The Daily Life of Japanese Spider-Man: Seikatsu and Superheroes

The Daily Life of Japanese Spider-Man: Seikatsu and Superheroes
A Lecture by Professor Jon Holt, Portland State University

From 1970 through 1971, Ikegami Ryōichi wrote and drew a bold internationalized and localized version of Marvel’s most iconic superhero. Transitioning from avant-garde gekiga to the mainstream manga magazine, Shōnen Magazine, Ikegami drew the adventures of Japanese Spider-Man, a.k.a. Komori Yū; although there were some similarities between Komori and Peter Parker, the only thing they really shared was the iconic red-and-blue costume – when Ikegami bothered to have him wear the spandex and fight criminals. Instead, Ikegami drew a young man conflicted with real teen issues: the need to conform; feelings for girls; love for motorcycles. In short, Ikegami had his Spider-Man experience and embrace aspects of Japanese “daily life” (seikatsu). Why did this version of Spider-Man thrill young male audiences and disgust Marvel’s Stan Lee? Why did “daily life” alienate this Spider-Man in his own comic? This talk will explore how we must include “daily life” in any discussion of Japanese comics, let alone Japanese art.

5:30 PM | Thursday, April 3, 2025
Smith Memorial Student Union
Room 327/8/9
Free and open to the Public
Please use the main entrance on SW Broadway

Dr. Jon Holt received his Ph.D. in Japanese Literature from the University of Washington. His research interests include modern Japanese poetry and children’s literature. He wrote his dissertation on the works of Miyazawa Kenji, arguably one of the most important figures in modern Japanese literature. At PSU, Dr. Holt teaches Japanese literature and film as well as upper-division Japanese language courses. His secondary research interests include manga and Japanese Buddhism.

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