Shinto, Buddhism and Worldview

EAST 251 Week 3

What is Anime?

1. Two dimensional animated art form2. *Japanese origin3. *Originally manga4. Containing conversation5. One episode is either 30 min (TV series) or more

(OAV or full movie length)6. Having story line and consequences

* Usually but not always

If it doesn’t satisfy the criteria above, I’d call it an animated cartoon

Nature of Anime

Rich in history Though the drawing style is simplified, the story line

is more complex and explores human emotion and drama

Targeted not only children but also at a wider audience

Shinto ( 神道 )= Creation Myth of Japan Creation myth of Japan is recorded

in Kojiki ( 古事記 ) (712)

Kojiki was ordered by the emperor Tenmu (40th emperor) and written down by Oonoyasumaro ( 太安万侶）

Consolidated different myths and organized as the “official” history of Japan.

3 volumes Creation myth 1-15th emperor 16-33rd emperor

Shinto ( 神道 ) Origin: Izanagi and Izanami was

called by the gods and created Japan.They stirred the water and the drippings turned into an island.

Territory: They then gave birth to the 8 perfect islands (after some failures).

Explanation (death and birth): After gave a birth to the other Kami, Izanami dies. Izanagi goes to underworld to bring her back but fails.

Early Japan: Nara Period Establishment of the Central Government The very first time for Japan

to have a central government controlled by the emperor. Invasions from the continent

and the north Plague Drought Political strife inside of the

central government

Desperately needed to centralize the power = desperate need for legitimacy, money and peace

Asuka: 592-710 Nara: 710-794

Background of the Taiho Code: State Religion of Nara Period-Buddhism The emperor was a

fervent Buddhist and actively promoted the spread of Buddhism.

Kojiki for legitimacy Build Buddhist

temples for peace The Taiho Code to

secure man power and money

The Taihō Code ( 大宝律令 ) (701)

The very first law enforced by the central government

Establishment of the central government. The country was divided into provinces ( 国 )

These local officials were responsible for keeping the peace, collecting taxes, recruiting labor, keeping registers of population and land allotment.

火の鳥　鳳凰編 (1986) 　

Hinotori ( 火の鳥 ) by Tezuka Osamu Hinotori (or Fire-bird or Pheonix) 1954-

imcomplete 13 Volumes in Japanese, 12 in English The stories revolve around reincarnation,

immortality and Karma