1. Shinto, Buddhism and Worldview EAST 251 Week 3

2. What is Anime? 1. Two dimensional animated art form 2. *Japanese origin 3. *Originally manga 4. Containing conversation 5. 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

3. 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

4. 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 (40 th 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  1-15 th emperor  16-33 rd emperor

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 火の鳥 鳳凰編 (1986)

10. 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