IndexRepresentation of Shintoism in the film "Spirited Away"ConclusionWorks CitedShintoism, a religion practiced mainly in Japan, traces its origins to the late 6th century. While Shinto possesses distinct characteristics, it has continuously integrated with numerous other belief systems, shaping an ever-evolving yet cohesive religious landscape across Japan and Southeast Asia. It is often intertwined with variations of Buddhist practices in these regions. Contemporary Japanese cinema often incorporates subtle Shinto elements, and Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" is no exception. While Miyazaki often 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Depiction of Shinto in “Spirited Away” The film begins to show Shinto influences from the beginning when Chihiro, the protagonist, encounters a torii gate surrounded by smaller, similar statues. In Shinto, a torii traditionally serves as a symbolic gate marking the transition from the ordinary world to the sacred realm. In the film, this torii signifies the transition from Chihiro's familiar world to the enigmatic bathhouse. Inside the hot spring town, Chihiro and her parents succumb to the allure of the stacked delicious food. However, their greed and gluttony pushes Yubaba to turn them into pigs, triggering the film's central plot. This incident is the inspiring moment of the film and sets Chihiro on her journey of transformation. Another aspect of Shinto depicted in "Spirited Away" is the presence of spirits, known as kami, who inhabit the bathhouse. Many of these kami appear 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 landscape elements and forces of nature, reinforcing the concept of animatism, where everything has a "spirit." As the story develops and Chihiro finds employment in Yubaba's bathhouse, deeper Shinto influences come to the fore. Two significant themes in Shinto revolve around purification and the establishment of a moral code. The film symbolically and literally explores the concept of purification through the bathhouse, emphasizing that to achieve purification it is necessary to cleanse both internal and external impurities. This concept is further exemplified by the mud creature that disrupts the town and the bathhouse. Despite his revulsion, Chihiro and others wash and assist the spirit. Once the mud is washed away, a powerful and prosperous river spirit emerges. The absence of a clear moral code is embodied by the character No Face, who oscillates between benevolence and malevolence. This duality is in line with Shinto idealism, which assumes that wrong actions result in impurity and sin. Chihiro ultimately cracks down on No Face when she refuses the gold he offers her, emphasizing the importance of moral choices. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion Shinto continues to thrive in contemporary Japan, a testament to its enduring cultural significance. While Shinto remains flexible and adaptable, its core principles persist, shaped by the passage of time. “Spirited Away” cleverly encapsulates these principles in an understandable format, following a familiar story arc for.