The Red Thread of Fate: Representation of Akai Ito in Kimi No Na Wa

Abstract

Anime is one such medium that has come to play a significant role in storytelling. It is a medium that incorporates various aspects such as visual narration, symbolism, and cultural values. In Japan, one such belief that is often associated with stories that involve romance is Akai Ito, which is often referred to as the red thread of fate. This belief is based on the fact that if two people are meant to meet, they are connected by an invisible red thread that unites them in any situation. This investigation aims to explore the representation of Akai Ito in Makoto Shinkai's anime, Kimi no Na wa, released in 2016. With the use of qualitative descriptive methodology, this investigation will use textual analysis to examine various incidents in the anime. The data for this investigation is based on various significant incidents in the anime that show the connection between the lead characters, Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana, with a focus on incidents in which the red ribbon is featured. From the results obtained in this investigation, it is evident that the red ribbon is one such significant feature in the anime. However, in due course, this red ribbon turns out to be a representation of Akai Ito. With various narrative aspects such as body switching, being separated in different timelines, and finally being reunited, Kimi no Na wa is a representation of how this cultural belief is viewed in modern times.