Cultural and historical perspectives: ancient civilizations and diverse cosmogonies in japanese anime and entertainment media

Article derived from the doctoral thesis "Ancient Mythology and Fairy Tales in the Concept Art of Video Games" presented in June 2024 at the Faculty of Philosophy and Literature.

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29105/aitias5.10-97

Keywords:

japanese animation, japanese entertaiment media, western entertainment media, mythology , history, transculturality, religion, hypermodernity, trasmodernity, pop culture, visual anthropology, shintoism, buddhism, confucianism, cosmogonies

Abstract

During the 1980s and 1990s, Japanese animations made a massive breakthrough into Western entertainment media, capturing the public's attention and becoming essential elements of visual culture. Titles like “Sailor Moon”, “Saint Seiya”, and the films of “Studio Ghibli” established themselves as cultural touchstones, influencing not only entertainment but also fashion, art, and other aspects of contemporary life. This influence has deeply permeated global visual culture, even blending with local traditions. This article will provide a brief review of some of the historical and religious roots of ancient Japan, exploring how these influences have shaped the narratives and aesthetics of the animations that today form part of the contemporary global visual language.

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Author Biography

Luis Carlos Garza Valero, Autonomous University of Nuevo León

I am a visual anthropologist specializing in art, mythology, and Japanese and Western entertainment culture. With over 22 years of experience as a ceramic sculptor, illustrator, and visual artist, I practice my art in Los Angeles, San Cristóbal de las Casas, and Copenhagen. I hold a Doctorate in Cultural Studies with an emphasis on visual anthropology. I have conducted research residencies at Chiba University in Tokyo and the University of Gothenburg. Additionally, I hold a Master's degree in Visual Arts from UANL and a degree in Architecture from Tec de Monterrey, with studies at Aalborg University in Denmark. I also have a diploma in Renaissance Art from the University of Florence and studies in experimental design with Lebbeus Woods. I have published books and articles on concept art in video games, entertainment media, and urbanism. I also teach courses in art history, philosophy, and animation. Currently, I am a student at ENAH of INAH, researching religious systems and mythologies.

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Published

2025-07-15

How to Cite

Garza Valero, L. C. (2025). Cultural and historical perspectives: ancient civilizations and diverse cosmogonies in japanese anime and entertainment media: Article derived from the doctoral thesis "Ancient Mythology and Fairy Tales in the Concept Art of Video Games" presented in June 2024 at the Faculty of Philosophy and Literature. Aitias, Revista De Filosofía Del CEH, 5(10), 81–148. https://doi.org/10.29105/aitias5.10-97