Japan's culture has as a backdrop the rich mythological tapestry of
the Far East, as well as hundreds of years of specialized martial arts
training. Up until relatively recently, many Japanese believed in
gods and demons and spirits as a result of both Shintoism and certain
forms of Buddhism, and also had a belief in reincarnation, "Hell"
(Jigoku), and "Heaven" (Tengoku). Every child in Japan is also brought
up with a stock set of ghost stories, from the stories of the faceless
nopperabo to the tale of the plate-counting ghost; students learn of
the ancient Chinese beliefs and tales, such as the mythical 108
supernatural rebels in the story of the Water Margin ("Suikoden").
Eastern martial arts, with aspects of Indian yoga, emphasize the use
of Ki ("psychic" energy, the basis of Star Wars' "the Force").
The Japanese language uses the word "Ki" extensively; it's almost
impossible to avoid it in its many uses. For example, "depression"
can translate to "heavy Ki," "happy and healthy" to something
approximating "proper Ki," and so on. On top of all of this, the
Japanese remain deeply curious about the world around them, and they
tend not to have the traditional Western Judeo-Christian-based
prohibitions against exploring the psychic realm.
With such a background of psychic legend, experience, and curiosity,
it seems only natural that the Japanese would delve deeply into the
subject matter in comics --- a medium ideally suited for such
endeavors. The cross-fertilization with the West, with ideas such as
aliens, vampires, cyborgs, mermaids, and Western architecture and
dress, has also produced an amazing explosion of East-West
supernatural hybrids.
Good points of the Anime-manga treatment of the supernatural
Here we get into a controversial philosophical discussion. I will
assume that some readers object to all this psychic stuff as promoting
evil. Here are some reasons why I don't think it is doing so:
How are supernatural powers depicted? What are its fruits? Even the
Western Judeo-Christian beliefs argue that some supernatural forces
are good or divine, even if others are not. In the Japanese view,
psychic powers are like any other talent --- neither good nor bad, but
capable of being used for either. Most characters in manga who
routinely use psychic powers are theoretically on the side of "good."
They help those in need, fight evil, and so on.
The Japanese treatment of the psychic tends to retain
fundamental and arguably "good" elements, which are characteristic of
manga and anime in general. Here are some basics:
- Emphasis on compassionate use of skills. The best heroes are
those who defend or help the weak and/or innocent, and who show mercy
to the defeated. Even the most miserly and money-hungry of main
characters often winds up working for free, out of compassion (true
for everything from surgery to ghost-busting). Some villains also
show mercy and compassion; it's just considered the "cool" thing to
do. Finally, the use of self-control, restraint, and mercy often lead
the characters to a better understanding of the "enemy," sometimes to
the point where they realize they can avoid conflict and help the
misunderstood enemy accomplish something that is actually good.
- Emphasis on teamwork, trust, and friendship. Over and over, it's
stressed that teamwork is essential. Each person must use her or his
own special strengths to help the team, and the team comes to depend
on those specialized skills. Even the hero often gets saved by a less
important character. Each teammate strives for group harmony (aiki),
even struggling mentally to accept those s/he can't stand. A common
scene is a team member angrily lecturing someone (often the main
character) who violates the code of intra-group respect.
- Emphasis on rigorous training and deep understanding. Just as
non-psychic manga characters spend a lot of time studying in school,
or in the office, or at home, many psychic characters spend a lot of
time training and studying not only their art, but the art of
training as well. The reader watches as they gain deep insights
into the nature of both their trade and what it means to be human.
The reader also watches as they complain about how exhausted they are.
Characters often pass out from the strenuousness of their training,
whether psychic or not.
Overall message? Hard work, strong friendship, and right use of one's
powers can conquer even the most powerful evil. A pretty powerful,
encouraging message.
I think that anime and manga often do a pretty good job with the
supernatural. Many do take the time to depict the drawbacks of
psychic skills, such as the tendency to get attacked by other beings
who have such skills (and the possibility of death of oneself or a
loved one resulting). They also take care to show the heavy weight of
responsibility to (1) not misuse power and (2) to protect those who
are not as powerful.
That said, over the past few years I have gotten more and more queries
about using "ki blasts" and other psychic abilities. This alarms me,
because the desire for psychic powers is a dangerous trap. It tends
to get one involved in the darker side of the spiritual spectrum.
Moreover, I have seen enough manga to realize some of the best stories
that teach kindness tend to be the least dramatic in terms of psychic
battles or winged beings.
It all depends on the author, the editors and publishers, and the
desires of the consumer.
If the manga and anime medium is to continue to delve into the psychic
world, one hopes that the authors do their research thoroughly on the
nature of the supernatural. They need to take a long hard look at
their own responsibilities and the effects of their power, even if
that is the plain, natural and "mundane" power to teach while
entertaining.
Text copyright 1996, 1997, 2001 by Eri Izawa
rei@mit.edu