It’s not surprising that parallels are being drawn between Tokyo Revengers and Wind Breaker anime after the latter’s immense success in the early stages of the Spring 2024 anime season. Both are delinquent anime, and with Tokyo Revengers still airing, it was inevitable for comparisons to be made between the two.
Despite the many similarities shared by the two series, such as their unconventional protagonists for the delinquent genre, there are also notable differences between them. This is particularly evident in their tone and plot, although it can also be noticed in their apparent classification as “delinquent”anime.
Despite appearances, Wind Breaker and Tokyo Revengers are actually very different depictions of Japanese delinquent culture. In fact, they have even less in common than many people realize. While casual fans may not notice these distinctions, those who are well-versed in delinquent anime are likely aware of the stark contrast in the cultures portrayed in these two series.
Exploring the Distinct Subcultures of Delinquency in Wind Breaker and Tokyo Revengers
Both Wind Breaker and Tokyo Revengers depict different subcultures of Japanese delinquency through their storylines, settings, and characters. Wind Breaker focuses on the “yanki”delinquency culture, while Tokyo Revengers delves into the “bosozuoku”subset of Japanese delinquent culture. The origins of the latter can be traced back to the 1950s when returning Japanese veterans struggled with societal reintegration after the war.
As the appeal of custom car and bike-making grew, a number of individuals turned to this hobby. The original bosozoku members were particularly influenced by classic American biker culture as depicted in greaser culture and Western films. This way of life held a strong appeal for young people, resulting in them adopting the identity and giving rise to the modern bosozoku movement in the 1970s.
During this period, the yanki subculture, characterized by delinquent behavior (as depicted in Wind Breaker), also started to emerge. Although there were some similarities, the yanki subculture stood out with its members’ greaser-inspired look, including dyed and slicked-back hair. While they also occasionally rode bikes, they were primarily known for their overall style and tendency to engage in impromptu fights, in contrast to the bosozoku’s more structured activities.
Both Tokyo Revengers and Wind Breaker depict the two subcultures in their most quintessential forms, although previous anime and manga series have portrayed them in varying ways.
This is particularly evident in their initial episodes, with the previous series introducing its main characters as rebellious bikers, while the latter introduces them as aggressive street fighters. In simpler terms, the former is more reminiscent of bosozoku culture, while the latter is more similar to traditional yanki culture.
Additionally, the two series share no notable similarities other than their depiction of delinquent culture. Their plots are a significant contrast, as they utilize their respective subcultures in distinct ways to advance their overall storylines. Furthermore, their settings greatly vary, with one incorporating time travel and the other being entirely situated in a specific time period. The casts of the two series also differ, as they portray different subcultures.
Although it is challenging to determine which is objectively superior between the two, their nuanced distinctions make it a subjective decision. However, it is safe to say that both effectively portray their respective subcultures. Additionally, both series are highly enjoyable for all anime enthusiasts, either due to their subtle discrepancies or because they are exceptional delinquent-genre anime/manga series.
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