JPNB57 Japanese mythology and folklore in popular culture

Faculty of Arts
Spring 2026
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Melinda Pappová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Marek Mikeš, Ph.D. (assistant)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Marek Mikeš, Ph.D.
Department of Japanese Studies – Asia Studies Centre – Faculty of Arts
Supplier department: Department of Japanese Studies – Asia Studies Centre – Faculty of Arts
Prerequisites (in Czech)
English proficiency
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 48 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/48, only registered: 0/48, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/48
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives (in Czech)
The course aims at introducing students to the influence of Japanese mythology and folklore on Japanese popular culture, in particular in the world of manga and anime. Both mythology and folklore have served as important sources of cultural identity and tradition in Japanese culture. The course will discuss the symbolic aspects of mythological characters and figures in popular culture and their connections to Japanese religious and folklore traditions.
Learning outcomes (in Czech)
After completing the course, students will be able to identify traditional elements in Japanese popular culture, apply a multidisciplinary approach to the study of culture, interpret hidden and multilayered symbolism of cultural elements.
Syllabus (in Czech)
  • 27. 2. 2025
  • 1. Introduction to the course - outline, topics, basic terms and definitions, methodology, literature overview
  • 2. Japanese mythology - Overview of the mythology of Japan, sources, influence on popular culture

    20. 3. 2025
  • 3. What is popular culture – definitions, globalization, impact of Japanese popular culture on the world, soft power, Cool Japan, related social phenomena
  • 4. Japanese religions – history of religions in Japan, characteristics of religiosity of the Japanese, influence on popular culture

    27. 3. 2025
  • 5. Mythological figures and folklore creatures (yokai) in Japanese popular culture – most common figures and creatures in Japanese anime and manga, their folklore background and historical context
  • 6. History and development of Japanese manga and anime – historical roots of manga, development of genres, the beginnings of modern manga and anime

    3. 4. 2025
  • 7. Symbols and rituals in anime and manga – religious symbols, places and concepts in popular culture
  • 8. Case studies: Fox deity, kappa, tanuki – meaning, context and interpretation

    10. 4. 2025
  • 9. The impact of Studio Ghibli films on global audience – representations of Japanese culture
  • 10. Discussion and students’ presentations

    16. 5. 2025
  • 11. Discussion and students’ presentations
  • 12. Discussion and students’ presentations
Literature
  • Quintairos-Solino, A. 2020. „Contemporary Japanese Folktales Represented in Anime: The Paradigmatic Case of InuYasha.” In L. Brugué and A. Llompart (eds). Contemporary Fairy-Tale Magic. Brill, pp.273–285.
  • Ashkenazi, M. 2008. Handbook of Japanese Mythology. Oxford University Press.
  • Shamoon, D. 2013. „The Yōkai in the Database: Supernatural Creatures and Folklore in Manga and Anime.” Marvels & Tales. Vol. 27 (2), pp. 276-289.
  • Craigh, T. J. 2000. Japan Pop: Inside the World of Japanese Popular Culture. New York: Routledge
  • Otmazgin, N. 2012. „Japan Imagined: Popular Culture, Soft Power, and Japan’s Changing Image in Northeast and Southeast Asia.” Contemporary Japan 24(1): 1-19.
  • Sources of Japanese tradition. Edited by William Theodore De Bary - Yoshiko Kurata Dykstra. 2nd ed. New York: Columbia University Press, 2001, xxvi, 524. ISBN 023112984X. info
Teaching methods (in Czech)
lectures, readings, class discussion, media watching, team project work
Assessment methods (in Czech)
Attendace. Students can choose from two options for the final grade: Option A) the grade is based on the result of the final test. Option B) the grade is 50 % based on a presentation and 50 % on the final test.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught every week.
General note: Předmět je určen i pro studenty mimo mateřské obory.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2026, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/spring2026/JPNB57