What is the ‘shojo’ and how does it often function in anime?
According to Wikipedia, Shojo means young girl in Japanese word or refers to a sea spirit with red face and hair and a fondness for alcohol in Japanese mythology. According to the interpretation in the Introduction (2006), “the term shoujo literally means ‘little female’ and is commonly used to designate girls aged 12 or 13. …. the transitional stage between infancy and maturity, and admixture of sexlessness and budding eroticism.” (Cavallaro, 2006: 11)
In Miyazaki, contrary to the nature of the average shoujo as a passive being in a timeless dreamland, they are portrayed as active, independent, courageous and inquisitive heroines to the point as “youths wearing shoujo masks” (“Panoramic Miyazaki” 1997, p. 2). These very natures are exemplified in Miyazaki’s approach in “Nausicaa’s treatment of her father’s assassins, Sheeta’s refusal to yield the magical crystal to the evil Muska (Laputa), Kiki’s brave venture into a new life in an unfamiliar city …. and Chihiro’s willing submission to numerous challenges and humiliations for her parents’ sake (Spirited Away).” (Cavallaro, 2006: 11) We can also have a glimpse of San’s defiant bloodstained face in Mononoke.
Reference:
Cavallaro, D. (2006). Introduction. In The Anime Art of Hayao Miyazaki (pp. 5-13). London: McFarland & Company
“Panoramic Miyazaki” (1997). Eureka (Special Issue) 29, no. 11
Hey Joe, good definition. I had no idea shojo have a fondness for alcohol, that is really interesting. I wonder why that is? as they are supposed to be young girls.. I really like the shojo, in most of the anime is watch I enjoy the ones that have a shojo as the protagonist.
ReplyDeleteHi Joe,
ReplyDeleteafter reading several responses to the same question, I couldn't but notice that the shojo was used as a form of enticement for the largely dominant male audience? I'm sorry this comment is posted so late in the semester, but I do hope your able to answer in time :)
Hi, Joe
ReplyDeleteYou did a very well research and analysis about it. i do think, with the different historical background, many words have been changing. Similarly, I want to make an example in here, such as, "foolish" was "nice" in 19th century, however, for now the meaning has been changed totally different.