5-Week SASA Continuing Education Reading Group - Spirits in the Screen: Exploring Yokai in Anime and Manga

This reading group will delve into the fascinating world of yokai - supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore - and their representation in contemporary anime and manga. By examining how these ancient beings are reimagined in modern visual storytelling, we will explore the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation in popular culture.

Using Michael Dylan Foster’s The Book of the Yokai as our foundational text, we will discuss the cultural and historical significance of yokai and their symbolic roles. Complementing these discussions, we will analyze selected works such as DanDaDan, Demon Slayer, and Natsume’s Book of Friends. These series present diverse portrayals of yokai, from malevolent demons to misunderstood spirits, offering a spectrum of narratives that highlight their adaptability to different genres and themes.

This Reading Group is primarily designed for educators, but anyone interested is welcome to attend!

5-Week Teaching Ancient Studies: Continuing Education Reading Group

Saturdays at 11 am…