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Abel, you've made a great comparison when you wrote "this is the same principle that gated communities and exclusive clubs are predicated upon." You're absolutely right in that sense. It's quite ridiculous how that girl nearly died in the first episode just for having emotions; in short, just trying to be human and feel.

Psy-Psy-Psycho Pass

Fiction that revolves around the idea of a corrupt, potentially malevolent government utilizing violence to subjugate its citizens in the name of collective safety has been a common trope in literature and film alike for decades, polarized and characterized mostly by the work of George Orwell, particularly “1984.” A sect of philosophy exists that says in order to protect the peace of thousands, you must be prepared to engage in acts of great violence against hundreds of thousands, if not millions—in no greater way is that idea expressed than here, in “Psycho-Pass.”

 Seemingly founded on the same conceptual grounds as “Minority Report,” the plot of this anime seems to revolve around the idea that the government of what appears to be a neo-futuristic, perhaps even Blade Runner-esque Japan uses psychographic technology in conjunction with omnipresent surveillance systems to detect any semblance of malcontent in the hearts of its citizens and preemptively take them into custody, under the assumption that their negative emotions will cause them to commit a crime in the near future.This practice, attempting to quell something before it ever begins, is a common tactic, historically used by regimes that desire complete control over their people. What astounds me is the apparent criminalization of negative emotion, any negative emotion at all. Say if you were having a relatively bad day, or if a man were to accidentally step on your new shoes as you walked down the street, the mere act of being mildly annoyed at the occurrence, in the world of Psycho-Pass, is grounds for mandatory therapy, if not outright arrest, on the grounds that you, an otherwise model citizen, might at some point down the line turn your suppressed negative emotions on your fellow man. One bad day, translated into a life down the drain. 

What truly amazed me was the anime’s inherent criticisms of oppression, policing, corruption, and human nature. As a story that occurs in a land where absolutist thinking seems to be the law of the land, Psycho-Pass serves as a rather poignant reminder that it is simply impossible, or at the very least, deeply irrational, to attempt to reduce the human condition to black and white, going so far as to make the very concept of grey areas a literal criminal offense. Psycho-Pass serves as a mirror held to a world that seems to be rapidly approaching critical mass in terms of how we engage with mental health as a concept, as well as our treatment of it as a factor of life, especially in regards to how mental health may have a deep impact on the manner in which we police our streets. The world of Psycho-Pass is essentially a zero-sum game, where sheer utilitarian militarism is used to ensure “the most happiness for the most people,” as opposed to happiness for all—effectively, Psycho-Pass exists as a monument to the idea of the construction of a utopia for a constricted amount of people, where all who reside within its walls are consistently walking on cloud nine, rather than a society where a larger amount of people are moderately content at best. 

In a way, I understand the rationalization—after all, this is the same principle that gated communities and exclusive clubs are predicated upon. In order to preserve the interests of the few, the desires of the many are curtailed by putting up barriers to entry; however, Psycho-Pass takes it to new heights by inciting the death penalty for all those who dare feel even the slightest twinge of anger, sadness, or even fear, as evidenced by the very first episode of the show, where the victim of a violent crime is very nearly put to death because the pseudoscientific system that governs the whole of Psycho-Pass’ society deems her latent emotions to be a threat to herself and others. 

That said, I actually found this anime to be quite the entertaining watch! It was well made and caused me to think very, very deeply about both myself and the society within which I reside.

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Pyscho-Pass

Psycho-Pass is an intriguing anime that revolves around the Sibyl System. The Sibyl System is a made-up system of government that revolves around a type of overseeing network that keeps track of a person’s mental states, emotions, and likeliness to commit a crime. This is their “Psycho-Pass,” with “Crime Coefficients” determining if someone is a danger to others within their community. If a person’s Crime Coefficient surpasses a certain limit, they are either arrested or killed. 

Pyscho-Pass subtly pokes at real-world social issues in Japan. The anime alludes to the authoritarian-feeling control from the government, mental health standards imposed by the government, and overall faults in how the government operates. For example, it is a fact that Japan has low crime rates. This may be a good thing overall, but that is because Japan overlooks a lot of their own citizen’s actions. When in comparison to Psycho-Pass, the anime takes an extreme position by doing the same thing, and then some, by taking fatal measures where needed. 

Growing up, I observed a lot of my friends having stricter parents than my own, which I thought was impossible at the time. Just like any other kid, I figured my parents were very strict on me because I couldn’t do whatever I wanted, when I wanted. Seeing this form of parenting could be seen as a form of the Sibyl System, at least through a kid’s eyes. Of course, it would not end up as it would in the show, but the equivalent would be getting grounded and stripped of my ability to freely do as I’d please. 

This anime, along with other anime presented so far in the class, all seem to share a theme that Japan’s society is controlled by a higher power, and it is either very difficult to escape authority, or impossible to. Though Japan may seem to be a safe and tame place on the surface, the shows and movies presented to the class so far hint at the fact that Japan’s citizens may be suffocating deep down.

Here's Ginoza and Kogami.

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Abel, I must admit, the Kirito-Asuna sideplot was interesting, to say the least. To focus on your main idea, SAO puts on a beautiful display of escapism and definitely tells more about Japan and their culture than what's on the surface. The persistence put on display by Kirito of making decisions, knowing they might end up in his demise yet still following through with them is something to take note of.

Simulated Swords Still Sting

Perhaps one of the greatest portrayals of escapism ever penned, Sword Art Online (SAO) is easily one of my favorite fictional works of all time. Tackling ideas such as social identity, depression, addiction, and even individual perceptions of reality, SAO goes to tremendous lengths to explore what lies at the core of humanity’s desires, as well as what we would do to cling to that which we hold dear, even when some would argue that we shouldn't.

The idea that lies at the core of SAO as a concept and powers its story is the nature of perception. SAO’s story revolves around thousands of players logging into a virtual reality MMORPG, only to discover that they are now unable to log outof said MMO, effectively trapped in a fantasy world. This dilemma is only heightened by the revelation that if they are to somehow die while logged into the game, they will lose their life in reality as well. While many players initially panic, a great number soon acclimate to their newfound predicament and even begin to thrive, some even going so far as to claim that they prefer the world of SAO to the “real world,” including our MC, Kirito, who claims that he feels more alive in SAO’s Aincrad than he ever did on the outside. Even the creator of SAO, a scientist and an objectively intelligent man, finds his life to be wanting and proceeds to quite literally play God in a world of his own creation.

SAO’s story goes to rather great lengths to examine the nature of perception as previously stated, but also mankind’s own innate nature, the manner in which he makes decisions that he knows will eventually likely lead to his demise, but he continues to make them anyway. In my eyes, the four pillars of SAO’s story are as thus: perception, escapism, identity, and liberty. When watching the show, I found myself puzzling over the implications of SAO’s plotline and questioning what would happen if something similar were to happen in our own world. The question of individual freedom arises in such a hypothetical, as, despite the fact that we may not like it, a person does technically have the freedom to confine themselves to a virtual reality for long periods of time, if not indefinitely, so long as they do so of their own free will. We already have individuals whose entire lives revolve around one or two video games, people who commit every waking moment to their poison of choice—dissatisfied with who they are intrinsically, therefore electing to self-isolate and pour their soul into a world where they feel as if they have value, where they have potential. 

This brings me back to SAO—in a world where an individual can don a piece of virtual reality headgear that quite literally interfaces with their brain to create as faithful a replica of a fantastical reality as possible, where do you draw the line between the world of Aincrad and the world to be found here on Earth? Ethically, if a man or woman were to find their “real” world lives to be pitiful and elect to escape to the world of SAO, proceeding to build a life and attain happiness, would you be justified in attempting to rip said life from them, against their will, on the grounds that it is virtual?

Take Kirito and Asuna—two people who are trapped in a virtual world together but also appear to indisputably love each other. In the event that the two escape SAO and find each other in the real world, would they brush off the romance they had in SAO and continue as perfect strangers, rationalizing that because SAO was a simulated reality, their romance was also simulated and therefore forfeit? Who is to say what does and does not deserve to be defined as “real” and/or “valuable,” and why? 

Overall, I found SAO to be a thrilling watch. This show perfectly threads the needle between issues relating to Japanese and collective society alike while expertly exploring the nature of humanity. 

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Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online is a captivating anime that is about gamer Kazuto Kirigaya that becomes trapped in a VR MMORPG game, and the only way out is to beat all 100 floors of the game. The twist on this game is that if they die in the game, they die in real life. Kirito, Kazuto’s in-game character, goes through a multitude of challenges to try and find his way out of the game. This can be seen as a parallel to Japan’s mockery of their individuals isolating themselves to engage in gaming rather than participate in society. 

Immediately, the exact same idea is found in Eden of the East. This idea of social isolation is represented in Eden of the East through their own characters, nicknamed NEETs for Not in Education, Employment, or Training. Where Sword Art Online differs is the competitive aspect of it being a video game after all. This entices a sort of “may the strongest one win” mentality that could, in turn, push people to want to win even more, especially considering that death is on the line if they do not. Kirito tries to find people to help him on his way out, yet no one seems to be able to handle being the accomplice of someone so strong-willed. 

My first thought that comes to mind when trying to compare this to my life is trying to make the basketball team in high school. Of course, it does not compare to something as drastic as death. In this comparison, I’m thinking of funneling down to the final thirteen students that make the team out of the one hundred plus students that try out for the team. They both deliver the same message: only the strongest succeed.

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The use of NEETs in Eden of the East make for a great example in how the world operates today with the younger generation. A struggle is getting children into work and getting them to become functioning members of society. It's ironic that they are useful once it comes to using the internet or contacting them through the internet. This is something that my roommates and I refer to as screenagers.

Eden of the East (2009) and Work Culture Struggle

This miniseries initially feels challenging to follow, but as the mystery of Takizawa’s identity and mission unfolds, it becomes increasingly captivating. The show critiques social issues faced by young people not only in Japan but in many industrialized nations. Many of the younger characters are filled with angst and a desire to bring about significant change, yet they often seem unsure of how to achieve it, leaving them with feelings of frustration and resentment.

The story primarily revolves around Saki, a soon-to-be college graduate trying to break into the “respectable” adult world by landing her first real job. Despite using family connections to secure an interview, she ultimately fails to make a strong impression. Her last-minute need to reschedule and her inability to stand out during the interview process contribute to her rejection. This episode resonated with me, as I’ve personally experienced the harsh and dehumanizing nature of corporate culture and the grueling interview process. And for what? A mediocre job that demands the majority of your time and energy while offering as little as possible in return.

Like many young adults, Saki is burdened by societal and family expectations to find her place in society. However, she eventually makes a deliberate choice to reject work culture and instead spends the rest of the season with her friends from the “Eden club,” assisting Takizawa in recovering his memory and unraveling the mystery of the missile strike incident.

This rejection of traditional work culture is also reflected in the show’s portrayal of NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), such as Hirasawa from the “Eden club,” Panties from Episode 8, and the army of NEETs introduced later. While NEETs are often dismissed as lazy and worthless, the series ultimately subverts this perception in that, in Episode 12, the NEETs use their unique skills to literally save society. Hirasawa even describes being a NEET as an act of defiance—a conscious refusal to participate in a broken system.

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Eden of the East

Eden of the East is an anime that criticizes citizens of Japan that are out of work and living off their parent’s savings. These people are nicknamed NEETs, or Not in Education, Employment, or Training. Throughout the show we follow Saki Morimi going through her shuushoku (a process that seniors in college go through to look for regular salaried employment) and how she doesn’t enjoy the process. Saki isn’t a NEET but is attracted to Akira Takizawa’s mission of saving Japan through the NEETs. 

The Selecao system is a metaphor for Japan’s government, mimicking how a select few are given immense power to save the country. Mr. Outside, the creator of the system, is revealed throughout the show to be an old, wealthy man. Mr. Outside helped build postwar Japan. 

I had my first job at sixteen. My parents told me I had to get a job if I wanted to start saving up for college. I got hired at Dairy Queen and I worked at the ice cream part of the restaurant. I did not want a job at the time, though, so I took matters into my own hands and quit. In a way, I could have been classified as a NEET since I was only in mandatory high school but not employed or training. It was not until I was seventeen, almost eighteen, that I became a contributing factor to the economy. 

In my head, I correlate NEETs from Eden of the East to Chihiro’s parents in Spirited Away. NEETs in Eden of the East seem to have an unlimited amount of money through their parents’ savings, and Chihiro’s parents represent an excess of wealth, but also greed.

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I agree with your view and the show's structure on how each girl in the group had their own personal experiences/struggles they had to deal with and come to terms with on their adventure to Antarctica. The most captivating part of this anime had to be Shirase Kobuchizawa and her logging in to her mother's email. Also, great closing statement on this blog by stating "the greatest adventures often start with that first step." The issue with many people nowadays is they are too comfortable with where they are at, which is okay, until they decide it's not. A lot of people should take the advice that sometimes you have to be uncomfortable to get comfortable. Life is ever growing and ever changing, and we must flow with the river of life and enjoy what it has to provide for us as humans.

Stepping Beyond Comfort: The Inspiring Story of A Place Further Than the Universe

Written and created by Yorimoi, A Place Further Than the Universe aired in Japan in 2018. With a total of 13 episodes, this anime explores what it’s like to step outside your comfort zone and embark on a journey of self-discovery. It highlights the importance of taking risks, forming meaningful friendships, and pushing boundaries. 

A Place Further Than the Universe reflects core values of Japanese culture, such as perseverance, teamwork, and the courage to defy societal expectations.  

Shirase, Mari, Hinata, and Yuzuki embark on a journey to Antarctica that allows them to break free from societal norms and overcome the doubts of those around them. While their determination and resilience reflect Japan's cultural values, the serie’s themes resonate with audiences worldwide. 

On a global level, this series delves into topics like personal growth, grief, and the true meaning of friendship. For example, Yuzuki initially struggles with feelings of isolation and impostor syndrome, doubting whether she belongs among the close-knit group of Mari, Shirase, and Hinata. However, when the girls surprise her with a small birthday cake, it’s a heartfelt moment that makes her realize she has found true friends who care for her as a person, not just for her status. 

On a personal level, I found A Place Further Than the Universe to be a profound journey of self-discovery for all the main characters. The moment that pulled at my heartstrings the most was when the girls found the laptop of Shirase’s late mother. Upon loading it up, Shirase discovers all of the emails she had sent her mother over the years. Its a heartfelt moment because as Shirase is doing this, Mari, Hinata, and Yuzuki are all there offering their support. 

This anime beautifully portrays what it’s like to push boundaries and venture into unfamiliar territory. It’s a universal experience—whether starting a new chapter in life or taking a leap of faith, the story inspires viewers to trust their instincts and the people around them, even when the future seems uncertain. 

A Place Further Than the Universe isn’t just a story—it’s a reminder that the greatest adventures often begin with that first step... 

My Rating: 10/10

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Ramsey, you are well-spoken when discussing one of my favorite anime movies of all time, Spirited Away. We share agreement on how Japan had a rapid climb to modernization and how that had conflicted with people in Japan at the time. No-face is a well-written character in this movie by demonstrating how capitalist greed, let alone capitalism, is a system that must be carefully taken care of and kept in balance and in check. Chihiro is a great protagonist by demonstrating how a "just work harder" mindset can defeat internal struggles and thoughts with capitalism and how it operates.

Spirted Away

Spirited Away is one of those magical anime movies that has a lot of deeper meaning under the surface. The narrative centers on Chihiro, a young child who must find her way through a mysterious spirit world in order to save her parents. The movie addresses topics that seem very real, both in Japan and around the world, despite being set in a fantasy setting. The way Chihiro is compelled to give up her name to Yubaba is one of Spirited Away's major themes, which is the loss of identity in modern society. This concept is related to Japan's fast modernization and the conflict between tradition and advancement. On a global scale, it seems to be a commentary on how simple it is to lose oneself in a society that is preoccupied with work, consumerism, and change. The movie's opening scene, an abandoned theme park, seems to be a reference to how consumerism frequently leaves behind remnants of the past. Personally, I found Chihiro's journey to be a tale of maturing and discovering one's inner strength. I was reminded of times when I had to adjust to new, frightening circumstances, such as starting school in a new city or taking on challenges that seemed way too big for me, as I watched her change from a scared, nervous kid to someone who can manage herself in this chaotic world. The film's emphasis on respect, whether it was for people, the environment, or even things like food and hard work, is another aspect of it that I adore. The customs and laws of the spirit world may seem odd, but they serve as a reminder of how harmony and balance can be achieved by respecting our surroundings. All things considered, Spirited Away is more than just a fun watch, it's a meditation on identity, resiliency, and the bonds that bind us in the world.

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A Place Further Than the Universe

Despite Japan’s late entry to capitalism, A Place Further Than the Universe (APFTTU for short) homes in on the romanticizing of escaping a capitalist society and enjoying life free from the shackles of employment. APFTTU is an anime that glorifies Antarctica, which in the show is literally a place further than the universe, in terms of Antarctica is further than the barrier from Earth’s atmosphere to outer space. Mari Tamaki and an accomplice she meets, Shirase Kobuchizawa, vow to go to Antarctica for different reasons each. Mari feels she is not living her high school life to the fullest and needs to live before being tied down by a capitalist society, while Shirase vows to go to Antarctica to try and find her mother that had disappeared three years prior. 

The stretch can be made that I can relate this to myself by agreeing that the feeling of freedom from a capitalist society is euphoric, but everything in life comes with a price. One can only be unemployed for so long. I understand unemployment and the pros to it, yet I also understand unemployment and the cons to it. Living in a world without a capitalist-consumerist system feels “barren,” as Shirase’s mother had said in the show. It is true. Living just to live without feeling needed is an empty feeling, and while unemployment grants unlimited free time and the ability to do whatever you’d like, doing whatever you’d like all costs money, that you should be making by working a job and contributing to the flow of the economy. 

This show connects Spirited Away and our original discussion post, which I had done mine on the game Fallout 4. All three topics share how capitalism is a system that locks people in for life, because there is no other way to live rather than being a working cog in the machine of capitalism. With Spirited Away, we see No-face take control by taking advantage of people’s mindset while in a capitalist society (greed, loneliness, etc.). With Fallout 4, we see the possibility of eternal damnation when a greedy company (Vault-Tec) controls a capitalist government. Finally, in APFTTU, a group of schoolgirls venture out to Antarctica to find Shirase’s mother, only to find she has passed away with her final words basically saying, “a world without capitalism is beautiful, but since I didn’t return to a capitalist society, it has killed me.”

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Brandon Bozeman - Spirited Away

Miyazaki's Spirited Away is a symbolic film in the sense that it reflects different aspects and eras of Japan's society. The film explores themes of consumerism and identity through the journey of Chihiro, the main character of the movie. One issue that the film Spirited Away focuses on is Japan's quick rise to a strong economy and its impact on traditional culture. This rapid growth in the economy was stimulated by the idea that consumerism was a leading reason for the fall of Japan's economic status. Chihiro, a young girl, sets out to reverse the impact of consumerism that was left on her parents by simply getting a job. This is a theme mirrored by real life, because in real life, Japan's rapid growth to the second strongest economy in the world was based off the idea that Japan and its' people simply need to just work harder. No-face is the embodiment of everything negative that surrounds the culture at the time, that being people that lose their own identity into their own environment, laziness, and greed. 

This movie somewhat mirrors my own experience with how I came about to getting into college. I had taken one gap year from high school and made plans to move out to Gainesville for school, but I did not have enough money to pay for classes, food, an apartment, just everything in general. My parents were unable to financially support me, so I stayed home, got a higher paying job, and saved up so I could afford to go to school and live out here in Gainesville. So, in a way, I can resonate with the “work harder” persona that Spirited Away focuses on, since I had to apply that to myself and my future.

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Hello, world. 😏

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When you're too desperate

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YouTube are you okay