New Pathways for the Dissemination of Ecological Civilization Thinking from a Sino —Japanese Comparative Perspective: A Case Study of Anime Characters in Natsume’s Book of Friends and Yeloli
“Ecological conservation is a matter affecting people’s wellbeing and the future of the nation.” With the development of the Internet, anime, as a unique form of art, has also provided new perspectives and pathways for the dissemination of ecological civilization thinking. Japanese anime works deeply explore the natural view contained in the yōkai culture, combine it with modern ecological concepts for innovation, and convey a profound understanding of the harmonious coexistence between man and nature. China, as an important source of yaoguai culture, has richer traditional yaoguai images and mythological legends, which also contain profound natural views and ecological wisdom. However, China has not yet fully exploited and utilized this cultural resource, and the influence of its anime works in global cultural exchanges is relatively weak. Therefore, this paper selects the ecological anime works with yaoguai themes from China and Japan, “Yeloli” and “Natsume’s Book of Friends,” for comparative analysis and research, to deeply understand the ecological narrative of Japanese yōkai culture in anime, explore new ways of spreading ecological civilization thinking, and thus provide a useful direction for China to explore the path of harmonious development between man and nature.