Iyashikei: Will There Be a Global Healing Boom? | Screen Therapy

#mentalhealth #psychology #gaming #japan #animalcrossing

There is a growing “genre” in Japan referred to as the Iyashikei (癒し系) genre.

“Iyashi” has a few meanings: soothing, comforting, solace, therapeutic. And “kei” means “style”.

The genre is used for “anime and manga created with the specific purpose of having a healing or soothing effect on the audience. Works of this kind often involve alternative realities with little to no conflict, emphasizing nature and the little delights in life.”

During these uncertain times, we're all going through some degree of anxiety, stress, or even trauma. Are we heading into a global healing boom where cultures all over the world will create more healing media?

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Sources:

Matsui, Takeshi. "Institutionalization of Consumer Needs: The Case of the" Healing Boom" in Japan." (2008).

Matsui, Takeshi. "The social construction of consumer needs: A case analysis of the “healing boom” in Japan." ACR North American Advances (2009).

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Media:
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)
Boku no Natsuyasumi 3 (2007)
Harvent Moon (1996)
Neko Atsume (2014)
Pokemon (1996)
Pokemon GO (2016)
Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Nastume Yuujinchou (2005)
Barakamon (2014)
MushiShi (2005)
Kind Words (2019)
Anne with an "E" (2017)

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Video Credits:
"How Japan’s Lost Decade created Pokémon | Economic collapse + healing boom = Pocket Monsters?" - Polygon
"Continue your journey together with the new Pokémon GO Buddy Adventure feature!" - The Official Pokemon YouTube Channel
"Tokyo Cat Cafe Experience 猫カフ" - Wao Ryu! In Japan Only!
"Best Cat Cafe in Tokyo | Crunchyroll Japan" - Crunchyroll
"The Truth Behind Japanese Maid Cafés" - Buzfeed Multiplayer
"Cute Baby Seal Robot - PARO Theraputic Robot #DigInfo" - Ikinamo
"How to Rent Friends in Japan" - Vice Asia
"Want to cuddle a stranger? Go to Japan" - CNN

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Music:
"Oui Lele" - T-shirt
"no one's perfect - horizons" (w_kanisan)
ブロックル - illinois (w_ stuffed tomato)

Outro/Theme: Never Really Gone by Stuart Bateman
Stuart Bateman - https://soundcloud.com/stuartbateman
https://twitter.com/StuartEBateman


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