Dr. Adam Kern

Biography

Adam L. Kern is a Professor in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in Japanese literature and visual culture. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies from the University of Minnesota, followed by a Master’s and PhD in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University. Professor Kern is recognized for his significant contributions to the field, including his book 'Manga Floating World: Comicbook Culture in Kibyoshi Edo Japan' published by Harvard University Asia Center in 2006. His research interests focus on the visual-verbal imagination in Japanese culture from the early modern to modern periods. He has authored numerous articles, translations, and book reviews and is currently working on a monograph titled 'Literary Nonsense' and co-editing an anthology of translations titled 'The Penguin Book of Haiku' expected to be published by Penguin Classics. He has also collaborated with prestigious institutions in Japan, including the University of Kyoto and the University of Tokyo, and has experience as a staff reporter for the Japanese-language newspaper Kyoto Shimbun. Currently, he directs the Center for Visual Cultures at UW-Madison.

Research Interests