Artistic Representations of Urban Shamans in Contemporary Japan: Texts, Inter-actions and Efficacy

This paper investigates how Japanese urban shamanic actors and their roles are constructed and represented by artists in different texts. Three case studies – writer Taguchi Randy, contemporary artist Mori Mariko, and musician Sugee – are presented to illustrate the processes of re-appropriation of terms and themes in the contemporary narrative on urban shamans. The use of the word shāman – with new meanings attached – and the role of connecting humans with other-than-human entities – and especially with nature – are analysed. Moreover, the connection to the so-called ‘new spirituality’ is emphasised.

This paper investigates how Japanese urban shamanic actors and their roles are constructed and represented by artists in diferent texts. Three case studies - writer Taguchi Randy, contemporary artist Mori Mariko, and musician Sugee - are presented to illustrate the processes of re-appropriation of terms and themes in the contemporary narrative on urban shamans. The use of the word shāman - with new meanings attached - and the role of connecting humans with other-than-human entities - and especially with nature - are analysed. Moreover, the connection to the so-called 'new spirituality' is emphasised.