The Futures of Animism

The term “animism” refers to a worldview or belief system in which spiritual presence is perceived to reside in all things—mountains and rocks, trees and rivers, and even human-made objects—regardless of whether they are living or non-living.

This concept was proposed by 19th century English anthropologist Edward B. Tylor to explain the origins of religion. He viewed religion as evolving from animism (belief in spirits) to polytheism and then to monotheism, and positioned animism as a characteristic of so-called  “primitive” societies. Today, however, animism has moved beyond this evolutionary framework and is more broadly understood as a mode of thought that emphasizes coexistence with nature and respect for non-human entities. It is now widely discussed across disciplines such as religious studies, anthropology, and the arts. What can the concept of animism contribute to our understanding of human/non-human relationships in and beyond Japan? 

In Japan, people have long seen sacred presence in natural forms: the graceful shape of conical mountains, massive boulders that inspire awe, forked old trees, or evergreen foliage that remains vibrant year-round. These sensibilities are rooted in religious and cultural traditions, and in the 20th century animism has come to be regarded as one of the defining characteristics of Japanese spirituality.

This animistic imagination also resonates in Japanese visual culture. The term animism is also used when discussing Hayao Miyazaki's animations. The character Totoro in “My Neighbor Totoro” was created for the film, but is often described as having a background in Japanese animism. The stage adaptation of Totoro in the UK has become a major hit, and in 2024, a theatrical production of ”Spirited Away“ was also performed to great acclaim. How can we understand the success of these Japanese cultural products in the United Kingdom? How can animism allow us to imagine the future of humanity in a more holistic manner?

In Part I, we will screen the documentary "Building Eternity: The Kami-Human Landscape of Izumo Taisha", which explores Shinto architectural culture and the enduring relationships between kami, nature, and humans, as seen in the periodic reconstruction of Izumo Taisha Shrine. In Part II, researchers working across the fields of religion, archaeology, and art will gather for a roundtable discussion to reflect on the future of animism in an age of accelerating AI. 

The forum invites participants to reconsider the entanglements of materiality and life through the lens of animism as a mode of thought for the future.