| This research examines the worldview of para-reality. Para-reality is defined as a state in which polar natures coexist and influence each other, and their boundaries are sometimes ambiguous, as if their opposing elements are identical. That is, this idea offers visions of joining, both-and, ambiguity, or coexistence of polar natures.; The view of para will contribute to the reconsideration of the dualistic way of thinking. Dualism is characterized by the master code of dividing, either-or, or excluding. As Jacques Derrida acutely points out, Western metaphysics dichotomizes morality, values, and other concepts to binary opposites, thereby hierarchically ranking the oppositions as superior/inferior. The dichotic view tends to think little of the other seen as the inferior, giving rise to a rift between the binary natures. This way of thinking does not provide a place for human relative and subjective intuitions, reconciliations of conflicted things, or equal co-relationships between two domains.; In Japan, para-reality is a traditional worldview and it is expressed as many metaphoric images in myths, literature, arts, poems, or manga (graphic novels). In order to discuss the map of para, this research follows the mythopoetic analysis. This method sees various phenomena and ideas through their fundamental images and myths.; This research also uses the textual pluralism approach, which deconstructs a dominant interpretation of a myth. This method makes it possible to understand a narrative from various points of view. Reading a tale from this perspective, one will notice many images and voices of the individual characters that are regarded as subjugated or secondary positions in the story.; The textural pluralism is highly important for reading of the Japanese myths. Japanese mythology in Kojiki and Nihongi is compiled from the political perspectives of the imperial clan in early Japan. In their images and characters, the myths describe the superiority of the early Japanese government over other tribes in Japan and other countries in East Asia in the eighth century. Meanwhile, this research discovered new para-realistic imageries by focusing on each character and their voices in the same Japanese myths. |
