Japanese animation may save the world

The theme for this month of my online course is: "Japanese Mythology, Spirituality, and Animation."

The term "animation" means "put soul into things". 
Its etymology traces back to "anima," meaning "soul" or "spirit."
From "anima," we get "animism," which is related to the concept of "Yaoyorozu no Kami" (the eight million gods) familiar in Japan.
Historically, Japan has believed in the "Yaoyorozu no Kami", and there was a time when Shinto and Buddhism were syncretized.
However, during the Meiji period, Shinto and Buddhism were separated. Recently, there has been a resurgence of movements to reintegrate these beliefs.

In Shinto, it is said that individuals are "wakemitama" (divine spirits separated from the god, not specific god, "something great").

This idea is also echoed in the "GODSEAL" I’ve been fascinated with recently, which suggest that we ourselves are gods. I would like to discuss in different occasion.

Stating that one is a god might sound extreme, but this is precisely what is depicted in the roots of Japanese animation, such as Osamu Tezuka's "Phoenix." The story illustrates a god creating humans as extensions of itself to understand itself from an objective perspective. As humans evolve, they engage in conflicts and face near-extinction, but each time, a new humanity is born. This process mirrors the history of mankind. I believe Tezuka masterfully expressed this concept in "Phoenix."

The global popularity of Japanese animation is not just due to simple good-vs-evil narratives like in American comics. Instead, it's the spirituality in Miyazaki's and Shinkai's works, rooted in the connection from "anima" to animism, that resonates deeply with audiences.

Even monotheists around the world who enjoy anime might come to understand that beyond their own religion, the concepts of soul and spirit are fundamental to human nature. This understanding could foster a greater acceptance of the existence of souls and spirits outside their own beliefs, encouraging a more inclusive perspective.

By explaining Japanese animation in terms of "anima" and "animism," we might influence the world's religious views, helping people see that the divine can exist beyond a singular absolute deity, and perhaps, fostering a more harmonious worldview.

I believe that Japanese animation has the potential to contribute to world peace, and I hope to delve deeper into these ideas through discussions with all of you.

Why don't you take my online course to know more about how Japanese animation is born and may save the world.

For inquiry send me mkawamukai[at]gmail.com