Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo is considered one of the pillars of Japanese animated films, a timeless masterpiece that can still attract the attention of millions of viewers thanks to its unique style, the emphasis on certain topics and the interesting and despotic setting.
But it can also hide behind large works a stressful work environment. Although the sector has changed profoundly over the past few decades thanks to the development of new technology, sustained deadline work rates continue to plague the lives of animators today. This is exactly what emerges from a hidden message left by one of Akira’s animators and identified by an observant enthusiast.
The user @HikozaTwi actually shared the frame on Twitter that you can see at the bottom of the page, highlighting what is on the notice on the framed device. From what the community analyzed and translated after the discovery, the text of the message is: “Why do I have to draw this part too? Leave me alone. Damned.”
Words of resignation and deep frustration from an artist whose identity remains unknown and likely will remain unknown and who shows a sad connection to a problem that persists in a society in which the serenity of the employees is overshadowed to respect the requirements imposed by the market, which are now more and more geared towards excited and continuous consumption.
Finally, remember that Akira was banned in Russia and we will leave you with a stop motion video dedicated to its most iconic scene.
AKIRA の 25 号 予 言 シ ー ン に 作画 ス ッ フ の 悲痛 な 叫 び が 隠 さ れ い ま し た た （い ま 知 っ た pic.twitter.com/ScogXd89oN
– 非 恵 川 ひ こ ざ @ 2 回 接種 マ ン (@HikozaTwi) December 24, 2021
