How Akira Created The Most Iconic CyberPunk City

Summary

This video delves into the iconic anime *Akira*, exploring the creation of its futuristic, layered cityscape of Neo Tokyo. It traces the inspirations behind the city, drawing on Japan’s post-WW2 urbanization, the radical architectural movement of Metabolism, and the visionary work of architect Kenzo Tange. The story of Neo Tokyo is intertwined with themes of societal chaos, lost generations, and the human quest for identity. It also highlights the influence of Fritz Lang’s *Metropolis* on *Akira*, showing how both real and imagined cities have the power to fuel creativity and shape visionary worlds.

Takeaways

• 😀 Akira is a groundbreaking anime set in a futuristic city, Neo Tokyo, born from a mysterious explosion in Tokyo.
• 😀 Neo Tokyo symbolizes a mix of aggressive rebuilding, political turbulence, and technological growth, with themes of identity and human experimentation.
• 😀 The concept of Neo Tokyo was inspired by real-world urbanization and industrialization in Japan, especially the post-WWII 'Japanese Economic Miracle'.
• 😀 Katsuhiro Otomo, the creator of Akira, was influenced by Japan’s rapid urbanization and the youth subculture of Bōsōzoku biker gangs.
• 😀 The architectural influence behind Neo Tokyo includes ideas from the 'Metabolism' movement, particularly the concept of adaptable, growing cities.
• 😀 The idea of a floating island in Tokyo Bay, proposed by architects like Kenzo Tange, inspired the creation of Neo Tokyo in Akira.
• 😀 Kenzo Tange, a prominent architect, blended modernism with traditional Japanese elements, and influenced the design aesthetic of Neo Tokyo.
• 😀 The Yoyogi National Gymnasium, an iconic building by Kenzo Tange, inspired the unfinished Olympic stadium in Akira, symbolizing Japan's post-war revival.
• 😀 Akira used a unique color palette, with 327 distinct colors, to evoke specific emotions and symbolize themes like urgency (red) and artificiality (green).
• 😀 Neo Tokyo’s cityscape and the mega-scale of its architecture are heavily influenced by the 1927 film Metropolis, with skyways symbolizing public-private space divisions.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the anime *Akira*?

The main theme of *Akira* revolves around the rise of a technologically advanced yet chaotic society, exploring issues like human experimentation, civic unrest, and the struggle for identity within a rapidly evolving world.

How does *Akira* depict Neo-Tokyo?

Neo-Tokyo in *Akira* is depicted as a massive, futuristic city that is both organic and mechanical, blending technology and humanity. It is a symbolic representation of the tension between the old and new, with chaotic urban landscapes and vibrant, often sinister aesthetics.

What role did Katsuhiro Otomo's personal experiences play in the creation of *Akira*?

Katsuhiro Otomo's personal experiences, particularly his move to Tokyo in the 1970s, exposed him to urban issues like student protests, gang culture, and homelessness, all of which influenced the development of *Akira* and its portrayal of a society on the brink of collapse.

What is the significance of the Bōsōzoku youth gangs in the context of *Akira*?

The Bōsōzoku youth gangs, known for their rebellious spirit and wild behavior, symbolize a segment of society that feels alienated and left behind in the face of rapid industrialization. This subculture is a key influence on the characters and themes in *Akira*.

How does *Akira* connect with Japan's post-WWII urbanization?

The post-WWII urbanization in Japan, particularly in Tokyo, resulted in overcrowding and a lack of infrastructure, which is reflected in *Akira*. The cityscape of Neo-Tokyo, much like the real Tokyo, represents both the potential and the problems of rapid urban growth.

What architectural movement influenced the design of Neo-Tokyo?

Neo-Tokyo's design was influenced by the Metabolism movement, which advocated for cities as living organisms that could adapt and grow based on the needs of the population. This is reflected in the futuristic, modular cityscape seen in *Akira*.

How did Kenzo Tange's architectural style influence *Akira*?

Kenzo Tange’s radical postwar architecture, which combined modernist and traditional Japanese elements, influenced the design of Neo-Tokyo. His vision of efficient, adaptable buildings and city structures, as well as his work on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, inspired the city’s sprawling, high-tech aesthetic in *Akira*.

What does the use of color in *Akira* symbolize?

Color in *Akira* is used strategically to symbolize different themes. For instance, red symbolizes urgency, danger, and violence, while green represents the unnatural or artificial elements tied to technology and supernatural powers.

How does *Akira*'s depiction of Neo-Tokyo differ from Fritz Lang's *Metropolis*?

Both *Akira* and *Metropolis* depict mega-cities, but *Metropolis* is more focused on a clear vertical separation between classes, with the elite above and the working class below. In contrast, Neo-Tokyo is portrayed as more layered and accessible, with public spaces like skyways providing a sense of connectivity across different levels of society.

What role does the Yoyogi National Gymnasium play in *Akira*?

In *Akira*, the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, designed by Kenzo Tange, serves as an architectural symbol of Japan’s postwar revival and its entry onto the world stage. Its design, with its innovative suspended roof, also serves as an inspiration for the futuristic structures in Neo-Tokyo.