Death, Aging, and Ecology in The Ballad of Narayama (1983)

This study analyzes Shohei Imamura’s The Ballad of Narayama (1983) through the lens of death, aging, and ecology. The film centers on the ubasute ritual, where elderly individuals are taken to a mountain to die, reflecting a pragmatic response to resource scarcity. By portraying death as a societal and ecological necessity, the film challenges modern views on aging and death. Nature is depicted as an active participant, symbolizing the cyclical processes of life and death. This interdisciplinary study combines perspectives from anthropology, cultural studies, and environmental philosophy to explore how the film frames death not just as an individual event, but as essential for community survival and ecological balance. Ultimately, the film critiques modern approaches to aging and sustainability.