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Spirited Away

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Shuang Yang
Topic replies: 6
Topic Posts: 2
Spirited Away

In one of the discussion sessions, Professor Pitelka recommended the movie Spirited Away as an introduction to Shito. I watched this movie many years ago. I really like the movie. I am a big fan of Ghibli studio. The movie is very interesting, but I did not make any links to Japanese history and rituals back then. Now that I have learned so much about Shinto, I decided to watch again to see how the movie reflected Shito related concepts and rituals. There is a particular part in the movie that really clicked with what I am looking for. That is when the god of the river showed up. Nature is an essential part of shintoism. Each river has a god. That one came as this huge stinky gross master looking thing to the onsen. Everyone was afraid and disgusted. Only Chihiro helped him. After cleaning, all the trash people threw into the river came out. It was a powerful moment to realize people’s selfishness and lack of respect for nature. It definitely raises attention to environmental problems. Shintoism is related to animism and deeply rooted in Japanese history and culture. Spirited Away is a great animated movie to show students and discuss Japanese culture. I can introduce Shito and lead students to explore more about it. 

Kimberly Szeto
Topic replies: 32
Topic Posts: 2
RE: Spirited Away

Your reflection on Spirited Away and its connection to Shinto is insightful! The film indeed offers a rich tapestry of Japanese culture and environmental themes. Here are some additional ideas for using Spirited Away in a classroom setting to explore various aspects of Japanese culture, history, and Shinto beliefs:

  • Exploring Shinto Concepts

    • Activity: Shinto Concepts Analysis
    • Description: Students identify Shinto beliefs such as kami (spirits) and rituals in the film. They can research real Shinto practices and compare them to the film’s depiction.
    • Example: Students create a presentation or poster showing how the river spirit and other elements reflect Shinto principles.
  • Character Analysis

    • Activity: Character Growth Essay
    • Description: Analyze Chihiro’s character development and her interactions with spirits.
    • Example: Students write an essay on how Chihiro’s growth reflects themes of courage, kindness, and perseverance.
  • Japanese Folktales and Mythology

    • Activity: Folktale Comparison Project
    • Description: Research Japanese folktales and myths that inspired elements of the film.
    • Example: Students compare a folktale with characters and themes in Spirited Away, presenting their findings to the class.
  • Cultural Symbolism

    • Activity: Symbolism Exploration Project
    • Description: Investigate cultural symbols and motifs in the film, such as the bathhouse and soot sprites.
    • Example: Students create a visual or written project explaining the significance of these symbols in Japanese culture.