Netflix Natural Disaster Anime Is A Gorgeous End To Civilization

The series may have been overshadowed by the fact that it did indeed release in 2020, which happened to be the year that most of the world was dealing with a real life disaster in the form of the pandemic.

Understandably, many audiences probably did not want to be reminded of something depressing in a similar form of entertainment. But with the pandemic now behind us, Japan Sinks: 2020 is getting the attention it deserves.

Based on a classic novel of nearly the same name (minus the 2020) from the ‘70s, the story actually has had many adaptations. The same year the book was released, it was also turned into a movie.

The following year, it was also turned into a television drama. It has even already received remakes and parody films. However, Japan Sinks: 2020 still stands out critically as one of the best adaptations.

One of the common themes throughout all versions of the story is that the disaster is precipitated by an earthquake. However, Japan Sinks: 2020 switches up the formula by adding a more modern day twist of having the story begin shortly after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The different versions of the story keep the core focal point of the disaster, but actually differ a lot in the characters who are left to deal with the situation, making each version unique.

In Japan Sinks: 2020, it is 14-year-old Ayumu who is the main character. The young girl is with her younger brother when the quake hits, sending the area into a panic to find safety.

Despite their own lack of resources as two kids surrounded by adults trying to save themselves, the siblings desperately try to reunite with their family and friends and all escape before the conditions in Japan begin costing people their lives.

Critics offered a lot of praise to Japan Sinks: 2020 when it came out. Reviewers enjoyed the excitement of the fast pace of the drama, but also liked the moments of humanity and hope that were put on display by the trying conditions that the characters were subjected to.

As other disaster stories like Titanic demonstrate, situations of crisis can bring out the worst in people as everyone devolves into their selfish desire to save themselves at any cost. However, a crisis can also reveal the heroics of a character as they risk their own life to save others who would not otherwise make it. Japan Sinks: 2020 explore all of these themes across its 10-episode journey.

If you are looking for a story about survival that you may not have watched before, Japan Sinks: 2020 could be a great option for you. It could especially appeal to anime fans, with some critics calling it one of the best anime series released in 2020.