The Japanimated Folktale: Analysis Concerning the Use and Adaptation of Folktale Characteristics in <i>Anime</i>

<p>In this thesis, I examine the relationship between folk tales and Japanese animation, or <em>anime</em>. In spite of the popular association between animation and adolescence, animated television series and films have a dynamic and compelling relationship with various age groups and nationalities. Additionally, <em>anime</em> and animation draw liberally from a number of folk tale traditions. Consequently, in this essay, <em>anime </em>is understood as a global phenomenon that draws on international cultural elements and is consumed in several international markets.</p> <p>Before entering an analysis of the use of folk tales in anime, a history of animation and the place of <em>anime</em> within a Japanese and global matrix is provided. This history not only looks at the development of <em>anime</em>, its connection to Western cinema and animation studios, but also its connection to other Japanese artistic genres, such as manga. Once this foundation is established, it is possible to connect <em>anime </em>with folk tale scholarship in chapter two. This chapter explores this connection in three ways, namely similar content, structure and function.</p> <p>Chapter three builds on the analysis in the preceding chapter and examines the ways <em>anime</em>, as a visual, televised, episodic series, builds on and alters the folk tale tradition. This is primarily explored through the use of visual storytelling techniques and the proliferation of advanced technology. Additionally, this chapter addresses a major point made against the use of folk tales in mass media, specifically the loss of variation. The final chapter concludes and summarizes the ideas, and analysis throughout the thesis. It is in this final chapter that suggestions for further research can be found.</p> <p>This thesis looks not only at the use of folk tales and folk tale characteristics in new media, such as <em>anime</em>, but how these new media contribute to and help to pass on folk tale traditions. Ultimately, this paper suggests <em>anime</em> is an example of a contemporary form of tale telling, which draws on traditional elements as well as catering to a contemporary audience.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology

Year

2012

Author dc:creator

• Slaven, Amber N.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Timothy Evans (Director), Dr. Ann K. Ferrell, Dr. Lindsey Powell

• animation
• Japan
• functionalism
• structuralism
• globalism
• Folklore

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1198

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.wku.edu:theses-2201