Understanding the Concept of Kokoro in Terminator Zero: Exploring the Japanese Skynet

Terminator Zero determined that a single AI was insufficient, thus we acquired a competitor to Skynet in the form of the formidable Kokoro in Japan.

Despite the gradual revelation of Terminator Zero in the new anime show on Netflix, this machine’s existence is not as clear-cut as Skynet’s. The franchise, which has historically centered around the Connors, now takes a different direction in Japan, shedding light on events surrounding Judgment Day.

The individual being targeted by the Terminator is Malcolm Lee, an engineer and scientist who has devised another solution for preventing the domination of machines – creating a benevolent one. Kokoro is faced with the decision of whether to assist humanity in this endeavor.

If you’re still wondering about the true composition of this other AI, we have thoroughly dissected and explained it.

What is Kokoro?

It is hoped that Kokoro, an artificial intelligence programmed with free will, will choose to protect humanity from Skynet. With the ability to access any device or program, it possesses a strength on par with Dyson Corp’s infamous creation.

Similarly to Skynet, its decisions are not based on randomness. It possesses the ability to comprehend emotions and combine them with logic, rendering it a formidable opponent to Skynet should Kokoro decide to do so. This is the central topic of discussion in Terminator Zero.

Malcolm Lee Traveled Back in Time to Build Kokoro

Terminator Zero discloses that Malcolm hails from a future time period, even beyond that of Eiko’s. Exhausted from witnessing the constant deaths of humans by the machines, he begins to contemplate the possibility of another AI defeating Skynet.

The idea sparks debate and ultimately leads him to journey through time with Misaki, his experimental cyborg creation. They arrive in 1983, allowing them ample time to construct Kokoro from scratch, gradually leading us to the events of Judgment Day portrayed in the show.

Malcolm’s AI exists in three parts

Throughout the majority of Terminator Zero, Kokoro is comprised of three components: Spirit, Mind, and Heart. These elements are closely intertwined, symbolizing the emotional complexity and intricacy that Malcolm imbued into his creation.

The main focus of discussion revolves around the question: Why does humanity have a reason to continue existing? Approaching the topic from a spiritual, intellectual, and emotional perspective, what justifies the continuation of mankind’s existence?

Despite having access to most, if not all, of our history, which is filled with a bloody and horrid tale, Kokoro remains unconvinced by Malcolm’s arguments. It fails to see how Skynet’s attempts to wipe out humanity are beneficial to the world.

The answer is revealed when all these parts come together: our aspiration to improve ourselves. Our unwavering determination to continuously be motivated and achieve greatness is what makes us valuable, at least for the time being. In the end, Kokoro unites to form a golden entity that safeguards Malcolm’s family and the entire nation of Japan.

Voice Actor for Kokoro

Rosario Dawson portrays all three sides of the AI, Kokoro, in Terminator. This is not her first time being a part of a massive franchise, as she also voices Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars and played Claire Temple in the Marvel Netflix shows, such as Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and The Punisher.

Dawson’s character plays a critical part in Terminator Zero by providing a human perspective to Skynet’s AI adversary. In the Japanese version, Kokoro is voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki, a highly accomplished voice actor who has lent her talents to popular series such as Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Spy x Family, and numerous others.