Table of ContentsRepresentation of Shintoism in “Spirited Away”ConclusionWorks CitedShintoism, a religion primarily practiced in Japan, traces its origins to the late 6th century. Although Shintoism has distinct characteristics, it has continually integrated with many other belief systems, shaping an ever-changing but cohesive religious landscape across Japan and Southeast Asia. It often mixed with variations of Buddhist practices in these regions. Contemporary Japanese cinema frequently incorporates subtle Shinto elements, and Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" is no exception. While Miyazaki frequently infuses his Japanese heritage into his films, "Spirited Away" seems to have an even deeper connection. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayRepresentation of Shintoism in “Spirited Away”The film begins to present Shinto influences early on when Chihiro, the protagonist, encounters a torii gate surrounded by smaller, similar statues. In Shintoism, a torii traditionally serves as a symbolic gateway marking the transition from the ordinary world to the sacred realm. In the film, this torii signifies the passage from the familiar world of Chihiro to the enigmatic baths. In the bathhouse town, Chihiro and her parents succumb to the charm of the delicious food piled high. However, their greed and gluttony prompt Yubaba to turn them into pigs, thus triggering the film's central plot. This incident represents the film's inciting moment and launches Chihiro on her transformative journey. Another aspect of Shinto represented in "Spirited Away" is the presence of spirits, known as kami, inhabiting public baths. Many of these kami seem to embody natural elements, such as the river spirit and the radish spirit. This reflects the enduring connection in Japanese culture, where kami often represent elements of the landscape and forces of nature, reinforcing the concept of animatism, where everything possesses a "spirit". As the story unfolds and Chihiro finds employment at the Yubaba bathhouse, deeper Shinto influences emerge. Two important themes in Shinto revolve around purification and the establishment of a moral code. The film symbolically and literally explores the notion of purification through public baths, emphasizing that to achieve purification one must cleanse both internal and external impurities. This concept is further illustrated by the mud creature that disrupts the town and the public baths. Despite its loathsomeness, Chihiro and others wash and assist the spirit. Once the mud is washed away, a powerful and thriving river spirit emerges. The absence of a clear moral code is embodied by the character of No Face, who oscillates between benevolence and malevolence. This duality aligns with Shinto idealism, which posits that wrongdoing results in impurity and sin. Chihiro ends up putting down No Face when she refuses the gold he offers, emphasizing the importance of moral choices. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion Shintoism continues to flourish in contemporary Japan, demonstrating its enduring cultural importance. Although Shintoism remains flexible and adaptable, its fundamental principles persist, shaped by the passage of time. “Spirited Away” skillfully summarizes these principles in an understandable format, following a familiar narrative arc to convey these ideals.