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Religion in Anime
2
Religion in Anime *!
Background
The first Japanese animation (anime) was released in 1963 (Yasuo 9). Anime has since become a world-wide phenonemon adored by many fans globally. Many anime today have hints of religious symbolism in them. Since Religion and anime are both interests of mine , it has thus become my project.
Background
Anime I will review
Animes I will review
- Naruto (+ Naruto Shippuden)
- Hunter x Hunter (HxH)
- Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Maybe another?
Religion in Japan
In Japan there are about 5 main different religions...
Religion in Japan
- Shintoism
- Buddhism
- Confuncianism
- Daoism
- Christianity
(Earhart 2)
My Research Question
How does religion and mythology affect Japanese anime?
Research Question
My Interest
Why I chose this topic
I grew up in a religious household and also grew up watching anime. As I learned more about Japanese culture while taking classes at Willamette University, I learned a little about Japanese religion and folklore. I began to see references of Japanese religion and mythology inside anime that I have seen, sparking an interest in it for me.
Significance
Many of the anime that people watch have religious symbolism hidden in them. Shows like Naruto, HxH, Demon Slayer, Bleach, and many more, oftentimes have religious refererences, but the readers/viewers aren't aware of them. Recognizing the symbolism when it appears on screen and within the story, shows the writer's attention to detail and enhances the understanding of the story for the viewers/readers. These references are usually in place for a reason and add to the story.
Sources in my Work
Sources
- One of my most important resources on the background of Japanese religion is from a book by Bryon Earhart, Religion in Japan: Unity and Diversity
- Another important resource that will benefit my thesis greatly will be another thesis work by Sidney Kuehn from Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Her work is titled How Japan’s History with the Christian Faith Has Influenced Its Depictions in Anime
- Myth and Deity in Japan by Kamata Toji. Refers to Shintoism, Buddhism, and Japanese mythology
- Animating the Spirited by Tze-yue Hu.
Findings
Findings
+
Plans
- Japan has five main religions: Shintoism, Buddhism, Confuncianism, Daoism, and Christianity (Earhart 2)
- Shintoism was in Japan
- Buddhism is from India (Earhart 3)
- Confuncianism and Daoism are from China/Korea (Earhart 3)
- Christianity is from western culture (Earhart 2)
- All of Naruto's references to Shintoism, and Buddhism relate to what they do in the culture
- HxH has references to Christianity and the Holy Bible as well as Buddhism
- Neon Genesis Evagelion also references Christianity and the New Testament
Future Plans
- I will rewrite my introduction to make it stronger
- I will review and incorporate more scholarly references
- I will talk more about each of the different religions in Japan
- I will focus more on connecting my work to what others have said, in order to strengethen and solidfy my argument
Plans
Translatable Skills
- Able to do deep critical-thinking to help support a stance on an argument
- Ability to find scholarly resources to support an argument
- As a possible JET program participant, not only knowing the different religions in Japan, but having a deep understanding of them and the origins of Japanese religion will overall enhance my understanding of Japanese culture - ultimately further connecting me to culture, making the experience more meaningful
Works Cited
Earhart, H. Byron. Religion in Japan: Unity and
Diversity. Wadsworth, 2014.