Japanese Anime Draws On Religious Traditions

A key moment in the film is the arrival of a polluted river spirit, which appears as a filthy, sludge-covered creature but is revealed to be a once-pristine river god, burdened by human waste. This scene embodies the animist belief that natural entities have their own spirit and must be respected. It also reinforces an environmental message: When nature is polluted or mistreated, it loses its vitality, but with care and reverence it can be restored.

“Neon Genesis Evangelion ,” a landmark Japanese anime television series that aired from 1995 to 1996, engages with deep philosophical ideas, particularly existentialist questions of identity and purpose. Set in a postapocalyptic world, the series follows 14-year-old Shinji Ikari, who is recruited to pilot a giant biomechanical weapon called an evangelion to defend humanity against mysterious beings known as Angels.

As Shinji and his fellow pilots struggle with their roles, the series explores themes of isolation, self-worth and the challenges of forming close, meaningful relationships. It draws from both Buddhist and Gnostic thought , which emphasize a focus on inner spiritual knowledge and the belief that clinging too tightly to the material world causes suffering. Evangelion portrays suffering as arising from attachment and the inability to form meaningful relationships.

What sets“Mugen Train” apart is its focus on the internal conflicts of its characters, symbolized by their battles with demons. These demons represent human suffering and attachment, themes deeply influenced by Buddhist thought . At the heart of the film is Kyojuro Rengoku, a demon slayer who embodies unwavering selflessness and honor. Rengoku's flame-breathing forms.

Rengoku's fire-based fighting style is deeply symbolic. In Japanese culture, fire represents both destruction and renewal. The Kurama Fire Festival , held annually on Oct. 22 in Kyoto, is a Shinto ritual where large torches are carried through the streets to ward off evil and purify the land.

Similarly, Buddhist goma fire ceremonies involve priests burning wooden sticks in sacred flames to symbolize the eradication of ignorance and desire. Rengoku's own techniques reflect this duality: His flames cleanse the world of evil while signifying his unwavering spirit. Goma fire ritual.

Bushido, the samurai code of honor, underpins Rengoku's character. Rooted in Confucian ethics, Zen Buddhism and Shinto beliefs, this code emphasizes loyalty, self-sacrifice and duty to protect others. His mother's teaching –“The strong must protect the weak” – guides his every action, reflecting the Confucian value of filial piety and the moral obligation to serve society.

Bushido's connection to Zen Buddhism, with its focus on discipline and acceptance of impermanence, further shapes Rengoku's unwavering resolve, while its Shinto influences reinforce his role as a guardian upholding a sacred duty.

Even approaching death, Rengoku remains steadfast, accepting impermanence, or“mujō ,” a fundamental Buddhist principle that sees beauty in life's transience. His sacrifice teaches that true strength lies in selflessness and moral integrity.

Opposing Rengoku is Akaza, a demon who embodies the destructive consequences of clinging to power and immortality. Once human, Akaza became a demon in his obsession with strength, unable to accept the impermanence of life.

His refusal to acknowledge death aligns with Buddhist teachings that suffering arises from attachment and desire. Scholars such as Jacqueline Stone have explored how Buddhist texts portray clinging to existence as a fundamental source of suffering , a theme vividly reflected in Akaza's character.

Visual elements reinforce Akaza's symbolism. His body is covered in tattoos reminiscent of“irezumi,” traditional Japanese body art historically associated with crime and hardship. In Edo-period Japan, tattoos were often used to mark criminals , branding them as outcasts from society.

Sign up for one of our free newsletters

• The Daily Report Start your day right with Asia Times' top stories
• AT Weekly Report A weekly roundup of Asia Times' most-read stories

Even today, irezumi remains stigmatized in many parts of Japan, with some public bathhouses, gyms and swimming pools barring individuals with visible tattoos due to their historical association with the yakuza. In contemporary anime, tattooed characters frequently symbolize a troubled past or inner turmoil , reinforcing Akaza's role as a figure trapped by his own suffering and destructive path.

Akaza's irezumi visually conveys his entrapment in cycles of suffering, reinforcing his contrast with Rengoku's liberating flames.

A battle about human struggles

The battle between Rengoku and Akaza is more than a fight between good and evil; it is a clash between two worldviews – selflessness versus egoism, acceptance versus attachment.“Mugen Train” taps into universal human struggles, making its themes resonate far beyond Japan.

The film's exploration of impermanence, moral duty and the pursuit of meaning contributes to anime's broader legacy as a medium that entertains while provoking deep philosophical reflection.

As“Demon Slayer” continues to captivate audiences worldwide, evidenced by social media buzz around its new projects and the ongoing enthusiasm of fans , its success underscores anime's ability to blend action with profound themes.

Whether through Rengoku's selfless courage or Akaza's tragic downfall,“Mugen Train” offers a timeless meditation on what it means to live with purpose and integrity.

Ronald S. Green is a professor in and chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Coastal Carolina University .

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .

Sign up here to comment on Asia Times stories Or Sign in to an existing accoun

Thank you for registering!

An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link.

• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)