Annali di Ca’ Foscari. Serie orientale

Rivista | Annali di Ca’ Foscari. Serie orientale
Fascicolo monografico | 54 | Supplemento | 2018
Articolo | Artistic Representations of Urban Shamans in Contemporary Japan

Artistic Representations of Urban Shamans in Contemporary Japan

Texts, Inter-actions and Efficacy

Abstract

This paper investigates how Japanese urban shamanic actors and their roles are constructed and represented by artists in different texts. Three case studies – writer Taguchi Randy, contemporary artist Mori Mariko, and musician Sugee – are 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 – are analysed. Moreover, the connection to the so-called ‘new spirituality’ is emphasised.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Presentato: 06 Luglio 2018 | Accettato: 13 Settembre 2018 | Pubblicato 06 Dicembre 2018 | Lingua: en

Keywords New spiritualityUrban shamanismContemporary JapanShaman


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