Shuten Doji vs State Shinto: Kill la Kill as Modern Otogi-zoshi

Airing from Fall 2013-Spring 2014, Kill la Kill has taken anime fans by storm, thanks to its over the top artwork, quirky characters, and breakneck pace. But underneath the sailor suits and “schoolyard battles” lies another, more subtle reading. Borrowing elements from classical “monster stories” like Shuten Doji and the Uji no Hashihime, Kill la Kill presents an interesting critique of both Meiji Japan and nationalism in history. This lecture explores this reading of the series, how it parallels the old tales, and presents a new narrative for engaging and revealing deeper meanings in Japanese animation.