The Contemporary Japanese View of Life and Death as Seen through the Depictions of Reincarnation in Another World
The Contemporary Japanese View of Life and Death as Seen through the Depictions of Reincarnation in Another World

Summary/Abstract: The study discusses the Japanese view of life and death as seen in Isekai reincarnation anime. Isekai anime can be divided into two further categories, Isekai anime and Isekai reincarnation anime. Both genres are set in the world of swords and magic. However, the difference between them is how the protagonists are reincarnated into anot- her world. The author conducted research how they were reincarnated into another world. It can be divided into five categories depending on the circumstances and means of reincarnation. Of these, the author focused on the means of reincarnation after the deaths of the protagonists in this world. The concept of reincarnation in Isekai anime may appear similar to that of Buddhism (karma and saṃsāra). However, Buddhism has a negative view about reincarnation because Buddha tried to transcend reincarnation which was a traditional dominant thought in Indian society at that time. In Isekai reincarnation anime, the protagonists are reincarnated in another world in which they gain magical powers and talents and can realize the unfulfilled dreams of their previous lives. We can see that this depictions of reincarnation in positive.

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