What is the ‘Shojo’ and how does it often function in anime?
The Japanese term ‘shoujo’ means “little female” and is typically used to specify girls that are aged from 12-13 years. Cavallaro (2006) also explains that on a metaphorical level, this term implies the transitional period between infancy and maturity with a combination of sexlessness and “budding eroticism.” The narratives that are found in shoujo stories are often dreamy and serene, with a magical atmosphere which contrasts the bleaker plots of other anime that center around war and science fiction. Critics have pointed out that shoujo anime is often found in a middle ground between adulthood and childhood, exploring notions of power, innocence as well as masculinity and femininity. Overall, shoujo anime can symbolize several different ideas, Susan Napier claims that shoujo characters could “embody the potential for unfettered change” which is less accessible to Japanese males who have their busy, daily demands of life to keep up with. On that note, shoujo stories have a broad audience not only consisting of young female teenagers, but even older males.
In addition to shoujo’s themes of being cute and magical in anime, there is also other functions and components involved. Looking at Miyazaki’s work, his female protagonists have been pointed out to be “unquestionably shoujo” in regards to their age and physical appearances. Although, where a typical shoujo character would be shown as passive and suspended in something similar to a “timeless dreamland,” Miyazaki’s female characters are proven to be quite active and independent, adventurous as well as inquisitive. Some commentators have claimed that they are “youths wearing shoujo masks.” Miyazaki has further stated that he is determined to avoid representing his female characters as simple “play toys for Lolita complex guys,” as the typical attributes of shoujo characters may encourage that kind of portrayal. Moreover, Miyazaki’s films stay redefining anime genres as the themes and characters deal with a variety of issues in imaginative ways, including the depictions of his shoujo characters.
Overall, shoujo is a defining term for characters that are little girls in their preteen stages of life, often in a world that is dreamlike and mystifying. Shoujo in anime offer a form of visual design for their youthful characters along with general traits which many shoujo characters possess. Miyazaki’s characters prove to be a little different on that matter as his shoujo protagonists may look youthful and cute, but their personalities and narratives suggest a broader sense of being than the typical shoujo character.
References
Cavallaro, D. (2006). Introduction. In the Anime Art of Hayao Miyazaki (pp.5-13). London: McFarland & Company.
Pop Genres 2020 