Ca’ Foscari Japanese Studies

Series | Ca’ Foscari Japanese Studies
Edited book | Itineraries of an Anthropologist
Chapter | Researching Shamanism in Contemporary Japan

Researching Shamanism in Contemporary Japan

Abstract

This paper takes its cue from Massimo Raveri’s studies and interests, especially concerning Japanese shamanic practitioners and the relationship between media and religion. By further broadening his analysis with more recent data, this paper suggests how a study of contemporary Japanese shamanism could be undertaken, within the theoretical framework offered by critical discourse analysis. Through the suggested examination of the multiple discourses on shamans conducted in peripheral and central areas of the country, it would be possible to reach a better understanding of both shamanism and contemporary society, overcoming essentialist views.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Submitted: Jan. 14, 2021 | Accepted: March 5, 2021 | Published Oct. 18, 2021 | Language: en

Keywords Japanese shamanismDiscourse analysisShamanPolythetic classContemporary Japan


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