Volume 9 of New Voices in Japanese Studies (NVJS) brings to the fore five articles by a promising selection of new voices from both Australia and New Zealand, who have tackled a number of complex themes across a broad range of disciplines. I hope they have found contributing to the journal to be a rewarding experience, and one of the first of many opportunities to contribute to the growing body of outstanding research in Japanese studies, both in the region and beyond.
Every year, this journal would not come to fruition were it not for a cast of dedicated individuals. Firstly, it has been a great privilege to have Australian National University’s Australian Centre on China in the World Post-doctoral Fellow Dr Olivier Krischer on board as Guest Editor for this volume. A previous Monbukagakushō scholarship recipient with research interests in modern and contemporary China-Japan relations through art, Dr Krischer graciously took on the role of Guest Editor for NVJS while simultaneously embarking on a Research Fellowship at Academia Sinica, Taiwan. On behalf of the NVJS team, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the tireless dedication and expert advice he has provided to not only shape this volume into the publication it has become, but also offer valuable guidance to both the NVJS team and contributing authors throughout the entire editorial process. I wholeheartedly believe that Dr Krischer’s guidance has allowed this edition’s New Voices contributors to further hone their skills as researchers, placing them firmly on the path to pursue promising careers in their respective fields of research.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the members of this year’s Editorial Advisory Board, who amid their busy schedules have very generously offered their valuable time to provide feedback on the submissions for this volume. The journal would not be possible without their assistance, and I would like to sincerely thank them for their ongoing support of NVJS, and in turn their contribution to cultivating the next generation of researchers in the field of Japanese studies.
Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the considerable efforts of the NVJS team who have coordinated this edition of the journal: Series Editors Elicia O’Reilly and Leah Sourris; and Supervising Manager Ayusa Koshi.
Finally, I would like to express my deep appreciation to this edition’s contributing authors. We understand how daunting the editorial process can be, and you have all gone above and beyond to rigorously address feedback and adhere to demanding deadlines. You are a credit to your supervisors, and we wish you all the very best as you continue your academic journeys.
Yoshihiro Wada
Director
The Japan Foundation, Sydney
June 2017