If you read manga or watch anime, you've likely come across references to Japanese culture and folklore. Supernatural beings, legendary warriors, and mythological teachings appear frequently—but what are their origins? What’s the story behind the nine-tailed fox in Naruto or the island of Onigashima in One Piece?
The samurai, Japan’s powerful warrior class, had a profound influence on art, culture, and folk beliefs—and in turn, greatly shaped depictions in pop culture. Many themes and symbols that were central to the samurai era still resonate today and are especially prevalent in manga and anime.
In our workshop—taking place on Friday at 4:10 PM on the Event Stage at Prinz Eisenherz—we'll explore some of these themes and symbols through a variety of examples. We'll uncover their roots in traditional Japanese culture and folklore.