From action to science fiction to fantasy, legal streaming platform Netflix offers a wide range of anime. In 2020, new series were put online including Japan Sinks 2020, a disaster anime! SPOILER ALERT!
Japan Sinks 2020
Finished with 10 episodes, Japan Sinks 2020 is the adaptation of the book The Submersion of Japan by Komatsu Sakyo. Originally, the story takes place in the 1970s, but in the anime, the facts take place in 2020.
"A family's determination is cruelly tested as it tries to survive through a Japan in distress after horrific earthquakes." Netflix
The beginning of the end of the world!
Very quickly, the anime plunges you into an apocalyptic universe. Indeed, from the first minutes of episode 1, an earthquake is felt. So far, nothing very surprising when we know that Japan is regularly affected by this kind of events. However, when the city is hit by a second earthquake setting the city on fire and blood, we quickly understand what hell we will be plunged into. Regarding the scenario, the anime was promising since it was based on facts that could be realized in our world. In 2020, natural disasters could very well damage the world. However, although the first episodes are well paced, the sequel promises to be more disappointing. Some passages of the anime unfold too fast and although they seem to be important to understand the rest of the story, quite few details are revealed. There are also some rather surprising passages. For example, between two episodes where Japan is divided between explosions and tsunami, our characters find themselves in a cult. These facts are quite inconsistent with the rest of the anime and break the rhythm. In addition, the graphics, although correct, leave no expression on the faces of the characters. In view of the events, fear, anger or sadness would have had their place.
A mixture of chaos and terror!
Regarding the atmosphere, the anime begins with a rather soft and relaxing opening. However, the mood of the rest of the series is quite unin keeping with the apocalyptic theme. Indeed, with the exception of the graphics, the soundtrack does not allow you to immerse yourself in the anime as you might want. In addition, the reactions of the characters also do not allow to enjoy the heavy atmosphere that could have reigned over a Japan almost destroyed. With the exception of the first episodes, it is difficult to measure the scale of the disaster. Many characters will also lose their lives. Some sacrifice themselves to save those they love, others on the contrary, could have been avoided and bring quite little as a result of the anime. In addition, given the number of scenes including deaths, blood or drugs, the anime is not recommended for children under 16. Although pleasant to watch, this anime will unfortunately not revolutionize the apocalyptic genre. In a very different register, we invite you to discover the next nugget of Editions Kana, Kingdom of Knowledge !
Trailer
https://youtu.be/3kZe3vXf96Q
