Japan Divided Over 9-Second 'Anti-War' Animation: Why?

A 9-second short animation carrying an "anti-war" message is creating a buzz on social media in Japan.

Posted on X (formerly Twitter) by animation artist Akiko Nakano on September 2, the animation (https://x.com/Toki2199r/status/2094962389733232658/video/1) had recorded 10.7 million views as of the morning of October 26.

The animation depicts a bomber reflected in the eyes of a young girl looking up at the sky. After bombs drop from the bomber, the screen turns red, and the message "NO WAR" appears.

The buzz surrounding this animation, which is less than 10 seconds long, is not simply due to its high view count.

It is because the video's release on X sparked a flurry of posts criticizing both the animation and its creator.

Sarcastic comments flooded in, such as "This is the era of drones" and "This is a war-morale-boosting animation showing we need a proper air defense system (to protect the girl)."

While the critical posts are presumed to have been written by some far-right social media users, analysts note that they offer a glimpse into the recent trend where the straightforward and ordinary message of "anti-war" easily becomes a target of attack.

The Tokyo Shimbun described this atmosphere as "an era where 'anti-war' is treated like a fool and attacked."

Regarding this issue, a talk concert featuring female artists, including Nakano, was recently held in Tokyo.

Nakano lamented, "I made this video simply with the thought that I don't want to die in a war or kill anyone, and I never expected such a reaction. Saying 'anti-war' turns you into an icon (target) that is 'okay to attack.'"

Singer Yumi Tamai said, "Especially over the past year or two, there has been talk like, 'Isn't saying anti-war a sign that your ideology is too strong?'" and manga artist Mami Fukuchi expressed regret, saying, "There is an atmosphere that says, 'The trend of the world is not anti-war, and this person doesn't get it.'"

Ahead of the House of Representatives election held this year, a female essayist posted on X, "Mom, I'm going to stop the war," which sparked a reaction, but also drew fierce attacks on social media.

Nakano told the Tokyo Shimbun, "While I do worry that making political remarks might cost me my work, I will say what I have to say," adding that she is planning her next anti-war animation.

(Photo: Capture from Akiko Nakano's X, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.