Critical Analysis The Folktale Of Momotaro Free Essay Example, 1500 words

The legend such as the depiction of the opponents in various Japanese books and films also follows the same pattern in which their character, location, and appearance are always demonized while Momotaro is represented as a hero. For example, the opponents are seen as the demonic enemy and their location as the island of devils. In addition, Momotaro appears in many caricatures and films as a strong and youthful embodiment of the new Japan as compared to the British and American who are presented as feeble and aging. He is the ancient Japan equivalent of our contemporary Superman as well as a hero and cultural icon for both the children and adults alike. One of the manifestations of how the legend of the Momotaro promoted Japanese national identity was consequently used as a justification for the Japanese imperialism was seen during the Japanese colonialism of Korea, China as well as the Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere. During this period, many Japanese animations figured the Chinese and the Koreans as primitive demons who can only be civilized and taught to follow the ways of Momotaro(Imperial Japan) once they have been subjugated. We will write a custom essay sample on Critical Analysis The Folktale Of Momotaro or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page In the story, Momotaro is a commander of his military and he has a subsidiary that is the dog, a bird, and a monkey. Their work was to hit on the devil island. They began to attack in the air making the foe surrender or retreat. In this regard, Momotaro is depicted as a pure Japanese hero while the enemies are presented as the foreign demons who have been defeated. Momotaro was an immeasurably popular personality in Japan in the course of World War II. He appears in several wartime cartoons and films.