FROM PARADISE LOST TO THE THRONE OF CREATION: RE-IMAGINING THE JOURNEY TO GODHOOD THROUGH A JAPANESE “SUI GENERIS IMAGINARY
FROM PARADISE LOST TO THE THRONE OF CREATION: RE-IMAGINING THE JOURNEY TO GODHOOD THROUGH A JAPANESE “SUI GENERIS IMAGINARY
Author(s): José SilvestreSubject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Theology and Religion, Comparative Studies of Religion, Comparative Study of Literature, Theory of Literature
Published by: EDITURA ASE
Keywords: Transmediality; comparative literature; religion studies; Japanese identity; role-playing game (RPG);
Summary/Abstract: The alignment system is a feature that allows us, as spectators, to gain an understanding in each constructed world of Shin Megami Tensei (“Metempsychosis of the True Goddess”) through a unique lens by various interactions with supernatural entities depicted across the globe. When compared to the other three endings offered in the “Canon of Creation” arc, the more chaotic route appears to be portrayed somewhat biased by its developers. Therefore, despite the absence of Amaterasu, who is considered Japan's mythological chief, patriotic ideals stemming during the Edo period (1603-1868) seem to resurface in this creative work to reinforce a “distinctly Japanese” perspective. However, why would such nativist motives even be relevant for this title in particular? Can it be assumed that Japanese made products try, in a way, to manifest the country's presumably uniqueness?
Journal: Synergy
- Issue Year: 22/2026
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 128-144
- Page Count: 17
- Language: English
