Transcendence and Spirituality in Japanese Cinema

<p>This book explores significant representations of Shinto and Buddhist sacred space spiritual symbols and religious concepts that are embedded in the secular framework of Japanese films aimed at general audiences in Japan and globally. These cinematic masterpieces by directors Akira Kurosawa Hayao Miyazaki Hirokazu Kore-eda and Makoto Shinkai operate as expressions of and potentially catalysts for transcendence of various kinds particularly during the Heisei era (1989–2019) when Japan experienced severe economic hardship and devastating natural disasters. The book’s approach to aesthetics and religion employs the multifaceted concepts of <i>ma</i> (structuring intervals liminal space-time) <i>kū</i> (emptiness sky) <i>mono no aware </i>(compassionate sensibility resigned sadness) and <i>musubi</i> (generative interconnection) examining the dynamic evolving nature of these ancient principles that are at once spiritual aesthetic and philosophical. Scholars and enthusiasts of Japanese cinema (live action and anime) religion and film cinematic aesthetics and the relationship between East Asian religions and the arts will find fresh perspectives on these in this book which moves beyond conventional notions of transcendental style and essentialized approaches to the multivalent richness of Japanese aesthetics.</p>