Japanese Mythology in Film

This book introduces film semiotics and demonstrates its use as a theoretical tool for reading Japanese popular movies and anime.

Yoshiko Okuyama

Part I: Semiotics for Film Analysis Chapter 1: Introduction: What is Semiotics? Chapter 2: Reading Film: The Nature of Interpretation Chapter 3: Mythology in Film: Why Study Mythology in Popular Film and Anime? Chapter 4: Storytelling : What is in the Story? Chapter 5: Visual Literacy: What do We Get from Watching Film? Part II: Application: Case Studies of Japanese Film Analysis Chapter 6: Taoism and Shinto Symbolism: Onmyoji (2001) and Onmyoji II (2003) Chapter 7: Classic Literature Motifs in Spirited Away (2001) and Princess Mononoke (2000) Chapter 8: Motifs of Buddhism and Folklore in Dororo (2007) and Departures (2008) Chapter 9: Eclectic Myths in Mushi-shi (2006) and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004) Chapter 10: Conclusion: Social Usage of Mythology