Introduction: Context and Contemporary Scene

Abstract

The current volume focuses on the influence of Edo- and Meiji- period yōkai imagery on contemporary manga and Japanese animation, and in particular on the works of contemporary manga artist Mizuki Shigeru as well as the animation series derived from it. The reason why character design of the monster entities is presented separately in this volume is related to methodology. The authors' aim is to establish a framework where animation and manga, although examples of modern media, could be considered within the context of art which represents historically significant visual expression forms, for example picture scrolls, codeces and woodblock prints. The theoretical underpinnings of this study are laid down in Maureen Furniss's Art in Motion: Animation Aesthetics. Furniss theorizes that animation is a legitimate visual art form and her claim is further supported in Furniss with detailed analysis drawing on a wide range of topics related to animation aesthetics.Keywords:contemporary manga; Edo-period; Japanese art; Maureen Furniss; Meiji-period; Mizuki Shigeru