She holds a PhD in ethnomusicology from Hannover University of Media, Music and Drama, Germany. Her research focuses on Japanese contemporary culture (Takarazuka Revue, anime, music and SUPERFLAT), the history of knowledge (encyclopaedias) and the dynamics of identity in late modernity. Her recent publications include a number of research articles in academic journals as well as books on contemporary Japanese culture such as Liquid Identity: The Postmodern Love, Takarazuka Revue and the Quest for a New Enlightenment (in German, 2009) and Takahata Isao (in German, 2010).