Final answer:
"Spirited Away" is distinctly Japanese, with an artistic style inspired by traditional Japanese art (Nihonga and Yamato-e) and cultural themes rooted in Japanese mythology, folklore, and settings. Thus option a is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinguishing features in the film 'Spirited Away' that identify it as a Japanese animation include artistic style and cultural themes. The artistic style draws heavily from traditional Japanese art forms such as Nihonga and Yamato-e, characterized by well-delineated flat areas of color and the avoidance of realistic treatment of light and shadow. 'Spirited Away' incorporates these elements with its vibrant color palette and use of negative space.
Additionally, the film immerses viewers in a rich tapestry of Japanese culture, featuring mythological creatures, Shinto-inspired spirits, and traditional Japanese settings, evoking a sense of the 'floating world' and other cultural aspects that were particularly influential during the Edo period. The animation style and cultural themes are woven throughout the film, from the fantastical bathhouse setting to the various spirits that protagonist Chihiro encounters, which are reflective of Japanese folklore and beliefs.