Banner Image: Cosplay at Lucca Comics & Games 2017 - Characters of Spirited Away, by SYRIO

ONLINE LECTURE SERIES

JAPAN AND KAMI
4. From spirited away to death note: Kami in popular anime

date & time

wednesday, july 16, 2025
7PM-8:15PM (PST)

ADMISSion is Free, registration required 

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From the mysterious river spirit in Spirited Away to the shinigami realm of Death Note, anime has become a powerful vehicle for exploring Japan’s ancient spiritual traditions. Join us for an illuminating lecture examining how contemporary anime brings Shinto kami—the divine spirits of Japan's indigenous religion—to life for global audiences. 

This presentation will analyze the cultural significance and artistic interpretation of kami across anime, exploring how traditional Japanese spirituality is reimagined, adapted, and sometimes transformed for modern storytelling. Whether you're an anime enthusiast, student of Japanese culture, or curious about the intersection of ancient beliefs and popular media, this lecture offers fresh insights into how sacred meets secular in Japan’s most influential animated medium. 

This session is perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli, supernatural anime, and Japanese cultural studies. 

This is the final lecture in a four-part series that will explore the various relationships that exist between Japanese culture, Shinto, and its deities. 

About Lecturer:

Jayson Chun   

Jayson M Chun is a Professor of History at the University of Hawaii – West O‘ahu, where he specializes in East Asian popular culture and explores the transnational history of entertainment across the Asia-Pacific region. His research examines how popular culture crosses borders and connects diverse audiences throughout Asia and beyond.

Professor Chun is the author of a book on Japanese television and has published articles on the historical development of J-pop and K-pop music. He writes for and co-edits The Pop Pacific, a blog dedicated to transnational popular culture, including anime and music. He has delivered lectures on anime and music to universities internationally, including online and in-person presentations to institutions in the United States, Slovakia, Japan and Korea.

With over 20 years of experience teaching college courses on anime, Professor Chun brings both scholarly rigor and genuine enthusiasm to his subject. As a devoted anime fan himself, he offers unique insights into the cultural phenomena that shape our interconnected world.

Related Programs

JAPAN AND KAMI
1. Kami Worship in Early Japan
YouTube Link: JAPAN AND KAMI 1. Kami Worship in Early Japan

JAPAN AND KAMI
2. Lady Blue Dragon at Kami Daigoji
YouTube Link: JAPAN AND KAMI 2: Lady Blue Dragon at Kami Daigoji

JAPAN AND KAMI
3. Shinto and Japanese Life - as seen at Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine, Tokyo
Recording Not Available