Japan’s Art and History

Section 1 – List of works.

Please identify TWO of the images shown by giving a) the name of the artist (in some cases the work may be a collaboration between an artist and a writer, please mention both if possible), b) the date it was published (within 10 years), then deconstruct and explain each thoroughly. What should be included in your analysis are the following: significance of work in the course of manga history, inspiration of the artist/author (includes historic events, real happenings or religious/personal/political philosophy), the meaning and composition of the work.

Image 1:

 This one of the oldest traditions in the history of Japanese art. It is the most celebrated artwork and the genre is called “The Handscroll of Frolicking Animals and Humans”. This type of artwork is called Chōjū jinbutsu giga emaki and it took place during the 12th–13th century. Some people think that Toba Sojo created the scrolls. However, no one knows for sure but it is clear that multiple artist were involved; due to the different art styles in each scroll. The scrolls of Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga are poking fun at Japanese priests in the creator’s time period. They are characterised as toads, rabbits and monkeys. Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga is read from right to left which can still be seen in manga to this day. Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga is credited as being the first work of manga in Japan, and is a national treasure. Many Japanese animators believe it is also the origin of Japanese animated movies. In Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga the animals were drawn with very expressive faces and sometimes use “speed lines”, a technique that is used in manga til this day.

Image 3:

The artist of this picture is unknown. However it is safe to say that this is a fan made illustration for the popular anime Death Note. In this illustration we see the two main characters from Death Note, Light and Ryuk, and this is supposed to be another version of the “Creation of Adam”. In the original painting God is giving Adam life and in the illustration above it seems like an opposite theme. At first glance (with knowledge from the show) it seems that Ryuke is giving away life. However after a lot of thought both are the same. God isn’t giving Adam life in the “Creation of Adam” he is granting him certified death just like Ryuk is doing with Light. Light is given certified death to himself and those who writes in his notebook.

Section 2 – List of terms to identify.

Explain the terms thoroughly and give an example of each where possible.

Horror Vacui: In visual art, horror vacui ( “fear of empty space”) is the filling of the entire surface of a space or an artwork with a lot of detail. In physics, “horror vacui” reflects Aristotle’s idea that “nature abhors an empty space.” Horror vacui uses high levels of detail to contrast with the unknown.

Gekiga: Also known as “dramatic pictures” Gekiga is a style of manga aimed for adult audiences and has  more cinematic art style and mature themes. Gekiga was the popular style of adult comics in Japan around the 1960s and 1970s. It is aesthetically defined by sharp angles, dark hatching, gritty lines, social engagement, maturity, and masculinity.

Closure: closure is the act of mentally filling in the gaps of what we observe, thus allowing readers to comprehend the action and meaning between two seemingly unrelated panel

Section 3 – Panel-to-panel transition.

Please identify the type of transition (moment-to-moment, action-to-action, subject-to-subject, scene-to-scene, aspect-to-aspect, non-sequitur) seen in the image and give reasons for your answer.

This panel transition is moment-to-moment. Moment-to moment transition uses minimal interpretation by the reader. Due to the fact that it uses illustrative means of showing a small change in time between panels. It portrays an almost cinematic feel in the sense that it shows very little visual change. In this panel we can see the subject landing to their destination and we see the course they are following in a minimal interpretation.

Section 4 – Essay Question.

Please answer only ONE of the following. Highlight the question you choose and answer below. 

1. WWII as well as the American Occupation of Japan had a profound effect on the development of shonen manga. Compare and contrast the varying responses to the war in the works of two or three manga artists. 

The post-World War II occupation of Japan had a great impact on its culture during the 1950s and beyond, including on manga. Modern manga developed during this period, especially the modern format of shōnen manga we know and love today. Teen boys and young men were among the earliest readers. During this time, shōnen manga focused on topics to interest the typical boy: sci-tech subjects like robots and space travel, and action-adventure. Osamu Tezuka, the creator of Astro Boy, is said to have played an influential role in manga during this period. The magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump started production in 1968, and continues to be produced today as the best-selling manga magazine in Japan. Many of the most popular shōnen manga titles have been serialized in Jump, including Dragon Ball and Captain Tsubasa

Section 5 – Bonus Questions (highlight the correct answer)

1.              In his original eight-page opening sequence (before it was reduced to four panels by the publisher), Osamu Tezuka’s New Treasure Island of 1947 had:

a)     41 panels

b)    32 panels

c)      31 panels