Asa Splinter (1991) is a student of Japanology at the University of Leuven. He originates from the Netherlands where he completed a four-year Bachelor in Fine Arts at the ArtEZ University in Arnhem. In his art, his interests focused on film, animation, Japanese art and gender. Next to his studies, he enjoyed active involvement in the youth organisation Unitas, where he was active in several commissions, including the theater group ‘de Bende’. After graduating, he was employed as a graphic designer in Amsterdam, but he discovered that his interest in the art and culture of Japan was undiminished.

In his Bachelor of Japanology, Asa is complementing his art-background with a minor in culture and society of Japan. He is particularly interested by the development of gender identities and sexuality in Japanese art and culture. Therefore, his Bachelor thesis will be written on the personalised topic of two ‘transgender films’ from two different cultural settings, and the political impact of these movies on their respective societies.

Within the faculty Asa is the organiser of a Japanese Reading Club, which comes together once a week to read a Japanese book under the guidance of a Japanese teacher. Beside that, Asa mentors first-year Japanology students by being a PAL-coach.

Next to his studies, Asa is involved in extracurricular activities such as volunteer work at the ‘Danshuis’, a dance studio in Leuven. There, he also follows Yoga-classes. In summer holidays, he makes time to work in graphic design and create art.

Location

Leuven

Disciplines

• Languages

Affiliation

KU Leuven