The events of 9/11 have had a profound cultural impact, and one anime that draws inspiration from this catastrophe has gained significant notoriety.
While there are few anime shows or movies that directly depict the destruction of the Twin Towers, the subject is understandably divisive, leading many creators to avoid overt political themes in their work.
However, one notable series addresses this tragedy head-on. Terror in Resonance, directed by Cowboy Bebop’s Shinichirō Watanabe and produced by studio MAPPA, includes explicit references to the events of 9/11 and stirred controversy as a result.
Released in 2014, Terror in Resonance follows two teenage boys, Nine and Twelve, who wield an atomic bomb to hold Tokyo hostage. They challenge the public to solve a puzzle they’ve devised; failure to do so will result in detonation.
These characters are products of a secret program aimed at creating super-soldiers, and they exhibit formidable capabilities. The series comprises 11 episodes, making clear parallels to extremism and the radicalization of youth through secretive environments and online threats.
The promotional poster accentuates these themes, depicting the main characters against a skyline with burning skyscrapers—a more overt representation than many country music ballads might offer.
Shinichiro Watanabe previously discussed the political undercurrents of the series, indicating a desire to reflect the policies of former Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.
“It’s very much linked to the Abe administration. There’s a minister who’s said that he believes Japan should have nuclear weapons. So it’s a possibility,” he told Otaku News.
He also aimed to spark interest in politics among Japanese youth, stating that many lack engagement in political matters.
If the goal was to create a lasting impact, Terror in Resonance achieved it. Though it earned widespread acclaim, the show was banned by the Chinese Ministry of Culture due to its terrorism-related content.
Additionally, it was celebrated with multiple awards, including Anime of the Year, at the inaugural Anime Trending Awards. For those interested, the series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Leave a Reply