Miyasaki's Works in relation to Shintoism

[arynleia]

I am looking for ideas and information on Miyazaki's Anime movies and if they have some influence from Shintoism. Spirited Away, Princess Monanoki, and Howls Moving Castle are of particular intrest to me. Does anyone out there have information or where I can get information on this subject? Or if you have some thoughts on it, please share. I am writing a paper for school and would like to use this as my subject if there is any connection to Shintoism. Thanks to anyone who has thoughts on this.

Arynleia:)

[Ironfrost]

His name is Miyazaki, and a google search on 'hayao miyazaki shintoism' brings up a lot of results including this journal article on Shinto Perspectives in Miyazaki's Anime Film "Spirited Away" (http://www.unomaha.edu/jrf/Vol8No2/boydShinto.htm). The article I linked also has references to other articles and books on the subject, which would make it a good starting point to look for more information.

[Soluzar]

Well his work sometimes has characters who represent the various kami, so... yeah.

[arynleia]

Thank you very much for this information. I will take a look at it. Thanks for the spelling correction also. I did not check my notes for the correct spelling before I posted this. I will try and edit my thread with the correct spelling.

[Minima Moralia]

This is a pretty good pdf:

http://www.kallner.com/hem/teologi/uppsats/Shinto%20in%20Anime%20-%20Illustrated.pdf

I think the section on Princess Mononoke covers most of the main issues but disagree in that the ending is not all about sorrow. Ashitaka and San were able to give the meaning behind the god-concept in Mononoke a chance to live. Ashitaka as the mediator with a highly developed sense of compassion prevents an ugly victory for one side. San and Lady Eboshi represent extremes in attitudes; Ashitaka tries to reconcile the two extremes. He is not entirely successful, but by adopting a non-myopic approach, he has experienced both sides' anger and hate. In doing so, he sets an example of the attitude required for a more harmonious relationship between the two opposing factors.

[arynleia]

Thank you for this link. It is exactly what I was looking for. I am writing two papers this semester. The first one I am doing on Shito and it's influence on ancient art. The second one I am trying to make a connection with Shinto and modern anime, specifically Miyazaki's work.
I like your interpretion as well. It is very intuitive. I plan on watching several of these movies again.

[masakiuma]

anyone who says there is no connection, just watch Spirited Away...I'm pretty sure half the things in that movie have something to do with Shinto religion or "shinto culture"

[f2akid]

If you're looking for people to fill out your questionairres for your essay why don't you just hand it out to people and get live feedback, this is an extremely lazy and unanimous way of getting your questionairres filled in.

[DazarGaidin]

^i dunno, how many real life anime people do you know? Seems like you would get a larger reaponse in places like here..

[f2akid]

^You don't need much of a response for a questionairre.

[giko]

It really depends on the movies...

My Neighbor Totoro, 1988...Yes
Kiki's Delivery Service, 1989...No
Porco Rosso, 1992...No
Princess Mononoke, 1997...Yes
Spirited Away, 2001...Yes
Howl's Moving Castle, 2004 ...No

[Miduki]

"Um...obviously?" Should be a choice.