Christian symbolism in Japanese media (anime, manga)?

[YHWH_Christ]

Has anyone noticed how the Japanese seem to use a lot of Abrahamic symbolism in their popular media? For example, I just watched an interesting anime series on Netflix called “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” Already the name itself stands out as all Greek words that literally mean “New Creation Gospel” or “Gospel of a New Creation.” The themes of the show are primarily psychological and it’s set against a backdrop of esoteric and mystical Abrahamic symbols using primarily Jewish Kabbalah, Christian mysticism, and also Gnosticism. NGE isn’t the only anime that does this, there are quite a few actually. It seems that the Japanese find Abrahamic religions to be exotic much in the same way westerners in the west find eastern religions like Hinduim, Buddhism, Daosim, and others to be exotic. How should we as Christians view their use of this kind of symbolism? It isn’t meant to be offensive and they aren’t using it in blasphemous ways, the opposite actually. Should this be viewed as a positive thing? Opening up the Japanese peoples to the one true God?

 

[Salibi]

Depends on how it’s used. I don’t see a problem with it in the way you’ve described. However, if Christian symbolism like crucifixes or icons are being used in an inappropriate or blasphemous manner, I would not approve and avoid the anime series.

I don’t watch anime myself as it’s not my cup of tea, and I haven’t seen or even heard of the series you mentioned until now. Unless I see it, I have no way of ascertaining whether Christian symbolism was used in an offensive manner or not. I’m not interested in watching the series to find out anyhow.

Generally, using symbolism from other faiths and cultures isn’t wrong as long as it’s respectful and tasteful. Mileage may vary as some may consider any form of Christian symbolism in a non-Christian context to be blasphemous, but as long as it’s not actively trying to demean Jesus or Christianity I wouldn’t personally consider it blasphemous.

I do agree the Japanese may see the symbolism as exotic as Christianity is not very widespread in Japan. I would think it’s a bit like Western movies incorporating elements of East Asian religion in order to seem more “mystical”.

 

[The_Old_Maid]

Mothra has been using the Celtic Cross in her signs and symbols since 1961.

She is the most self-sacrificing of the kaiju, and is always in the side of good.

 

[VanitasVanitatum]

Catholicism is kind of a foreign religion in Japan so it usually is a distorted version of the Church and sometimes things are down right wacky.