The Power of Narcissism: From Haruki Murakami To Madoka Magica (Shintensha Sensho 117)

By comparing the feelings of loss, omnipotence, and narcissism that appear in literature, anime, and manga with the inner world of early childhood, this book explores the true narcissism that sustains an empty heart. From Murakami Haruki and Ono Fuyumi to Ghibli and Madoka Magica.

[Table of Contents]

Legend Introduction

Chapter 1: Emptiness and Security 1. Narcissism and "Emptiness" 2. Narcissistic Expressions in Science Fiction, Horror, Mystery, and Other Works 3. Murakami Haruki's Works from the Perspective of Narcissism

Chapter 2: Murakami Haruki's Metaphors 1. Narcissism and Metaphors 2. "Emptiness" and Its Concealment in Murakami's Works 3. Expressions of Regressive Contentment 4. Expressions of the Breakdown of Security 5. Some Other Metaphors

Chapter 3: Modern Society and the "False Self" 1. The "False Self" in Fuyumi Ono's Works 2. The Complex Abjection in "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle" 3. The "Atmosphere" of Conformity (1) Project Itoh's "Harmony" (2) Kaho Nashiki's "Through the Swampy Forest"

Chapter 4. Narcissism and Ego-Ideals in Contemporary Subculture 1. Contemporary Subculture and Narcissism 2. Miyazaki Anime and Ego-Ideals 3. Nisio Isin and Haruki Murakami 4. Expressions of Closure and Narcissism in Contemporary Manga and Anime (1) Nobuyuki Fukumoto's "Gambling Apocalypse Kaiji" and "Akagi: The Genius Who Descended into Darkness" (2) "Puella Magi Madoka Magica"

Notes References First Publication Afterword