Japan Sinks: 2020

Based on the 1973 bestselling novel "Japan Sinks" by Sakyo Komatsu, Japan Sinks: 2020 is a Netflix original series that premiered in July 2020. As part of Netflix's initiative to diversify its offerings and appeal to a global audience, the series marks one of the first major forays into anime for the streaming giant from the Japanese market.

The series, consisting of ten episodes, presents a poignant and critical exploration of the human condition in a gripping disaster narrative. The show is set in contemporary Tokyo, immersing the viewer quickly into an environment that is both familiar and relatable. In line with the title, the series opens with an unexpected and violent earthquake that shakes the foundations of Japan, both physically and metaphorically. This is not your typical monster-at-large scenario or alien invasion, but rather a cataclysmic event that brings about earth-shattering changes and uncertainty.

Japan Sinks: 2020 centers around the Mutoh family, consisting of four members - the optimistic father Koichiro, diligent mother Mari, pugilistic elder daughter Ayumu and the young, gentle son, Gō. Each character is well-drawn and given a distinct personality, making them exceptional in their own right, rather than mere placeholders in the story. Both Ayumu and Gō, becoming the representative eyes from their generation, portray beautiful growth arcs against the backdrop of disaster and turmoil. However, it's the ordinary nature of this family that makes them a perfect lens through which we view the tragedy befalling the nation.

As the narrative progresses, Japan Sinks: 2020 solidly combines elements of drama, tragedy, and moments of unexpected levity with a sense of brutal realism that is tinged with science fiction. It deftly explores themes of family ties, survival, self-sacrifice, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of crisis. The series presents a stark look at societal collapse as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions wreak havoc across the country. Amidst this turmoil, the Mutoh family, along with an array of diverse characters they meet along their journey, struggle to stay alive, shedding a light on human nature in its rawest form.

The animation, supervised by the renowned Science SARU studio, is both sleek and expressive in its depiction of the unfolding disaster. The quality production provides a balanced contrast between the lovingly detailed depiction of Japan's cityscapes and the terrifying scale of destruction that follows. This striking visual imagery coupled with a thoughtfully curated sound design, significant attention to detail and a haunting score by Kensuke Ushio, immerses viewers deeply into the tragedy that the Mutoh family and the people of Japan are experiencing.

It's interesting to note that Japan Sinks: 2020 is directed by Masaaki Yuasa, esteemed for his unique and dynamic approach to anime storytelling. Known for his distinct visual style and emotive storytelling, Yuasa illustrates the intensifying despair and fleeting hopes of the characters with a kind of sensitivity seldom seen in the genre.

Though dealing with Japan's geographical sinking, Japan Sinks: 2020 extends beyond just telling a disaster story. The series contemplates and critiques personal and societal values, morals, and attitudes in the face of impending doom. It showcases how adversity brings out the best and the worst in people and confronts its viewers with thought-provoking situations and dilemmas.

While Japan Sinks: 2020 is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that can feel overwhelming due to the constant peril the characters find themselves in, it is gripping, heart-wrenching, and somewhat cathartic. It's a hard-hitting depiction of survival and loss while subtly commenting on the various aspects of human life, relationships, and societal structures.

In conclusion, Japan Sinks: 2020 provides a fresh take on the disaster genre, making it stand out amidst the plethora of anime available on Netflix. Heartbreakingly beautiful and brutally honest, this series will resonate deeply with viewers, leaving them with lasting impressions and questions about their own humanity and resilience. Japan Sinks: 2020 is not just a tale of survival, but a reflection on what it means to live, love, and lose in extraordinary circumstances.