Spirited Away and Japanese Mythology

Jul 9, 2024

Lecture Notes: Spirited Away and Japanese Mythology

Introduction

  • Spirited Away: Highly acclaimed, one of the greatest films ever made
  • Achievements: Highest-rated Studio Ghibli film on IMDB, only Japanese film to win an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, highest-grossing film in Japan for 19 years
  • Focus: Attention to detail in visual art and fantasy elements by Hayao Miyazaki
  • Mythic quality: Draws from pre-existing mythology, folklore, and culture
  • Disclaimer: Miyazaki has not revealed specific mythological inspirations

Shinto Symbols and Concepts

  • Torii Gate: Signifies entrance to a Shinto shrine; marks transition into the Otherworld
  • Kami (gods): Central spirits in Shinto; word "Shinto" means "way of the gods"
  • Hokora (stone houses): Roadside shrines housing minor Kami or guardian spirits
  • Dōsojin Statues: Boundary markers protecting travelers, significant to Chihiro's journey

Bathhouse and Onsen Culture

  • Aburaya Bathhouse: Loosely based on Dogo Onsen, significant in Japanese culture
  • First Kami Encounter - Haku: Casts a spell resembling Onmyodo practices
  • Susuwatari (soot sprites): Featured in Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro

Specific Kami and Yokai

  • Transparent Kami: Visible only in inhabited forms, similar to Umi-Bozu
  • Animal Transformations: Greed transforming Chihiro's parents into pigs
  • No-face (Kaonashi): Mask resembling Noh theatre mask, possibly inspired by Onryō
  • Namahage-like Kami: Resemble year-end masked demon-like creatures from Akita Prefecture
  • Boiler Man (Kamaji): Resembles Tsuchigumo from Japanese Folklore
  • Radish Spirit (Oshira-sama): Patron deity of silk production
  • Yubaba the Witch: Resembles Yamauba or Oni-Baba from Japanese Folklore, possibly influenced by Slavic Baba-Yaga
  • Kashira (three heads): Similar to Tsurube-otoshi, also possibly inspired by Daruma dolls

Mythological Parallels and Symbols

  • Eating food of the Kami world: Similar to various mythologies where consuming local food binds one to a place
  • Haku's Transformation: Represents a dragon, significant in water mythology
  • Shikigami: Paper spirit conjured through Onmyodo
  • Bo (Yu-baba's baby): Resembles Kintaro, a legendary folk hero

Conclusion

  • Interpretations are based on visual and thematic clues in the film; may not align exactly with Miyazaki's intent
  • Invitations for audience corrections and suggestions
  • Personal connection: Sparked interest in Japanese mythology
  • Call to action: Like, subscribe, and watch other related videos

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