The Book of the Dead

Director: KAWAMOTO Kihachiro
2005, Animation Division, 84'
Excellence Prize, 9th Japan Media Arts Festival
© Sakura Motion Picture Co,Ltd / The Kawamoto Productions Ltd.

The Book of the Dead takes place as Buddhism is being introduced to Japan from China. Iratsume, a woman of noble descent, becomes obsessed with this mysterious new religion. One night, in a rapturous trance, she sees a luminous vision that she believes to be the Buddha, compelling her to leave home and journey to a sacred temple.