Annali di Ca’ Foscari. Serie orientale

Journal | Annali di Ca’ Foscari. Serie orientale
Monographic journal issue | 54 | Supplemento | 2018
Research Article | Artistic Representations of Urban Shamans in Contemporary Japan

Artistic Representations of Urban Shamans in Contemporary Japan

Abstract

This paper will investigate how the Japanese urban shamanic actor and role is constructed and represented by artists in different texts. Three case studies – writer Taguchi Randy, contemporary artist Mori Mariko, and musician Sugee – will be presented to illustrate the processes of re-appropriation of terms and themes in the contemporary narrative on urban shamans. The use of the word shāman – with new meanings attached – and the role of connecting humans with other-than-human entities – and especially with nature – will be analysed. Moreover, the connection to the so-called ‘new spirituality’ will be emphasized.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Submitted: July 6, 2018 | Accepted: Sept. 13, 2018 | Published Dec. 6, 2018 | Language: en

Keywords Urban shamanismShamanContemporary JapanNew spirituality


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