Representation of Anthropocentric and Ecocentric Figures in Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke

Diponegoro University, Japanese and Culture Department, Semarang, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: zakiaf@lecturer.undip.ac.id

Abstract

Literary ecocritic is a study of literary works related to environmental themes. This study is important to promote the environmental conservation issues necessary to counteract the destruction of nature, in particular the reduction of sustainable forest areas due to massive logging. In recent decades, there are many literary works that discuss environmental-related issues. Especially the works of Hayao Miyazaki who often criticize the issue. One of her famous works that raise environmental issues is the anime entitled Princess Mononoke. The issue raised in this anime is a conflict between parties who want to preserve and protect the forest with Lady Eboshi and the iron factory workers who continuously cut wood massively in the forest to use as fuel for iron processing. Using an ecocritic approach, to describe the representation of an anthropocentric character with an ecocentric character in the anime Princess Mononoke. The results showed that there were four types of ethical violations committed by Lady Eboshi in this anime. The conclusion obtained is that in overcoming conflicts arising from excessive exploitation of nature, awareness of the effects caused by the destruction of nature is needed which will harm humans themselves. Nature always responds according to human treatment of it. Lady Eboshi and Jikobou are anthropocentric figures who represent the most of humans who need nature but are less concerned about its sustainability. While Ashitaka and San are representations of ecocentric figures. San is a guardian and punisher representing nature. Meanwhile, Ashitaka is a mediator who facilitates human life and the sustainability of nature can run simultaneously, harmoniously in their respective places.