1. A Socio-cultural Analysis of Romantic Love in Japanese Harem Animation: A Buddhist Monk, a Japanese Knight, and a Samurai.
- Author
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von Feigenblatt, Otto F.
- Subjects
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ANIME , *SOCIOCULTURAL factors , *ROMANCE fiction , *BUDDHIST monks , *KNIGHTS & knighthood , *SAMURAI , *FICTION genres , *PUBLIC sphere , *FICTION - Abstract
The present paper deals with the harem genre of Japanese animation as a representative example of Japan's socio-cultural reality in terms of dating and marriage patters in the early 21st century. Animation and manga (comics) are an important part of the public sphere in Japan and one of the most widespread forms of popular culture. Three animated series are discussed in this paper namely: Zero no Tsukaima (Zero's Familiar), Ameinaideyo!! (Ah my Buddha!!), and Asu no Yoichi (High School Samurai). The main characters are a Japanese Knight, a Buddhist Monk, and a Samurai. The paper concludes that the harem genre in animation and comics represents a turning point in Japanese culture in terms of popular attitudes regarding romantic love and also embodies some of the inherent contradictions involved in the transition from arranged marriages to the Western ideal of chivalric romantic love. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010