With all that is going on in the world right now, perhaps no other TV series or anime is more relevant than one about the imminent demise of an entire country. That is exactly what we see play out in Japan Sinks: 2020, a 1973 disaster novel that will soon be released as a Netflix original anime series.
The Netflix anime series is directed by Masaaki Yuasa (Devilman Crybaby, Walk On Girl, and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken) and is based off a novel by Sakyo Komatsu which won many literary awards after its released and was highly praised for not only its depiction of a natural disaster but how it was placed in the cultural context of Japan in the ‘70s.
Here is the official synopsis of Japan Sinks: 2020 from Netflix,
An ordinary family is put to the test as a series of massive earthquakes throw Japan into total mayhem. From director Masaaki Yuasa (Devilman Crybaby), the first anime adaptation of the bestselling science fiction novel by Sakyo Komatsu.
As many of us know earthquakes and tsunamis are a common occurrence in Japan, as it sits on the boundaries of destructive tectonic plates which often collide. This geographical fact is the basis for both the novel and the anime adaptation.
While there are no kaijus or supernatural forces trying to destroy Japan in this anime, it is a very real threat that happens in real life too. As we watch the disaster unfold across Japan in the 10 episode series, we also follow a family trying to make sense of everything and trying their best to survive against what seems to be truly insurmountable odds.
Japan Sinks: 2020 will premiere on Netflix on 9 July 2020.
Germaine is a fun-sized introvert who loves nothing better than sleeping in on rainy days. She can be found reading fanfiction and manga while still waiting for her Hogwarts acceptance letter. It’ll come eventually.
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