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

Texts, Inter-actions and Efficacy

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 New spiritualityUrban shamanismShamanContemporary Japan


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