“Anime about Momotaro” and “One piece”: comparative analysis

The purpose of the article is to reveal semantic connections between anime about Momotaro, created during 1930–1940s and shonen-anime “One piece” as the tools of reactualization and popularization of traditional Japanese culture and nationalistic ideology in a space of visual culture of contemporary Japan. Problem statement. The article covers an underexplored problem of reactualization of cultural meanings promoted in propagandistic anime during 1930s–1940s in the cultural space of Japan in the XXI century. In particular, it concerns a potential semantic continuity between anime about Momotaro and “One Piece” — one of the most popular shonen anime of 2000s — 2020s. Despite an obvious contrast in visual design and the degree of detailing of the plot lines, the selected works have certain points of intersection. “One Piece” is a unique case, which not only reflects the figurative and symbolic range of anime of the first half of the XX century, but also recreates their internal structure, functions, as well as the values and worldviews that they represented. The chosen focus of research will allow us to deepen existing cultural knowledge about the functions of modern art forms, as well as contribute to the awareness of their significance for the reactualization and representation of the cultural memory and identity of Japanese people. The results. As a result of the comparative analysis of storylines, image semantics, values and ideological constructions of anime about Momotaro and “One Piece” series, numerous common features were identified. These anime share the same cultural root (Momotaro fairy tale), recurring images (demonological, animalistic and pirate), core values (collective good) and ideological foundations (arahitogami, kokutai). The methodology. The purpose of the article is achieved by using a comparative approach. It was used to a comparison of storylines, image semantics, values and ideological constructions of the anime. An internal specificity of every mentioned component necessitated the combination of comparative analysis with other methods of culturological researches. In particular, the study of figurative semantics and ideological basis of selected anime was carried out by synchronizing the methods of comparative and structural-semiotic analysis. At the same time, within the framework of the study of the value basis of anime, the method of comparative-axiological analysis was used. The novelty of the research. This study explores how Japanese nationalistic ideology previously used in the anime of the 1930s and 1940s is represented in popular contemporary anime series “One Piece”. For the first time, the similarity of storylines, figurative semantics, values and ideological foundations of the anime about Momotaro and “One Piece” is substantiated. The practical significance. The materials of the research can be used in such research areas as culturology, Oriental Studies and Cinema Studies specialists for a further understanding of anime and manga impact on Japanese cultural landscape, national memory, identity and self-representation in the age of globalization.