Interview with Japanese Missionary Michelle Mikoski

Japan has a very small Christian population, with estimates ranging from about 2% to 0.5% of the Japanese identifying themselves as Christian.  Missionaries from the U.S. and other countries, however, are working to spread the gospel in the country.  Michelle Mikoski and her husband, Nate, recently returned to the U.S. after a missions trip in… Read More Interview with Japanese Missionary Michelle Mikoski

Spirituality in the Anime Blogosphere: Catching Pretty Cure at the Temple

One the most interesting things about religion in Japan is how seemingly contradictory cultural expressions can find their way into religious institutions.  In the past, I’ve mentioned the veneration of Thomas Edison in the country and the temple that is using an anime character as their mascot.  Now, add another interesting combination to the mix,… Read More Spirituality in the Anime Blogosphere: Catching Pretty Cure at the Temple

Spirituality in Miyazaki’s Films: An Interview with Jolyon Thomas

My writing on anime and Christianity is largely reflective and personal.  However, there are a number of individuals in academia who have written extensively on anime and religion.  One such scholar is Jolyon Baraka Thomas, who graciously agreed to an interview with me.  I discovered his writings through an excellent article he wrote about Hayao… Read More Spirituality in Miyazaki’s Films: An Interview with Jolyon Thomas

Spirituality in the Anime Blogosphere: Violence, Grace and Redemption in Trigun

In 2003, a wonderful essay about Nicholas Wolfwood was posted in the ToonZone forums.  Academic in nature, the essay discusses the Christian themes of sinful nature and grace as they are present in Trigun, particularly shown through Wolfwood.  The essay is excellent and gives a lot of insight about the series.  It also touches on… Read More Spirituality in the Anime Blogosphere: Violence, Grace and Redemption in Trigun