Idealization, Hyperbolization, Mythologization. Different Ways of Creating Stereotypical Visions of Japan in Travelers’ and Fans’ Written Works

Abstract

The aim of the article is to depict different ways of creating Japan-related cultural stereotypes in the travelers’ and fans’ written works. Special attention was devoted to the publications available for the Polish readers. The author starts with analysing the reasons why the writers use stereotypes to describe their experiences. Furthermore, she briefly summarizes the origins of the mentioned stereotypes in the literature. In the next parts of the article, the author describes the phenomenon of the “comparison trap” – what can be observed in the stories illustrating  meetings with the Other. As the main examples of works dealing with the problem of stereotypes about Japan, the author analyses Powrót niedoskonały [Imperfect return] by Marcin Bruczkowski and the publications of Joanna Bator.