ONLINE LECTURE

From himiko to itako: female shamans in japan

date & time

wednesday, august 13, 2025
8:30PM-9:45PM (PST)

ADMISSion is Free, registration required 

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Shamanic practices in Japan are ancient and deeply rooted in myth. More importantly, across the centuries they have been mainly a female domain. Why does this specific role seem to be so closely connected with the female experience? What is the role that women played within institutional and folk religions in Japan? 

With this lecture, we will trace a brief history of female shamanism in Japan, with its connections with myths and ancient times. We will also focus on the present-day situation, what this role (the shaman) has to say about the society, and what answers it can offer to social needs. 

About Lecturer:

Marianna Zanetta   

Marianna Zanetta obtained her PhD at Sorbonne university in Paris with a research about itako shamanism in contemporary Japan. She conducted different fieldworks in Tohoku from 2012, with a particular attention to the Aomori prefecture and the folk practices of the region. Alongside the interest in female shamanism, she is researching the topic of death and dying in Japan, and how contemporary society deals with the new challenges in this pivotal theme. In 2017 she founded a cultural organization to promote Japanese culture and literature in Italy.

Recommended Viewing:

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
YouTube Link: JAPAN AND KAMI 3: Shinto and Japanese Life - as seen at Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine, Tokyo

JAPAN AND KAMI
3. From Spirited Away to Death Note: Kami in Popular Anime
YouTube Link: JAPAN AND KAMI 4: From Spirited Away to Death Note: Kami in Popular Anime