Often in pop culture, Japanese video games, comics or animation they fight a god

I heard reason for that. Is in Shintoism, its sort of a theme around this. But i have no clue, so just wondering if someone can fill me in?
I think cultural differences does make it easier to understand it

In comparison, this is very different view than lets say Middle Eastern and Western culture around Abrahamic Religions. Which is mostly about Loyalty and Faith. And that rebellion against God is seen as sinful.

So its just interesting to know the contrast differences.

Kulern said:

I heard reason for that. Is in Shintoism, its sort of a theme around this. But i have no clue, so just wondering if someone can fill me in?
I think cultural differences does make it easier to understand it

In comparison, this is very different view than lets say Middle Eastern and Western culture around Abrahamic Religions. Which is mostly about Loyalty and Faith. And that rebellion against God is seen as sinful.

So its just interesting to know the contrast differences.

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Probably because there are many spirits in Shinto and not all are benevolent. So it would make sense to fight the "bad" ones.

mdchachi said:

Probably because there are many spirits in Shinto and not all are benevolent. So it would make sense to fight the "bad" ones.

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So i guess the idea of Evil god. Might be why in Bleach they have this thing called "Yhwach" (In context, likely based on some concept of Evil Nazi Jesus which, is highly controversial but thats the gest i got out of this character). Which would feel very different to Abrahamic faith believers overseas. Than it does in Japan

But that makes sense. Thanks for telling me

In my readings about Shintōism, it isn't that kami are necessarily good or evil but rather 'mercurial'. If a kami is treated with appropriate reverence and respect, they're just fine with you, if you forget to refresh their salt/rice/clean their precincts/pray to them sufficiently etc, they'll tsunami your ungrateful, disrespectful ***!

Also, adherents of some Abrahamic religions occasionally apply violence to those who disrespect their God, so maybe games companies are a bit more cautious of how they depict then! Shintō is far more tolerant provided you're clean!

I really like Shintōism!

Ukigumo said:

In my readings about Shintōism, it isn't that kami are necessarily good or evil but rather 'mercurial'. If a kami is treated with appropriate reverence and respect, they're just fine with you, if you forget to refresh their salt/rice/clean their precincts/pray to them sufficiently etc, they'll tsunami your ungrateful, disrespectful ***!

Also, adherents of some Abrahamic religions occasionally apply violence to those who disrespect their God, so maybe games companies are a bit more cautious of how they depict then! Shintō is far more tolerant provided you're clean!

I really like Shintōism!

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I guess the meme is. Which Abrahamic religion? Since Loyalty and Faith they likely agree on. How they practice it differs however
But its somewhat more dogmatic when it comes to everyday life.

I am a Christian. But its interesting to learn about different cultures this way

Also, there isn't really any formal dogma around Japanese kami. Your eternal fate isn't determined by how well (or how poorly) you practice the dogma. There is no set of books you must read, or rituals you must practice in order to make the Shintō gods happy so that they will grant you access to an eternal paradise. They don't demand any display of loyalty. They don't threaten you unless you make the right incantations. They are not constantly looking over your shoulder, judging your every move. For the most part, they aren't even anthropomorphized. There is no specific form they take. There is no rule about how or how not to depict them.

As Ukigumo says, the Shintō gods are just kind of local mythical beings who have the ability to make mischief, but they don't condemn you to a "forever torture chamber" if you piss them off. And...not everyone believes in them, so they just exist on the periphery of the public conscious, but they don't demand attention or obeisance.

As, a Christian, I can say that @Kulern is correct that any sort of rebellion against God is very bad to say the absolute least. However, my knowledge of Shintoism is limited to knowing who Amaterasu is, and thats only because A) an Overwatch character, Kiriko, has a mythic Amaterasu skin, and B) The legendary Emperor Jimmu was said to be descended from Amaterasu. And it's not just in Shintoism that MCs fight a god. Look at Greek/Roman Mythology, demigods fought with gods regularly, and even the God of War series, where Kratos kills the gods, or even Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus, where gods (or titans, in some cases) are fought.

Achilles 1-1 said:

As, a Christian, I can say that @Kulern is correct that any sort of rebellion against God is very bad to say the absolute least. However, my knowledge of Shintoism is limited to knowing who Amaterasu is, and thats only because A) an Overwatch character, Kiriko, has a mythic Amaterasu skin, and B) The legendary Emperor Jimmu was said to be descended from Amaterasu. And it's not just in Shintoism that MCs fight a god. Look at Greek/Roman Mythology, demigods fought with gods regularly, and even the God of War series, where Kratos kills the gods, or even Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus, where gods (or titans, in some cases) are fought.

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I think its rooted in Apocalyptic Paganism interms of gods fighting other gods. Greek Myth as you mentioned for example. But good point!

Konnnichiwa Kulern-san!

The idea that humans fight against God is a Western influence. At the very least, the Japanese view of religion does not include the notion of challenging God to battle.

The gods of Japan cannot be seen, touched, or spoken to. For this reason, we cannot fight them.

In many religions, there are stories in which a god sets trials for humans. By overcoming these trials, humans gain treasures or become companions of the god. Perhaps these trials could be described as a kind of battle with God.

However, there is a simpler explanation for fighting God. When you attack another religion, don't you treat their gods as demons? If it's hard to understand what it means to fight God, just think of it as fighting the devil instead.

You may be fighting the devil, but to people of other faiths, you are undoubtedly someone who fights against God.

NANGI

Why Japanese Anime and Manga Sometimes Show Characters Fighting Gods

In Japanese anime and manga, it is not unusual for characters to fight gods or god-like beings. This idea comes from several cultural and storytelling influences that are different from those in Western traditions.

1. Influence of Shinto beliefs

Japan's traditional religion, Shinto, teaches that many kinds of spirits or gods called kami exist in nature, objects, and even people. These gods are not always perfect or all-powerful. In Japanese mythology, gods sometimes argue, make mistakes, or fight each other. Because they are not seen as absolutely perfect beings, stories about confronting or defeating them do not feel as shocking as they might in other cultures.

2. Influence of Buddhism

Buddhism also influenced Japanese thinking. In Buddhist cosmology, gods are powerful but still part of the cycle of rebirth. Enlightened beings such as Buddhas are considered spiritually higher than gods. This idea makes it easier to imagine humans surpassing divine beings through growth or enlightenment.

3. Video game and fantasy storytelling

Japanese fantasy storytelling, especially from games like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, often follows a structure where the hero first defeats monsters, then a demon king, and finally a god-like creator or ultimate being. This storytelling pattern strongly influenced anime and manga.

Difference from Western Culture

In many Western societies, religious traditions such as Christianity emphasize a single, all-powerful God who is completely perfect and cannot be challenged by humans. Because of this belief, depicting characters literally fighting God could be seen as disrespectful or controversial.

Western fantasy stories sometimes include conflicts with powerful divine beings, but they are usually fallen angels, demigods, or corrupted gods, rather than the supreme creator.

Conclusion

Because Japanese religion and mythology portray gods as powerful but not absolutely perfect, and because of influences from Buddhism and fantasy games, Japanese anime and manga can more easily tell stories where humans challenge or even fight gods. In contrast, Western traditions tend to treat God as an untouchable, supreme being, so such stories are less common.

NANGI said:

The idea that humans fight against God is a Western influence. At the very least, the Japanese view of religion does not include the notion of challenging God to battle.

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Surely, by definition, nobody is going to fair very well if challenging a 'god' to a fight!

NANGI said:

The gods of Japan cannot be seen, touched, or spoken to. For this reason, we cannot fight them.

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I can't think of a religion in which a god that can be seen, touched or conversed with (in a two way manner, anyway)…very convenient

NANGI said:

In many religions, there are stories in which a god sets trials for humans. By overcoming these trials, humans gain treasures or become companions of the god. Perhaps these trials could be described as a kind of battle with God.

Click to expand...

Job, Jonah, Abraham…The old Testament God isn't very trusting of his subjects. You'd think He could use his omnipotence to peer into their hearts/minds to see if they were genuinely 'true'

NANGI said:

However, there is a simpler explanation for fighting God. When you attack another religion, don't you treat their gods as demons? If it's hard to understand what it means to fight God, just think of it as fighting the devil instead.

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Most enemies are demonised to allow the battle against them to be seen as just and proper. Even today our leaders demonize those they want their military forces to fight against. Some leaders don't fall for it and delay their engagement by 'dragging their feet '

NANGI said:

Konnnichiwa Kulern-san!

The idea that humans fight against God is a Western influence. At the very least, the Japanese view of religion does not include the notion of challenging God to battle.

The gods of Japan cannot be seen, touched, or spoken to. For this reason, we cannot fight them.

In many religions, there are stories in which a god sets trials for humans. By overcoming these trials, humans gain treasures or become companions of the god. Perhaps these trials could be described as a kind of battle with God.

However, there is a simpler explanation for fighting God. When you attack another religion, don't you treat their gods as demons? If it's hard to understand what it means to fight God, just think of it as fighting the devil instead.

You may be fighting the devil, but to people of other faiths, you are undoubtedly someone who fights against God.

NANGI

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Probably why FF2 is the best game. You fight against Satan in that one. Which i dont personally mind

Even if some arent the biggest fan of the RPG mechanics in that one. However Final Fantasy 2 was revolutionary for being elder scrolls before elder scrolls was a thing. Aswell as a semi serious story.

Ukigumo said:

Surely, by definition, nobody is going to fair very well if challenging a 'god' to a fight!

I can't think of a religion in which a god that can be seen, touched or conversed with (in a two way manner, anyway)…very convenient

Job, Jonah, Abraham…The old Testament God isn't very trusting of his subjects. You'd think He could use his omnipotence to peer into their hearts/minds to see if they were genuinely 'true'

Most enemies are demonised to allow the battle against them to be seen as just and proper. Even today our leaders demonize those they want their military forces to fight against. Some leaders don't fall for it and delay their engagement by 'dragging their feet '

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Interms of Job. It makes me think of that scene.


Which is quoted in "Job 23:9-17"

But i had issues in my life where i was sort of massively depressed. So, this goes into the "Question of Evil". Like why does God allow Evil to exist?

I think one part is
1: Well its a fallen world. Lord is the Lord, and that you can find healing in him. But that we need him more than he needs us (Well that might sound harsh, but its a question of authority would likely be the reason)
2: The other is more a... personal philosophy and less religious but. This is mostly thanks to this TV series called
"Walker Texas Ranger episode 1+2". In context the girl has been assaulted, so she is now has a mind of a vegetable (Which is why at the time this was easy for me to relate with, not gonna go into subject to why i had this depression). But the keywords are
"Time has a way of healing, scars might be there. But wounds will heal slowly over time"


Overall, sorry if i sounded too preachy or anything

A tatari-gami is a vengeful or wrathful spirit in Japanese belief that brings curses, disasters, illness, or other misfortune to humans. These spirits are often the souls of people who died with strong resentment, such as wronged nobles, warriors, or victims of injustice. They may also be powerful natural spirits or deities that punish humans when sacred places are disturbed.

In traditional Japanese culture, people tried to appease these spirits through rituals, prayers, and shrines so that their anger would calm down. Once appeased, a tatari-gami could even become a protective deity.

A famous example is Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politician from the Heian period. After he died in exile, disasters struck the capital, and people believed his angry spirit was responsible. To calm him, the court built shrines and worshipped him as Tenjin, the god of learning.

Another famous example appears in the film Princess Mononoke, where the forest gods can turn into destructive tatari-gami when humans harm nature.

In short:
A tatari-gami is a supernatural being in Japanese belief that causes misfortune as a form of spiritual revenge or divine punishment, but it can sometimes be pacified and worshipped as a god.

Inosasaō (猪笹王) is a legendary giant wild boar from folklore in the mountains of the Yoshino region in Nara Prefecture, especially around the deep forests of the Yoshino Mountains.

Explanation:

Inosasaō is a mythical "king of boars" said to live in the remote mountains of Yoshino. According to local legends, it was an enormous wild boar whose back was covered with thick bamboo grass (sasa), which is the origin of its name:

ino = boar
sasa = bamboo grass
ō = king

The creature was believed to roam the mountains, frightening travelers and damaging villages and fields. Because of its immense size and supernatural power, people regarded it not simply as an animal but as a spiritual or monstrous being connected to the mountain gods.
In some versions of the story, hunters eventually killed the boar. However, after its death people feared that its spirit might bring misfortune or disasters. To calm its spirit, they performed rituals or built memorials to appease it. This reflects a common pattern in Japanese folklore: powerful natural beings may become vengeful spirits or curse-bringing entities unless they are properly respected and pacified.
Scholars sometimes interpret the legend as a reflection of ancient Japanese beliefs in animal deities of the mountains, especially the sacred or dangerous nature of wild boars.

This type of folklore is sometimes compared to the cursed boar god depicted in the film Princess Mononoke, where a wounded boar deity becomes a destructive tatari-gami (curse god).

Hiroyuki Nagashima said:

A tatari-gami is a vengeful or wrathful spirit in Japanese belief that brings curses, disasters, illness, or other misfortune to humans. These spirits are often the souls of people who died with strong resentment, such as wronged nobles, warriors, or victims of injustice. They may also be powerful natural spirits or deities that punish humans when sacred places are disturbed.

In traditional Japanese culture, people tried to appease these spirits through rituals, prayers, and shrines so that their anger would calm down. Once appeased, a tatari-gami could even become a protective deity.

A famous example is Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politician from the Heian period. After he died in exile, disasters struck the capital, and people believed his angry spirit was responsible. To calm him, the court built shrines and worshipped him as Tenjin, the god of learning.

Another famous example appears in the film Princess Mononoke, where the forest gods can turn into destructive tatari-gami when humans harm nature.

In short:
A tatari-gami is a supernatural being in Japanese belief that causes misfortune as a form of spiritual revenge or divine punishment, but it can sometimes be pacified and worshipped as a god.

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Good example actually

Princess Mononoke is not my favorite Ghibli film. But i was impressed by the details of this film when i saw it. I guess the video game "Jade Cocoon" on PS1 was more my cup of tea : D

I think two Ghibli films (well three if Lupin the 3rd counts (The Castle of Cagliostro), but thats more a Hayao Miyazaki stand alone film than a Ghibli film)

But two i like is

• Spirited Away
• Nausicaa Princess of the Wind Valley

Do you know? Before Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, there is a book called Shuna's Journey, written by Hayao Miyazaki.
Also, the anime Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and the original manga Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind by Hayao Miyazaki are very different in content.

In the original manga, by the final volume, Nausicaä is neither a savior nor a saint; instead, it is suggested that she and her people are destined to quietly fade away…

Overview of シュナの旅 (Shuna's Journey)

Shuna's Journey is an illustrated story written by Hayao Miyazaki in 1983, just before he created Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

The story follows a young prince named Shuna, who leaves his poor mountain kingdom in search of a legendary "golden grain" to save his people from famine.
Along his journey, he encounters:
Enslaved people
Corrupt and unequal societies
The dark side of human civilization

■ Main Themes
The story explores several deep and serious themes:
Human greed and exploitation
Inequality and social hierarchy
The relationship between civilization and nature
Sacrifice behind prosperity
These ideas later became central to Miyazaki's major films.

■ Artistic Style
Unlike typical novels or films, Shuna's Journey is:
Told mostly through images, with very little dialogue
Structured like a picture scroll or visual poem
Influenced by Tibetan and Central Asian folklore
It feels quiet, symbolic, and meditative rather than action-driven.

■ Why Has It Not Been Animated?
There is no official single reason, but several important factors are often discussed:
1. It is difficult to adapt into animation
The story is very "still" and atmospheric.
It relies on silence, imagery, and symbolism rather than action or dramatic plot.
Turning it into a film would likely require major changes, which could damage its original tone.

2. The themes are very dark
The story includes:
Slavery
Human trafficking
Harsh criticism of civilization
Compared to even Princess Mononoke, it is less optimistic and more unsettling, making it risky as a commercial animated film.

3. Its ideas were reused in later films
Many elements of Shuna's Journey were developed further in Miyazaki's later works:
Nausicaä → environmental collapse and lost civilizations
Princess Mononoke → conflict between humans and nature
Spirited Away → themes of labor, exploitation, and human value
In a sense, Miyazaki already "animated" its ideas in different forms.

4. Miyazaki's creative philosophy
Miyazaki is not very interested in adapting his past works directly.
Shuna's Journey is often seen as a complete, self-contained story.
He may prefer to preserve it as it is, rather than alter it for film.

■ Conclusion
Shuna's Journey is:
A quiet, symbolic prototype of Miyazaki's later masterpieces.
It has not been animated mainly because:
Its storytelling style is hard to adapt
Its themes are too heavy for mainstream audiences
Its ideas already evolved into later films
Miyazaki may want to keep it unchanged

[Radio Drama] Shuna's Journey — The Origin of Studio Ghibli