Exploring Identity through Anime & Manga: A Therapist Perspective

Anime and manga have a unique ability to transport us to new worlds, inspire us, and provide comfort during challenging times. For many, these mediums offer not just entertainment, but also a mirror for personal exploration and growth. As a therapist—and a fan of anime and manga—I’ve observed how these stories can resonate deeply with therapeutic themes and provide valuable insights into our own lives.

The Power of Storytelling in Healing

Humans have always used stories to make sense of their experiences. Anime and manga excel at crafting emotionally rich narratives that explore themes like resilience, transformation, and self-discovery.

For example, Fruits Basket tells the story of Tohru Honda and the cursed Sohma family. Through its exploration of trauma, family dynamics, and personal growth, it highlights how kindness and understanding can help heal even the deepest wounds. The curse binding the Sohma family serves as a metaphor for the emotional burdens many carry, offering hope that cycles of pain can be broken.

Similarly, Tokyo Ghoul portrays Kaneki Ken’s transformation into a half-ghoul and the internal battles he faces as he navigates two opposing worlds. His journey of self-discovery and reconciliation with his dual nature mirrors the therapeutic process of embracing all parts of oneself, even those that seem scary or unacceptable.

Identity and Self-Acceptance

Anime often celebrates individuality and self-acceptance, offering powerful metaphors for real-life struggles.

In Snow White with the Red Hair, Shirayuki’s journey of escaping an oppressive situation and building a life of her own demonstrates the importance of courage and self-worth. Her red hair, initially a source of trouble, becomes a symbol of her strength and individuality, reminding us that what sets us apart can also empower us.

Spy x Family takes a different approach by exploring identity within relationships. Twilight, Yor, and Anya all hide parts of themselves to maintain their facade as a “normal” family. However, as their bonds grow deeper, they reveal vulnerabilities and begin to accept each other fully. This story resonates with the idea that self-acceptance often starts with feeling safe enough to be authentic around others.

In Bofuri: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense, Maple’s unusual approach to a virtual world game—building an impenetrable defense—shows that staying true to oneself, even when it’s unconventional, can lead to unexpected success and joy.

Coping Mechanisms Through Fiction

Many people turn to anime and manga as a way to process emotions and find solace.

Kotaro Lives Alone is a poignant example of this. The titular Kotaro’s independence hides his deeper loneliness and trauma. Through humor and heart, the story gently reveals how even the smallest connections can provide healing. For clients who feel isolated or unsupported, Kotaro’s journey shows that resilience and connection can coexist.

In Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji Itadori and his friends confront not just physical battles but also emotional struggles, including grief, guilt, and fear. These characters demonstrate the strength found in accepting one’s pain and using it as a source of growth—a theme that resonates with many clients working through trauma.

Fantasy as a Safe Space to Explore Trauma

Anime and manga’s fantastical elements often make it easier to approach heavy topics in a less intimidating way.

Tokyo Ghoul uses its supernatural premise to explore the challenges of living with a dual identity, a metaphor for the masks people often wear after experiencing trauma. Kaneki’s journey to integrate his human and ghoul sides reflects the process of accepting and reconciling conflicting parts of oneself.

Similarly, Fruits Basket uses the Sohma family’s animal transformations as a metaphor for the ways trauma can shape behavior and relationships. Through connection and understanding, the characters begin to break free from their pasts.

Using Anime and Manga in Therapy

For fans of anime and manga, these stories can be a powerful tool for self-reflection. When clients resonate with these mediums, I might ask:

• Which character or storyline speaks to you, and why?

• How do you see yourself in this character?

• What lessons or strengths can you take from their journey?

These conversations not only validate the client’s interests but also offer a creative framework for exploring their own emotions, challenges, and growth.

Conclusion

Anime and manga are more than just entertainment—they’re tools for healing, self-discovery, and connection. Stories like Fruits Basket, Tokyo Ghoul, Snow White with the Red Hair, Spy x Family, Bofuri, Kotaro Lives Alone, and Jujutsu Kaisen remind us of the power of resilience, the importance of self-acceptance, and the healing potential of authentic relationships. Whether you’re a fan of these stories or new to them, their rich narratives offer profound insights into the human experience—and perhaps, a path to growth and transformation.