The Connection of Spirited Away to Otaku, Gender, and Labor in Japan

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Spirited Away: Otaku, Gender, Labor in Japan
Spirited Away is a movie made in 2001 and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, which shows the issues that continue to affect some parts of Japanese society. Some of the problems some Japanese people face are issues related to gender, labor, and societal status. I chose this topic because of its intriguing nature and the matter, and it sheds light on some issues faced by people living in certain parts of Japan. It also shows how these issues have continued to affect Japanese society and how different people are oppressed (Lukas 58). In this paper, I first will discuss the gender issues that were mainly felt by women and how they can be compared to other societies. Secondly, I will address societal problems in the film and how they relate to Japanese culture today. Lastly, I will address the labor issues and how the rich can oppress those below them without facing any repercussions.
There are various scenes in spirited away, which help to emphasize the challenges facing gender roles in Japan. As the film ends, it is seen that Chihiro, who was initially afraid of Yubaba, is no longer fazed by Yubaba or the fact that she is obligated to ensure that she gets rid of the bathhouse of No Face and ensure that she does not lose more workers (Lukas 60). Towards the end of the film, a juxtaposition can be noticed when Chihiro interacts with No Face. When she meets him, she faces downwards to show that she is afraid of No Face's appearance because she considered it frightening. Due to his menacing demeanor, Chihiro is forced to forgive him without putting up a fight which shows Chihiro's innocence. However, later she obtains confidence and masters the courage to tell No Face that he should shut up. This indicates that Japanese people believe in demeaning women, and women are naturally afraid of standing up for themselves even when faced with significant obstacles that the same men cause.
Another scenario that depicts how gender is a significant issue in Japan is when Miyazaki was creating Chihiro. He was keen not to give her any features that would make her stand out. He ensured that he created Chihiro so that every girl her age would be able to relate to her. On the other hand, Snow White is depicted to have extraordinary beauty and sets high standards that most girls cannot link to. She sets unrealistic goals where other women are unable to keep up or match up to her. Considering both films are placed to show the struggles that women have to undergo daily, Snow White's goals and appearances are exaggerated.
However, in Spirited Away, Lin is determined to ensure that she gets a better life which will set her free from manual labor. When comparing Snow White's character and Lin's character, Snow White has no desire to become a better person despite her daily struggles. She waits for a man to rescue her from her hardships. Haku is meant to be Chihiro's savior, but there is a point where he dozes off, and Chihiro is still determined to save him. She does not give in to the temptation of taking the gold given to her by No-Face, although she is still young (Napier, 43). This shows how some Japanese women are forced to become adults at a young age and take up responsibilities that would otherwise seem impossible for an average white girl.
Spirited Away also shows the severe labor issues that are in Japanese society. It also shows that there are social class iss...