With such a large percentage of the Japanese population identifying themselves as Buddhist, it’s not surprise to find Buddhist terminology, themes, and religious practices in anime and manga. These ideas sometimes go over our heads, even for those of us who have basic knowledge of the religion. But if we learn a little bit about… Read More Spirituality in the Anime Blogosphere: Buddhism in Anime
Cross Game is an anime that is suprisingly mature and very subtle in its depictions of romantice love. On Tuesday’s post, I posited that people should stop playing games in love and that it’s important to be honest in what one expects from a relationship. Today, we’ll finish off with a couple more topics related… Read More Cross Game of Love, Part II: Letting Go
Love ’em or hate ’em, Christmas songs are inescapable during the holiday season. But in the midst of typical musical fare, there are gems that don’t get played all too often in December. For instance, a favorite of mine is “My Favorite Things,” from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The Sound of Music, and made… Read More My Favorite Things
Crystal White of Japanator is attending the New York Anime Festival (NYAF), and posted some interesting remarks about a session she attended. Did you know that Shinigami, translated as Death Gods, are part of the ever-present syncretism in Japanese religion? However, the idea is neither Shinto nor Buddhist: its roots are in western tradition. Read… Read More Spirituality in the Anime Blogosphere: Shinigami Syncretism
Character: Rukia Kuchiki Series: Bleach Gender: female Occupation: soul reaper (shinigami) Bible Twin: the Holy Spirit Overview Bleach is a manga and anime that needs little introduction. It follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who is bestowed with the powers of a Shinigami (soul reaper), beings who send tortured souls to the afterlife and… Read More Finding the Invisible God in…Bleach
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