Shinto in popular culture

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Statue of Ebisu, the god of fishermen and working men, in Tsu, Mie RA-Ebisu.jpg
Statue of Ebisu, the god of fishermen and working men, in Tsu, Mie

Shinto is frequently a theme in Japanese popular culture, including film, manga, anime, and video games. Shinto has influenced Japanese culture and history and as such greatly affects pop culture in modern Japan.

Contents

Some works in Japanese or international popular culture borrow significantly from Shinto myths, deities, and beliefs. Aside from the many games, movies, manga and other cultural products that mention the religion or the names of its deities, some anime, film, video games, or other works feature Shinto elements as central elements.

Shinto itself features in popular culture as folk Shinto or Minkan Shinto. [1] [ page needed ]

Anime and manga

Shinto motifs and themes such as kami (gods or spirits) and yokai (ghosts or demons) are particularly present in anime and manga. [2] [ page needed ] [3] [4] [5]

Film

Some Japanese films feature themes from Shinto religion or characters based on kami. [7] This is especially the case in animated films, such as Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away , [7] but can also be seen in other films.

Video games

Video games may relate to themes or characters from Shinto, as well as Buddhism, Christianity, and other religions. [11] [12] Such games may present a heterodox or alternative take on religion, or even parody traditional practice or belief. [13] In addition to Shinto stories or kami, themes such as the sacredness of nature or the place of magic in everyday life are also visible in such games. [12]

Theatrical plays

Yamata Amasung Keibu Keioiba (English: Yamata-no-Orochi and Keibu Keioiba) is a Meitei language play that interweaves the stories of the two legendary creatures, Yamata-no-Orochi slain by Susanoo for saving Kushinada of Shinto (Japanese folklore) and Keibu Keioiba of Meitei folklore (Manipuri folklore). In the play, the role of Yamata-no-Orochi was played by Maisnam Momocha, the role of Susanoo by Romario Thoudam Paona and the role of Kushinada by Roslin Akoijam Chanu. [19] [20]

Shinto stories or kami also appear in other works of popular culture, including work set in Japan but produced outside of the country.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amaterasu</span> Sun goddess in Shinto

Amaterasu Ōmikami, often called Amaterasu for short, also known as Ōhirume no Muchi no Kami (大日孁貴神), is the goddess of the sun in Japanese mythology. Often considered the chief deity (kami) of the Shinto pantheon, she is also portrayed in Japan's earliest literary texts, the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, as the ruler of the heavenly realm Takamagahara and the mythical ancestress of the Imperial House of Japan via her grandson Ninigi. Along with her siblings, the moon deity Tsukuyomi and the impetuous storm god Susanoo, she is considered to be one of the "Three Precious Children", the three most important offspring of the creator god Izanagi.

Susanoo, often referred to by the honorific title Susanoo-no-Mikoto, is a kami in Japanese mythology. The younger brother of Amaterasu, goddess of the sun and mythical ancestress of the Japanese imperial line, he is a multifaceted deity with contradictory characteristics, being portrayed in various stories either as a wild, impetuous god associated with the sea and storms, as a heroic figure who killed a monstrous serpent, or as a local deity linked with the harvest and agriculture. Syncretic beliefs of the Gion cult that arose after the introduction of Buddhism to Japan also saw Susanoo becoming conflated with deities of pestilence and disease.

The Kojiki, also sometimes read as Furukotofumi or Furukotobumi, is an early Japanese chronicle of myths, legends, hymns, genealogies, oral traditions, and semi-historical accounts down to 641 concerning the origin of the Japanese archipelago, the kami (神), and the Japanese imperial line. It is claimed in its preface to have been composed by Ō no Yasumaro at the request of Empress Genmei in the early 8th century (711–712), and thus is usually considered to be the oldest extant literary work in Japan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Izanagi</span> Deity of Shinto religion

Izanagi (イザナギ/伊邪那岐/伊弉諾) or Izanaki (イザナキ), formally referred to with a divine honorific as Izanagi-no-Mikoto, is the creator deity (kami) of both creation and life in Japanese mythology. He and his sister-wife Izanami are the last of the seven generations of primordial deities that manifested after the formation of heaven and earth. Izanagi and Izanami are held to be the creators of the Japanese archipelago and the progenitors of many deities, which include the sun goddess Amaterasu, the moon deity Tsukuyomi, and the storm god Susanoo. He is a god that can be said to be the beginning of the current Japanese imperial family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Japanese mythology</span> Collection of traditional Japanese stories, folktales, and beliefs

Japanese mythology is a collection of traditional stories, folktales, and beliefs that emerged in the islands of the Japanese archipelago. Shinto traditions are the cornerstones of Japanese mythology. The history of thousands of years of contact with Chinese and various Indian myths are also key influences in Japanese religious belief.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yomi</span> Japanese word for the land of the dead

Yomi or Yomi-no-kuni is the Japanese word for the land of the dead. According to Shinto mythology as related in Kojiki, this is where the dead go in the afterlife. Once one has eaten at the hearth of Yomi it is (mostly) impossible to return to the land of the living. Yomi is most commonly known for Izanami's retreat to that place after her death. Izanagi followed her there and upon his return he washed himself, creating Amaterasu, Susanoo, and Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto in the process.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raijin</span> Japanese god of lightning

Raijin, also known as Kaminari-sama (雷様), Raiden-sama (雷電様), Narukami (鳴る神), Raikou (雷公), and Kamowakeikazuchi-no-kami is a god of lightning, thunder, and storms in Japanese mythology and the Shinto religion. He is typically depicted with fierce and aggressive facial expressions, standing atop a cloud, beating on den-den daiko drums with tomoe symbols drawn on them. Iconography of Raijin are often found in Japanese temples and shrines. He is usually depicted alongside Fūjin, the god of wind.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Izanami</span> Goddess of Shinto religion

Izanami (イザナミ), formally referred to with the honorific Izanami-no-Mikoto, is the creator deity of both creation and death in Japanese mythology, as well as the Shinto mother goddess. She and her brother-husband Izanagi are the last of the seven generations of primordial deities that manifested after the formation of heaven and earth. Izanami and Izanagi are held to be the creators of the Japanese archipelago and the progenitors of many deities, which include the sun goddess Amaterasu, the moon deity Tsukuyomi and the storm god Susanoo. In mythology, she is the direct ancestor of the Japanese imperial family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Imperial Regalia of Japan</span> Three legendary treasures

The Three Sacred Treasures are the imperial regalia of Japan and consist of the sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi (草薙劍), the mirror Yata no Kagami (八咫鏡), and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama (八尺瓊勾玉). They represent the three primary virtues: valour, wisdom, and benevolence. The actual historical status of these legendary treasures is unknown as they are intentionally kept from public view to symbolize authority.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto</span> Moon Kami in Shinto and Japanese mythology

Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, or simply Tsukuyomi or Tsukiyomi (ツキヨミ), is the moon kami in Japanese mythology and the Shinto religion. The name "Tsukuyomi" is a compound of the Old Japanese words tsuku and yomi. The Nihon Shoki mentions this name spelled as Tsukuyumi, but this yumi is likely a variation in pronunciation of yomi. An alternative interpretation is that his name is a combination of tsukiyo and mi. -no-Mikoto is a common honorific appended to the names of Kami; it may be understood as similar to the English honorific 'the Great'.

Ōgetsu-hime, commonly known as Ukemochi, the daughter of the Shinto deities Izanagi and Izanami, is a goddess of food in the Shinto religion of Japan. In some differing interpretations, Ukemochi is referred to as both male and female. When shown in other forms, Ukemochi takes the shape of a fox. Ōgetsu-hime is married to Hayamato, who is the son of Toshigami through his wife Amechikarumizu-hime (天知迦流美豆比売) in the Kojiki, making Hayamao her great-grandnephew through her brother Oymatsumi. In some legends, Ukemochi is also married to Inari and in others, she is Inari.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ōyamatsumi</span> Japanese god

Ōyama-tsumi or Ohoyama-tsumi, also Ōyama-tsumi-mi'oya-no-mikoto (大山祇御祖命), is a god of mountains, sea, and war in Japanese mythology. He is an elder brother of Amaterasu and Susanoo. His other names are Watashi-no-Ōkami (和多志大神) and Sakatoke (酒解神).

Kagutsuchi, also known as Hi-no-Kagutsuchi or Homusubi among other names, is the kami of fire in classical Japanese mythology.

<i>The Little Prince and the Eight-Headed Dragon</i> 1963 Japanese film

The Little Prince and the Eight-Headed Dragon is a Japanese animated fantasy adventure film, the 6th feature produced by Toei Animation, released in Japan on March 24, 1963. English-dubbed versions have been released under several titles, including The Little Prince and the Eight-Headed Dragon, Prince in Wonderland and Rainbow Bridge.

<i>Susano Oh</i> Japanese manga series

Susano Oh is a Japanese manga created by Go Nagai. It is loosely based on the Shinto deity Susanoo.

<i>Totsuka-no-Tsurugi</i> Type of sword in Japanese mythology

Totsuka-no-Tsurugi is not a specific sword, but a common noun for any sword of this length. In Japanese mythology, numerous deities own a sword of this kind. Some examples of well-known Totsuka-no-Tsurugi:

  1. The totsuka sword used by Izanagi to kill his offspring Kagu-tsuchi. This one is also named Ame-no-ohabari or Ama-no-Ohabari.
  2. The totsuka sword used in the oath between Amaterasu and Susanoo. Amaterasu received this sword from Susanoo, snapped it to three pieces, and created the Three Munakata Goddesses from its debris. This sword was not named.
  3. Another totsuka sword in Susanoo's possession, which he used to slay Orochi. This sword is also named Ama-no-Habakiri or Ame-no-Habakiri (天羽々斬), Worochi-no-Aramasa (蛇之麁正), or Futsushimitama-no-tsurugi (布都斯魂剣). The sword is enshrined as the shintai of Isonokami Shrine.
  4. The totsuka sword wield by Takemikazuchi in quelling of the Middle Country. This sword is known as Futsunomitama-no-tsurugi (布都御魂剣), and is the main enshrined dedication in Isonokami Shrine.
<span class="mw-page-title-main">Age of the Gods</span>

In Shinto chronology, the Age of the Gods is the period preceding the accession of Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan. The kamiyo myths are chronicled in the "upper roll" (Kamitsumaki) of the Kojiki and in the first and second chapters of the Nihon Shoki. The reigns of Emperor Jimmu and the subsequent Emperors are considered the Human Age.

The kuni-yuzuri (国譲り) "Transfer of the land" was a mythological event in Japanese prehistory, related in sources such as the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. It relates the story of how the rulership of Japan passed from the earthly kami (kunitsukami) to the kami of Heaven (amatsukami) and their eventual descendants, the Imperial House of Japan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keibu Keioiba</span> Half man, half tiger of Meitei folklore

Keibu Keioiba, also known as Kabui Keioiba, is a mythical creature with the head of a tiger and the body of a human in the Meitei mythology and folklore of Manipur. According to legend, he was once a skilful priest named Kabui Salang Maiba. He used witchcraft to turn himself into a ferocious tiger. As punishment of his pride, he could not completely turn back to his original human form.

References

  1. ↑ Picken, Stuart D.B. (2011). Historical Dictionary of Shinto (2nd ed.). Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group. ISBN   978-0810873728 . Retrieved 21 April 2013.
  2. ↑ Steiff, Josef; Tamplin, Tristan D. (2010). Anime and Philosophy: Wide Eyed Wonder. Chicago, Illinois: Open Court. ISBN   978-0812696707. For those of us not familiar with Shinto, its difficult to come to terms with a spiritual belief system that is not quite a religion and not ... Whether we comprehend the complex aspects of Shinto and its many evolutions—from its earliest origins to its ...
  3. ↑ Hu, Tze-yue G. (2010). Frames of Anime: Culture and Image-Building. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. p. 48. ISBN   978-9622090989. Shintō scholar Muraoka Tsunetsugu identifies the creative musubi kami with "the power of growth and reproduction
  4. ↑ Gymnich, Marion; Lichterfeld, Imke (2012). A Hundred Years of the Secret Garden: Frances Hodgson Burnett's Children's Classic Revisited. Göttingen: Bonn University Press. p. 111. ISBN   978-3847100546. Shinto basically provides thousands of stories and ancient myths which Japanese become familiar with from an early age.
  5. ↑ Napier, Susan J. (2001). Anime from Akira to Princess Mononoke: Experiencing Contemporary Japanese Animation (1st ed.). New York: Palgrave. p.  113. ISBN   0312238630. The film's haunting theme song is also clearly inspired by Shinto liturgy, 15 in its invocation to the gods to come and dance ... In fact, Oshii states that the "net" can be equated with the myriad gods of the Shinto religion,16 underlining the notion ...
  6. ↑ Tachikawa, Megumi (2004). Dream Saga, Volume 3. Los Angeles, California: Tokyopop. ISBN   1591827760.
  7. 1 2 Mazur, Eric Michael (2011). Encyclopedia of Religion and Film. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO. p. 250. ISBN   9780313013980 . Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  8. ↑ Galbraith, Stuart (2008). The Toho Studios Story: A History and Complete Filmography. Scarecrow Press. p. 161. ISBN   978-1-4616-7374-3.
  9. ↑ Whitt, David; Perlich, John (2008). Sith, Slayers, Stargates & Cyborgs: Modern Mythology in the New Millennium. New York: P. Lang. p. 88. ISBN   9781433100956 . Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  10. ↑ Pitts, Michael R. (2010). Columbia Pictures: Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Films, 1928-1982. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. p. 134. ISBN   9780786444472 . Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  11. ↑ Perron, Bernard (2009). Horror Video Games: Essays on the Fusion of Fear and Play. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company. pp. 95–120. ISBN   9780786441976 . Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  12. 1 2 Ong, Alicia. "The Religions Behind Final Fantasy" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-02-02.
  13. ↑ Bainbridge, William Sims; Bainbridge, Wilma Alice (2007). "Electronic game research methodologies: Studying religious implications". Review of Religious Research. 49 (1): 35–53.
  14. ↑ Walsh, Doug (2008). Ōkami: Official Strategy Guide for Nintendo Wii. Indianapolis, Indiana: Brady Games. ISBN   9780744010350.
  15. ↑ Thursen, Chris (7 January 2016). "Smite season 3: Japanese gods herald huge changes". PC Gamer. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
  16. ↑ "Overwatch 2 - Heroes - Kiriko". Overwatch. Retrieved 2023-02-11.
  17. ↑ "Overwatch 2 Season 3 starts February 7: New Antarctic Peninsula Control Map, One-Punch Man Collab, Loverwatch Dating Sim, and so much more!". Overwatch. Retrieved 2023-02-12.
  18. ↑ "Overwatch 2 - Season 3". Overwatch 2. 2023. Archived from the original on 2023-02-11. Retrieved 2023-02-12.
  19. ↑ "YAMATA AMASUNG KEIBU KEIOIBA – 21st Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2020".
  20. ↑ "Heisnam Tomba's Play: Yamata Amasung Keibu Keioiba". StageBuzz. 2020-02-16.
  21. ↑ Fisher, Burton D. (2001). Puccini's Madam Butterfly: Opera Classics Library Series. Miami: Opera Journeys Publishing. ISBN   9780977132034 . Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  22. ↑ Kirino, Natsuo (2012). The Goddess Chronicle. Edinburgh; New York: Canongate. ISBN   9780802121097.
  23. ↑ Barth, John (1987). Giles Goat-Boy, or, The Revised New Syllabus (Anchor Books ed.). Garden City, New York: Anchor Books/Doubleday. ISBN   0385240864.
  24. ↑ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #28: "Midnight Sun", Part 1 (January 1992)
  25. ↑ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #30: "Midnight Sun", Part 3 (March 1992)
  26. ↑ "Susano-O (Character)". Comic Vine. Retrieved 2021-02-10.
  27. ↑ "Izanami (Character)". Comic Vine. Retrieved 2021-02-10.
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