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Staff Profile

Matteo Giacche'

Postgraduate Research Student

Background

I hold a BA and a MA (hons) degree in Oriental Languages and Civilizations, with a major in Japanese language and literature, from Sapienza University of Rome. After my graduation I worked for five years as a radio announcer and author, cultivating my passion for music. For two years I hosted a show on the Japanese music scene.


I am currently a PhD candidate at Newcastle University, with a project that combines my love for music and my passion for Japanese literature - investigating the role of music in the novels of Murakami Haruki.

Research

My PhD thesis investigates the role of music in the novels of Murakami Haruki. Specifically, I aim to examine how music influences the development of the narrative and the shaping of the characters, guiding them through introspection, growth and helping them to express their feelings and personalities. 

One of the trademarks of Murakami’s literature is the presence of alternative realities, with the existence of other parallel worlds. This feature has brought an enchanting element to many of his works, which has been referred to as ‘magical realism’. In my study, I would like to prove that – other than helping the characters to develop – music actively contributes to the occurrence of these magical moments, guiding the protagonists to discover these parallel worlds.


My Broader research interests include:


  • Music and manga
  • Politics and manga
  • Music and gender


Conferences:

  • Paper presented at 54th NeMLA Convention (North East Modern Language Association), Niagara Falls, NY, March 23-26, 2023. Panel: Music in Literature (II). Title: "The Power of Music: Subversion and Self-Fulfilment in Contemporary Japanese Literature"


  • Paper presented at 51st NeMLA Convention (North East Modern Language Association), Boston, Massachusetts, March 5-8, 2020. Panel: Music in Literature (II). Title: "Music for Thought: The Role of Western Rock Music in Japanese Novels and Manga"


  • Paper presented at AATI (American Association of Teachers of Italian) @ Cagliari International Conference 2018, June 20 – June 25, 2018. Title: "Gramsci in Giappone" (Gramsci in Japan)


Funding:

  • 2023 - Newcastle University Doctoral College Enhancement Fund - Travel and Conference Funding


  • 2021-2024 - Vice-Chancellor’s EU Research Scholarship – Newcastle University


  • Value of 75% of tuition fees. Available for each year of the degree subject to academic progression


  • 2021-2022; 2022-2023 - The Sasakawa Japanese Studies Postgraduate Studentship - The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation


  • 2015-2016 - JASSO, Japan Student Service Organization; Monthly scholarship offered by the Japanese government for promoting integration among international students


  • 2015 - International mobility (Japan, AIKOM exchange program - University of Tokyo) - Sapienza University of Rome


Supervisors:

  • Dr Gitte Marianne Hansen, School of Modern Languages, Newcastle University
  • Dr Fernando Beleza Pinto, School of Modern Languages, Newcastle University


Teaching
  • HSS8023/24 Reflective Researcher Portfolio - Teaching Assistant
  • JPN1005 Introduction to Japanese History and Culture - Seminar instructor
  • JPN4006 Literary and cultural expressions in Japan - Teaching Assistant
Publications