We watched Birth of Kitarō: The Mystery of GeGeGe with my wife. Though I had heard of GeGeGe no Kitarō, the famous manga by Shigeru Mizuki, I had never read it. I knew the central theme revolved around yōkai, a fascinating class of Japanese folklore creatures—spirit-monsters with deep cultural roots. The movie serves as a prequel to the manga, focusing on the birth of Kitarō while intertwining the story with a salaryman named Mizuki (inspired by Shigeru Mizuki himself) and Kitarō’s father.
Set in the 1950s, the plot begins with Mizuki, a war veteran and salaryman, traveling to a remote village in search of a mysterious medicine known only as “M.” There, he encounters a peculiar white-haired man, a superstitious family that controls the village, and a string of bizarre, inexplicable deaths. The narrative is rich with unexpected twists and carries profound undertones about societal issues and personal awakening.
The Corrupting Power of Wealth and Profit
One of the movie’s central themes is how the pursuit of wealth and profit can lead to corruption and the harm it inflicts on others. This reflection resonates with modern society, where the relentless comparison of possessions and status—homes, jobs, cars, schools—often blinds us to other possibilities.
We live in a world shaped by a win-or-lose, zero-sum mindset, where success frequently feels like it must come at the expense of others. However, what if society could adopt a win-win perspective instead? The key to such a shift might lie in ensuring equitable access to basic human needs—such as food, healthcare, and shelter—for everyone, free of cost.
It’s paradoxical that while technologies capable of interplanetary travel to Mars are being developed, we still struggle to address global issues of equity and sustainability. This imbalance underscores the need for a global awakening, beginning with the cultivation of self-awareness.
Developing Awareness and Reshaping Society
In the movie, Mizuki gains the power to see spirits through the guidance of the mysterious white-haired man, who later becomes Kitarō’s father. This awakening is symbolic of how self-awareness and guidance from role models can help us see beyond our current paradigms.
Developing self-awareness may require fostering healthy habits that enhance brain neuroplasticity, such as mindfulness, gratitude, and continuous learning. By strengthening our mental and emotional faculties, we can become more receptive to new ideas and solutions for a better world.
To reshape society with humanity’s collective wellness in mind, role models and visionaries will be essential. Just as Mizuki needed guidance to awaken to a new reality, we too must look for and support leaders who prioritize global well-being over individual gain.
How do you think we can encourage a shift from a zero-sum mindset to a win-win approach in society? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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