made a remarkable debut in the National League after slipping out of his Japan League contract.
Beyond being a bright spot in a post-strike marred season, he has much of his nation proudly following his exploits for the LA Dodgers. There are obvious cross-cultural and economic benefits for all concerned. However there is a growing concern that the "Dai-League," as US baseball is known in Japan, is about to start raiding their league. The next likely import pitcher Kuwata of the Yomiuri Giants has apparently already been approached (USA Today 8/6/95).

Anyway, lots of interesting questions here and I hope to continue researching sport & society in Japan as a Fulbright Fellow. If anyone is aware of professors that might be suited to serve as an advisor for this area of scholarship please
email me directly:
gadler[atx]gwis2.circ.gwu.edu

Thanks in advance,
GA