Akira and Ranma 1/2: The Monstrous Adolescent

The reading by Napier, Akira and Ranma 1/2 : The Monstrous Adolescent discusses the trials and tribulations experienced in adolescence and how that is represented in anime, and further, Japanese culture. Specifically this excerpt takes two characters Akira and Ranma and contrasts their gender experiences. Napier goes on to explain how these characters though differing in their own respective ways, speak greatly about Japanese culture, traditions and how they relate to gender roles/ interactions.

The excerpt devotes time to explaining the characters in anime episodes. Akira deals with issues regarding metamorphosis, focusing on the expression of a troubled youth’s search for identity and cyber punks meditation on apocalypse. Tetsue undergoes a metamorphosis but Napier points out that it is both literal and symbolic and very reflective of Japanese culture. Themes of power and control are expressed through his growth changes. He feels ambivalent, lacks self confidence, which happen to coincide with Japan’s national identity at the time of the movie’s release. Napier continues to point out the gender symbols within the amine, the phallic symbols, the sexual imagery, etc that is shown and how that relates to Japanese society.

Ramna ½ gives the transformation from adolescent to adult a more comedic effect, very different from Akira’s troubled times. Napier explains the distinction effectively by stating “ The metamorphoses in Ramna ½ are gendered ones, from male to female or vice versa, which raises issues of sexual identity that Tetsuo’s lonely monstrousness only subtextually evokes”. Ranma transfers back and forth from male to female, without choice, confusing both himself and those around him. This deals with two fundamental issues about structuring gender on the individual and societal level, and how that plays with society’s expectations of gender normality. Furthermore, on the individual level the viewer can see what a personal and individual gender identity entails and the difficulties that are involved constructing ones personal gender identity. On a more public level, Ranma speaks to the imposition that gender norms can cause. The transformation Ranma undergoes, also emphasizes the gender stereotyping that happens within society. When Ranma is portrayed as a girl, he is seen physically weaker, and using exaggerated feminine language. The concept of androdny as an in-between state is addressed when Ramna is depicted as a girl.

Perhaps what is most interesting about these stories is the fact that through the construction of anime show, it speaks about societal, cultural and national issues in Japan. The gender formations and transformations and the repercussions of these on both the individual and public are themes within this excerpt. Although Akira and Ranma convey their message of gender confusion in different manners the underlying focus remains the same and serves to give a voice to gender experiences in Japan.