 Theories of Japaneseness, collectively referred to as  Nihonjinron, have figured prominently in Japanese popular culture since the 1970s. Notions of Japan as an animistic spirit-infused realm in which humans can commune with animals and other objects and forces of nature are ubiquitous in Japan, coursing through popular manga and anime. These enjoy not just enormous popular appeal in Japan and worldwide, but also government support as forms of “soft power” fundamental to the representation of Japanese society outside Japan.