Nsps306 Matsuno Yui Kirihara Azusa Uehara Yu -

If you ever wonder how a university seminar can turn into a deep dive into contemporary Japanese media, look no further than NSPS 306 – “Contemporary Japanese Pop Culture and Society.” This spring, the class went beyond textbook theory and gave its students the chance to explore four iconic figures who are shaping Japan’s entertainment landscape today: Matsuno Yui, Kirihara, Azusa Uehara, and Yu.

What started as a series of research assignments evolved into a vibrant, multimedia showcase that highlighted each student’s unique voice, research methodology, and creative flair. Below is a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the project unfolded, what we learned about each pop‑culture star, and why this experience matters for anyone interested in the intersection of media, identity, and global fandom.

Student Lead: Miyu Fujimoto