Media technologies have transformed political institutions throughout the world regardless of political ideology, culture, and environment. Much of the discourse concerning politics and technology is aimed at understanding how high-tech and media advances influence politics. However, in contrast, little attention is paid to how traditional political institutions and norms are simultaneously influence and coexist with technology.

In this lecture, Dr. Leslie Tkach-Kawasaki (Associate Professor, University of Tsukuba, Japan) examines how the Japanese political sphere and its institutions have shaped and responded to technological advances with a focus on new-media adoption. Japan’s experience with traditional and non-traditional political media channels is an excellent illustration of how this society combines old and new elements and ideologies.