Japanese culture/element

Just to clarify , in my final project what is the Japanese culture that used and introduce for user.

Cat (Neko):

In Japanese folklore, cat that have protective powers and symbolize good fortune. (CARMINA,L ,2013). I think that is why Japan nowadays anime character are mostly in cat form, such as Doraemon, Hello Kitty and so on.

In my project, this culture will be introduce in the first dream in chapter 2. When the kids grabbing the cat from the mask character because they want to have good luck. 

One of the scene in Chapter 2

Faceless ghost (Noppera-bo):

Another interesting folklore in Japan is this faceless ghost. Noppera-bo is a Japanese legendary creature that usually in human form and appear in front the victim before erase their face features to scare them. 

Image from:http://media.japanpowered.com/images/Ryoi_Nopperabo1.jpg

Andrew Kincaid (2013), has noted in his article about Noppera-bo. This faceless ghost are apparently harmless. They love scare and crap out of unsuspecting people. There is no reason of why they are doing this but they are often appear in human form and often as someone who is familiar to their potential victim. 

However I have implement this to mix with Kabuki in my project. Click Here to view Kabuki post.

Others:

Kakemono (scroll painting):

Other than that, I'm using the scroll painting method in Chapter 1 when introduce to Baku's childhood. The overall mood will looks like Ukiyo-e wood print style(image below).

Image from:http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/images/h2/h2_2001.715.4.jpg

While the artstyle stroke will be using Okami art(Image below)

Image from: http://www.artofokami.com/wallpaper.php

The reason of mixing this is to form a reminiscence mood with the Japan visual to attract user in the narrative.

Reference:

Artofokami.com, (2006). Okami Art. [Online Image] Available at: http://www.artofokami.com/wallpaper.php [Accessed 10 Jul. 2014].

Carmina, L. (2013). 31 Pictures That Show Japan's Crazy Obsession With Cats. [Online] Business Insider. Available at: http://www.businessinsider.com/japan-is-obsessed-with-cats-2013-7?IR=T&op=1#ixzz3IqyPHFSh [Accessed 17 Jul. 2014].

Kincaid, A. (2013). Noppera-bo, the Faceless Ghost. [Online] Japan Powered. Available at: http://www.japanpowered.com/japan-culture/noppera-bo-the-faceless-ghost [Accessed 17 Jul. 2014].