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    Katharine Davis
    Spectator

    Weathering with You, or 天気の子 (tenki no ko / lit: weather's child(ren) or child(ren) of weather)) is the latest film by your name/きみのな君の名は (kimi no na wa) director, Makoto Shinkai. Visually it is stunning, the music is outstanding, and the story is very engaging (especially for younger/teen viewers) so it's sure to be enjoyed by anyone who sees it.

    Watching this film with a lens of Japanese culture, specifically the Shinto religion, can be really intesting for those curious about Japan. Stories of Amaterasu (the sun goddess and probably the most highly venerated god in Shinto mythology) and "sunshine girls" (saio) tie in strongly in the film (check out this YouTube video by Cinetrain, exploring this info: Weathering with You: Mythology and History Revealed). Torii gates (typically erected in Japan to signify that one is entering a sacred space/area) and teru-teru-bouzu, along with a scene happenign during a Obon ritual, also give students a chance to explore a few other lesser-known aspects of Japanese culture.

    The theme of weather and environment are also very strong throughotut the film and could be used as discussion points. I found this article about the movie particiularly intersting: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/weathering-with-you-climate-apathy -- it could be interesting to start a discussion with students about different coutries' views on climate change and what they are doing (or not doing) to deal with it.

    PS: Fans of "your name" will also be in for a treat!! ^_~

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