Anime serves as a kind of escape from reality, yet it often intertwines with real-world events, as well as human and scientific phenomena that are indeed real – albeit in a way that can be quite far-fetched. Numerous animated films and series are closely linked to “true events.” So, how does anime fit into this?
Many historical anime have successfully utilized various famous historical figures, and there are more than a few that are set against the most significant historical backdrops. However, generally speaking, anime based on entirely true stories is quite rare.
The beauty of anime lies in the notion that anything can happen in its world, yet there are moments where you might feel a slight (or sometimes a considerable) sense of reality juxtaposed against the imaginary.
1. Anime – True Events
Often, the reality can be stranger (or just as sad) as fiction. Below are some anime that reference real historical events that you might not have known about.
ZIPANG
“Zipang” is a historical anime that revolves around a historical turning point that could indeed have occurred, featuring time travelers who happen to find themselves in a different time period. The time travel event is reminiscent of a true incident (or a fictionalized account of it) – the Philadelphia Experiment. On October 28, 1943, the USS Eldridge (DE-173) was anchored in the Philadelphia Naval Yard when it suddenly became invisible. Witnesses reported the ship disappearing in a flash of light and then appearing in Norfolk, Virginia, over 200 miles away. A few minutes later, it reappeared in Philadelphia as if nothing had happened.
The theory suggests that the ship was cloaked and transformed, leading to speculation that it had traveled through time to a previous moment. “Zipang” took this idea and made it the core theme, contemplating what might have happened if a battleship traveled back to the time of the Battle of Midway during World War II.
MAWARU PENGUINDRUM
Additionally, “Mawaru Penguindrum” follows the strange journey of two brothers striving to save their sister who suffers from a rare illness. In reality, the entire premise of this anime is tied to events that occurred on March 20, 1995. This significant date marks the infamous sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway. On that day, a group from the Aum Shinrikyo cult released sarin gas, resulting in 13 deaths and thousands injured. Rather than focusing on the victims of the attack, the film portrays the aftermath experienced by the siblings affected by the incident.
STEINS;GATE
In 2000 and 2001, an individual named John Titor appeared on numerous online forums claiming to be a time traveler from the year 2036. He provided several predictions, including detailed information about time travel technology, which caused a significant stir on the internet. If you watch “Steins;Gate,” you will see the character John Titor as part of the plot, and he is based on the predictions made by this individual – aside from the fact that time travel is entirely fictional, while many people concluded that his claims were merely scams.
2. Anime – Historical Figures
Historical anime are often not rare; you can easily recognize specific phrasing, dialogue, and general contexts from the anime that relate to a distinct historical period. Sometimes, famous historical figures appear (even though they might differ slightly from their real-life counterparts) right in the center of the narrative.
HOTARU NO TAKA (GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES)
The series of events depicted in “Grave of the Fireflies” not only portrays a true story but also carries a narrative essence. The film is based on the story of Nosaka Akiyuki in 1967, a semi-autobiographical work recounting events before, during, and after the devastating air raids on Kobe in 1945. Nosaka lost his father and two sisters during the bombings, and this tragic tale serves as an apology from him to his deceased sister, making the film even more poignant.
(NHK NI YOUKOSO) WELCOME TO THE NHK
“Welcome to the NHK” revolves around the intricate details of a life of a “hikikomori,” someone who lives in extreme social isolation. The author Takimoto Tatsuhiko can draw upon his own life experience, as he is also a hikikomori. Following the success of his book and the various anime adaptations, Takimoto has discussed the issues faced by the protagonist, which reflect his own struggles. Unfortunately, the success of the book has further exacerbated Takimoto’s own situation, leading him to retreat even further into being a “NEET” – living as a parasite off the resources of society.
GINTAMA
“Gintama” may seem like a comedy and simple entertainment, but remember, the characters have been built upon real historical figures. The events depicted are often based on true occurrences, even if they are presented in a humorous manner to entertain the audience. The website “http://www.yorozuyasoul.com/gintama/historical_influences” even has a complete list of the historical events and figures that have influenced the series. Indeed, you could argue that watching “Gintama” is akin to viewing a show that serves an educational purpose.
3. Anime – Scientific Theories
You would be surprised to learn how many scientific theories have been incorporated into anime. Even the series “Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann” must have spent months on the drawing board as anime studios explored how to make the ideas scientifically plausible. The following anime have raised real theories to new heights, creating a world that could indeed be believable.
PLANETES
“Planetes” is a hard sci-fi anime that emphasizes the accuracy of science and technical detail. It excels in creating a world in which space travel is the norm, focusing on topics such as space debris maintenance and other less glamorous tasks that you might not think about when consuming typical science fiction.
TOKYO MAGNITUDE 8.0
In March 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake struck Japan. Two years prior, “Tokyo Magnitude 8.0” had already preemptively warned about this event, or more accurately, its impending consequences. This anime isn’t just another story about “natural disasters in Japan,” it is based on a realistic prediction of Japan facing a massive earthquake of over 7 on the Richter scale within 30 years. The film delves into detailed research regarding earthquakes before they occur and also portrays the human element that is affected by such disasters. It presents a stark picture of the potential aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake.
UCHUU KYOUDAI (SPACE BROTHERS)
Like “Planetes,” “Space Brothers” also possesses a high degree of realism, focusing on a journey to become an astronaut. Based on real experiences, it transcends beyond any fictional sci-fi film regarding the reality of space travel – even going so far as to use the actual recordings of astronaut Hoshide Akihiko during his time on the International Space Station.
Source: Myanimelist
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