Leiden University Student Repository

Boekesteijn, Jona (2025)

The Veiled Faces of Sadako Yamamura: Monstrosity and Gender in the Ring Franchise

Master thesis | Asian Studies (120 EC) (MA)

Sadako Yamamura is a fictional character originating from Kōji Suzuki’s 1991 novel: Ringu. This novel would be the start of the Ring franchise, and Sadako has since grown into a tremendously famous and distinct cultural icon. But Sadako as described in the novel is a different character from the Sadako seen in her films, let alone in other media forms. I explore the ways in which Sadako has changed throughout some of her incarnations - novel, film series, and presence in popular culture - and try to find meaning in that. I do this through the theoretical framework of monster studies: Sadako embodies fears and societal problems the analysis of which may deepen understanding of societal issues. Changes to Sadako’s identities as a woman, as an intersex individual, and as a Monster are central issues.

Author

Boekesteijn, Jona

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Japanse Studies

Supervisors

Koch-Low, A.C.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en