Anime, Philosophy and Religion - (Philosophy of Religion) by Kaz Hayashi & William H U Anderson

Book Synopsis

Anime is exploding on the worldwide stage! Anime has been a staple in Japan for decades, strongly connected to manga. So why has anime become a worldwide sensation? A cursory explanation is the explosion of online streaming services specializing in anime, like Funimation and Crunchyroll. Even more general streaming services like Netflix and Amazon have gotten in on the game.

Anime is exotic to Western eyes and culture. That is one of the reasons anime has gained worldwide popularity. This strange aesthetic draws the audience in only to find it is deeper and more sophisticated than its surface appearance. Japan is an honor and shame culture. Anime provides a platform to discuss "universal" problems facing human beings. It does so in an amazing variety of ways and subgenres, and often with a sense of humor. The themes, characters, stories, plotlines, and development are often complex. This makes anime a deep well of philosophical, metaphysical, and religious ideas for analysis.

International scholars are represented in this book. There is a diversity of perspectives on a diversity of anime, themes, content, and analysis. It hopes to delve deeper into the complex world of anime and demonstrate why it deserves the respect of scholars and the public alike.

Review Quotes

"Anime, Philosophy and Religion" is an eclectic collection of essays, well-written and informative. Some of these break new ground, while others helpfully add to the discourse. Chan's chapter on "Promised Neverland" and Smith's chapter on "Hoseki No Kuni" are especially notable.

Adam Barkman

Professor of Philosophy at Redeemer University and editor of 'Manga and Philosophy'

Can words bring a magical effect the way a visual experience can? Yes, this compilation of essays by Hayashi and Anderson on "Anime, Philosophy and Religion" has brought a visual treat-whether it is of Jesus, Buddha or Tengu. This collection of essays deals-not only with anime and the anime subculture-but also with subjects such as tradition, gender and romance. The discussion on varied themes deepens the reader's comprehension and experience of fantasy and reality. It is like the dramatic sojourn that takes the reader to another world with its wings of aesthetic pleasure and spiritual enlightenment. It is highly recommended as a "Never Miss A Reading".

Prof. Dr. C. Shanmuga Priya

Head Department of English and Foreign Languages

SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India