October 7, 2006 | 
Opening Theme: 「COLORS」 by FLOW
Download: HIGH-RES AVI format (34.2MB) | PSP format (16.4MB)
While I watched this, I was wondering if Sunrise for some reason receives an order from the Japanese government to create a nationalistic series. To tell you the truth, I am kind of disturbed to see such display of overt patriotism. This is probably why I don't watch too many political-based series because I will then have to end up talking about politics as well and I hate doing this. The storyline itself is okay, I suppose. It has almost everything from mecha to telekinesis power. The animation also looks good although the video's aspect ratio is kind of strange. It appears as if it's not a 4:3 and not a 16:9 either. If your copy is 640x480 instead of 640x440, then it means the video has been stretched vertically.
Rough summary:
- A girl opens her eyes and sees: sunflowers, Mount Fuji, a bug, and two boys running towards a higher ground. From the area, the two look over at Mount Fuji which now looks as if it's swarmed by a bunch of flying objects.
- A female voice narrates that on August 10, 2010, The Holy Britannia Empire declared war on Japan. By using a device known as 'Nightmare Frame', Britannia managed to conquer Japan and took its freedom, rights, and name, referring it as Area 11. Back then a little kid told his friend, Suzaku, that he will crush Britannia.
- Fast forward to the year 2017, a different kind of war happens in the Britannia empire, that of terrorism. While a TV channel reports a related terrorist bombing, the butler of an aristocrat informs his master's chess opponent that his time is up.
- Another challanger appears and he turns out to be a student. The aristocrat is not impressed about this and conversely, the student is not impressed that he gets to face off against an aristocrat. The aristocrat makes a slight jab at the student, saying that it must be nice to be student since he has a lot of time.
- The student introduces himself as Lelouch Lamperouge and asks his friend, Rival, how much time they have before they leave this place and go to their next class. Rival tells him that if they're in a hurry probably over 20 minutes. Upon finding out about this, Lelouch tells the Aristrocrat that he needs 9 minutes.
- The aristocrat is surprised to hear this. He also laugh when Lelouch moves his King first and foremost.
- Inside Lelouch and Rival's school, a girl wonders where Lelouch could be so another one explains that he's off with Rival. One girl, Shirley, thinks that they're probably gambling and doesn't understand why Lelouch uses his good brain for trivial purpose instead of studying properly.
- Lelouch manages to defeat the aristocrat in precisely 8 min 32 seconds. When Lelouch and Rival exit the building, they see in large screen the Britania Prince, Clovis, addressing the public as area 11 citizens. This earns the irk of a woman inside a large truck, who wants to be called Japanese.
- Clovis claims that his heart is torned due to emotion and sorrow. Having said that, he promises not to give in to terrorism and pray for the 8 people who died for justice. While the rest of the citizens do this, Lelouch tells Rival that even if they cry, those who died won't come back.
- Clovis receives report about the stolen truck and orders his general to send Knightmare Frames to retrive it back. At the same time, Lelouch and Rival are on their motorbike when suddenly the stolen truck in question appears behind them.
- The driver of the truck decides to take an alternate path but ends up ramming the truck squarely into an abandoned location. Lelouch who wants to take a look at the truck sees an apparition forming on top of the truck.
- Lelouch decides to help the driver and his companion but when he climbs the truck to see if they can hear him, he hears a voice saying "I've found you". Before Lelouch can do anything else, he falls into the truck when the driver suddenly moves it.
- Once the truck gets into the highway, they are surrounded by Britannia helicopters that proceeds to shoot them. Because of this, the woman inside the truck, Karen, decides to take control of the Knightmare Frame inside the truck.
- Karen manages to destroy the helicopters using its arrow-like weapons but a plane drops another Knightmare Frame in front of her. The driver, who is clearly a lot more skillful in controlling the device easily beats her.
- Another Knightmare Frame appears from the side of the building, shooting at the truck so that it'll have no choice but to divert its path. At the same time, Karen manages to shoot the frame's arm at her opponent and uses the opportunity to escape.
- Meanwhile the military is informed that the terrorist had stole a poisonous gas. At the same time, the truck has now reached an underground tunnel in Shinjuku ghetto. However, because the tyres got stuck inside a big hole, their attention alerts the local guard who scans the truck and sees the large container inside the truck.
- The guard in question panics when he also senses a person inside the truck together with the large container. The guard jumps into the truck and kicks Lelouch, telling him that he'll get killed at this rate, explaining that the container contains poisonous gas.
- In return Lelouch kicks the guard, asking him if this is a poisonous gas then why the hell Britannia made it in the first place. He then utters his famous word about wanting to crush Britannia.
- The guard suddenly realises who the person is, so he opens his helmet and tells Lelouch that it's him, Suzaku. Lelouch is shock to see this, asking Suzaku if he's become Britannia soldier. In return, Suzaku wonders if Lelouch....
- Before Suzaku can say anything else, the container suddenly opens itself. Suzaku immediately uses his gas mask to protect Lelouch. Much to their surprise, what comes out of the container is not poisonous gas but a green-haired girl strapped in a life jacket.
- Just as Lelouch tries to help the girl, a commanding officer arrives with a bunch of his troops. Suzaku tries to explain that the container does not contain poisonous gas but the officer does not care because Lelouch has no right to open the container.
- The officer asks Suzaku to shoot Lelouch, whom the officer assumes to be a terrorist. Suzaku explains that Lelouch is not a terrorist, just a civillian who got dragged into the mess. The commanding officer is not happy to hear this and tells Suzaku that this is an order to shoot.
- Lelouch is shocked when Suzaku tells the commanding officer that he can't do that because Lelouch is a civillian. For his defiance, Suzaku is shot on the back by the commanding officer. The truck driver who overhears the conversation initiates a bomb, destroying the truck in the process.
- In the aftermath of the bomb, Lelouch and the mysterious girl manages to run away so Clovis orders a destruction of Shinjuku ghetto. This means that the empire indiscriminately kill everyone who live in the area, even the helpless old couple who simply try to escape.
- Meanwhile, Lelouch becomes angry at the girl, C.C, for what happened to Suzaku. When Lelouch tries to take a look if they can get out of a warehouse, a group of soldiers happen to enter the same warehouse so he hides himself in the stairwell.
- Unfortunately his hiding place is revealed when her classmate, Shirley, makes a phone call to his mobile. Lelouch tries to turn the mobile off but it's too late because the soldiers have now find him.
- The commanding officer tries to shoot Lelouch but at the last minute, C.C runs over to protect him, asking them not to kill Lelouch. She ends up getting a bullet on her forehead because of this.
- Lelouch is disturbed that he wasn't able to do anything for the girl and starts to worry about his sister, Nanaly. All of a sudden, however, C.C grabs his hand, transporting Lelouch to a different dimension.
- C.C tells him that she knows he doesn't want it to end now and believes he has a reason for living. She then asks him if he'll continue to live on if he has a power, offering him a contract. She'll give him power if he'll grant her one wish.
- If he accepts this, he'll live with a different set of moral from other humans. While the scenes show images of a mysterious species, the girl continues telling Lelouch that he'll have different hands of fate, a different time, a different life. Because the power of the King will isolate him, she wants to know if he's ready for it.
- Lelouch sees someone asking if The Legend of Ragnarok is about to start again. He immediately accepts the offer of power and makes a contract with C.C.
- Lelouch stands up and asks the officer what he thinks about a Britannian who hates other Britannian. The commanding officer thinks that Lelouch has lost it and points his gun at Lelouch.
- Lelouch, who now covers his left eye, dares the commanding officer to shoot him, saying that after all he's just a student. Having said that, Lelouch asks the officer if he realises that those who can shoot others are people who are ready to be shot themselves.
- Lelouch takes his hand off his left eye, revealing his new, strange eye. He then raises his hand to the commanding officer and the soldiers, saying that this is the order of Lelouch V. Britannia: you all will die!
- All of a sudden, some kind of red spirits possesses the officer and the guards, causing them to point their gun to their head and say "Yes, Your highness". They then blow their brain so the only one left in the area is Lelouch.
- Lelouch is shocked to see this and tells himself that ever since that day, he's been telling lies. Lies about his name, his past, everything. He's sick of the never-changing world but his despair refuses him to let go of the lies. However, he now has power and therefore.....
Impression:
I have to admit that Lelouch is one hell of an interesting character. I was immediately fascinated by him when he decided to move his King first in the Chess game. He clearly believes that it'll be better than letting the King becoming a sitting target for the enemy. He is also someone who is aware that those who can kill a person usually are people who are ready to get killed themselves. On top of this, it appears that he is a Britannian who hates his own kind. I personally think there are a lot of areas the writers can take his character into if they do this correctly. This is why I'm hoping that the writers will focus more on his character than on the Gundam-esque robot battle. I actually think this would have been a better series if they scrapped the robot part of the story and focuses on the supernatural power that C.C gave to Lelouch, as well as the entire 'Legend of Ragnarok' deal that Lelouch was hearing when he accepts the power.
Suzaku, on the other hand, is a typical kind character who will probably serves as a brake in case Lelouch goes mad with power. It's interesting to know that although Suzaku is a Japanese, he doesn't seem to have problem working for Britannia. I wonder if he's aware that the people that he works for are the kind of people who don't hesitate to kill defenseless civilians in order to get what they want. It doesn't mean that the opposing site is any good either. Karen and her terrorist group don't seem to care if they cause the death of some civilians if it means they can get their hands on C.C. C.C is also an equally interesting character. It seems she was either born with the power or was a result of an experimentation. At the moment I'm more inclined to believe the former since the episode showed a shot of a mysterious group of people during C.C's speech to Lelouch. I think the series got off to a good start.
Ending Theme: 「勇侠青春謳」- (Yuukyou Seinshunka) by ALI PROJECT
Download: HIGH-RES AVI format (29.8MB) | HIGH-RES AVI Mirror (29.8MB) | PSP format (coming soon)
Posted by Garten
Considering Koizumi's foreign policy history such a thing is not out of the question. Considering the man who just became the new Prime Minister, the likelihood of such is even better in the future.
I like the animation alot! :)
I agree, the nationalistic undertones were somewhat notable. When they screamed "Nippon Banzai!" somewhere during the episode, all I could think of was "repressed WW2 feelings much?". BTW could it be that the character design work was split between CLAMP and Takahiro Kimura? All the males showed those insect like design qualities CLAMP features lately, whereas the females remind me of the GunXSword girls.
That one scene creeps me out because it seems so....terrorist-like, there I said it. Well, at least Sunrise shows that both parties (Britannia and Japan) are equally ruthless and psychotic.
As for similarity to Gun x Sword characters, I thought the male lead character in Gun x Sword has long limbs as well.
You're right, Van also featured some weird body measurements, though he lacks the "CLAMPy" face designs that Code Geass' males sport (especially the youger males) and Van's design feels different from what clamp did in Tsubasa or XXXholic (at least to me).
Ah, I just checked on ANN. CLAMP is credited as "original character design", whereas Kimura is mentioned just as "character design". So I guess he took CLAMPs designs and adapted them for TV standards, and since his style is much more distinctive for his women, his touch is more notable in the females.
As for the series itself, I'm undecided on whether I'll keep watching it. Apart from the usual stuff (story & character development, consistent art etc.) it'll depend how they present his "rebellion" against the Britannic Empire and how queasy it makes me feel.
Ack, that comment up there is mine. Forgot to fill in the name field.
Instead of Area 11, it should be Area 51. You know. As a joke.
It's nationalistic because it suits the story to be nationalistic. Sort of a throwback to Gundam if you will. Did no one here ever really think Zaku pilots screaming "FOR THE SAKE OF ZAFT!!!!" as Nationalistic? Is it only because despite this being a paraell universe, that actual real nations are named suddenly make this become supremely bad?
The current real Japanese political climate in regard to their role in Asia and the World is what makes this nationalistic trend worrying.
mikemil828, chill out. No one is saying that the show is bad. We're simply discussing the negative side of extreme patriotism in the context of real world. And before you argue that this is just an anime, I'd point out that an anime will be seen by its target audiences. That means whatever message included within that anime will be passed onto those target audiences as well.
If you want to see REAL animated propaganda look at this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6iB-bGwk1M
As you can see, if Geass was actually government propaganda, they are doing a rather lousy job of it ATM.
I just saw the ep, did C.C. die? Already? I hope not! that would be so sad! the show just started! LOL!
mikemil, a campaign doesn't necessarily have to be 'in your face' to achieve its aim. Especially in a society of indirect gestures such as Japan. For example, if you have lived in Japan then you'll know the kind of indirect discrimination that foreigners often have to put up with. Is it obvious that it's a discrimination? That's the problem, on the surface it doesn't appear that way because it's done in the subtlest way possible.
I'm not saying that Code Geass is the government's propaganda tool but from what I know about the current political climate in Japan, it's hard not to worry a bit about it. If you don't like that and want everyone who watches this to like all aspect of the show unconditionally then that's too bad. I can't do that. There are things that I like about Japan and things that I don't like about it. The same thing can be said about almost every series that I watch.
Lalita, C.C looked as if she's dead in this episode. But after she was assumed to be dead, her hand grabs Lelouch and gives him a power. If she can do something like that then it's likely that she's still alive.
"To tell you the truth, I am kind of disturbed to see such display of overt patriotism."
Why is that ? About half of what you see on TV in US since the 50s is nationalistic and/or insulting to other nations.
Why is that ? About half of what you see on TV in US since the 50s is nationalistic and/or insulting to other nations.
First thing first, your first question does not really correlate to the second question. Unless, of course, you're assuming that I:
a. watch TV often - which I don't.
b. actually like those shows that insult other nations - which I don't.
When I said that I find over patriotism to be disturbing, that's applicable to all nations. Also, note the emphasis on overt as opposed to the feel of patriotism on its own. That's what seperates those who work hard to achieve solution without resorting to war and the extremist who won't hesitate to use any means to achieve their goal.
Blame Seiji Takeda for the nationalism. It's been said in many places that his concept for the doroku timeslot was to include political undercurrents/statements. Heck, I read a magazine scan which said he wanted to originally make this series be based on the cold war mentality... I've also read somewhere else that his political/patriotism slant is the reason why Blood+ is on Okinawa and had that bit with the US military forces. Of course we can't forget Gundam Seed...
I guess Takeda's influence was quite strong here...
A Producer,Seiji Takeda,is not nationalist.He is a left-winger,and is anti-America. He is against old and new Prime Minister.
But it is interesting that foreign people seem to look him and his anime nationalistic. It's opposite of his intention.
He always makes his anime a tool for his political opinion. For example, FMA,GSD,Blood+ and Eureka.Most Japanise dislike it. And I also dislike it.
But, He has a useful aspect. He allows using violent scenes and gives production many money. Whether this anime will become to be good or bad,I think, it's animation stutff's responsibility.
I'm not be good at English,especially at writing. Please fogive me to clumsy English.
wow~ i haven't heard of this animé and I just saw this one here in memento... and I think this is very interesting... Still, the site where I watch animé series haven't uploaded it yet... and I'm downloading anime series in minova and still there is none~ haaayy~ but then~ I want to watch it sooner~ thanks for the details~
Can't they pick on Korea for once? I mean, the US is not the ones launching test missiles at their nation, and telling their preschoolers to draw anti Japan caricatures.
hmm this anime was good
i like lelouch personality
and suzaku was so friendship i will watch this anime more
>>T_I, I think they pick Brittania (that might have implications extending beyond just U.S.) because this is a subtle form of resistance to "Westernization". This is my interpretation but there is a generation of Japanese after WWII who see themselves and their younger generation increasingly influenced by Western concepts and gradually abandon their own tradition to the extent that modern Japan is really just a an empty shell? And so they want to regain the strong sense of nationalism that was embedded in Japan before WWII.
As for Korea, at the moment I don't think Japan considered itself defeated by Korea... not just yet so it's kinda weird they would have Japan conquered by Korea right? Besides, they HAD anti-Korean hints as well .. say in some of the blackboard neta in Pani Poni Dash.
Anyway, I don't abhor political anime at all because the original function of anime is really to reflect thoughts that cannot otherwise be easily expressed in a society like Japan where everyone's kinda trapped in their social positions by the social rules (visible or invisible) that are existing in the society. While moe anime lets sexual frustrations go wild, traditional JUMP and MAGAZINE anime talk all day about friendship and fighting for justice, SUNRISE takes on the role to spread nationalism through Gundam and Geass, especially to the kids though this is aired on midnight because of the bloodshed I guess.
One last thing, I think I read somewhere that Suzaku purposely joined the Britannia army in order to destroy the empire from within. He's not as nice a person as he seemed...
In short, I think someone on 2ch summed this anime up quite well.
Lelouch = Kira (Death Note) and Gundam Seed
Suzaku = Arslan
And this anime is just a remix of the popular elements that sell well in the anime market today ^_^;;
"For example, if you have lived in Japan then you'll know the kind of indirect discrimination that foreigners often have to put up with."
Huh? Like what? Being overly polite...?
Huh? Like what? Being overly polite...?
Nah, you'll only get that impression (hopefully) when you visit the country for 1 week to a month. Staying on a guided tour also guarantees that you'll have a more pleasant experience. But try staying there at least 3 months or longer. 3 months is actually a good time because you can see the crack yourself but still remain positive unlike those who have stayed there longer. (check out www.gaijinpot.com for some bitter foreigners - just be aware, you can turn negative quickly just reading some of their posts. The problem is what they said is true). I know it's hard to believe and I didn't believe it myself....until I stayed there for 3 months and started to notice these things.
The discriminations are very subtle and it's hard for you to complain about it. For example, certain places like restaurant and pub will refuse to let you in if you're a foreigner. And here's a 'fun' one: police is free to stop you, look at your passport, search your body and asks you to open your bag if you're a foreigner. And it's often done in the middle of a street! I never believe this until it happened to me. It was scary because even if you ask for explanation for this treatment, they won't answer you. It's like you're already presumed guilty even though you're just a tourist asking for direction! And yes, they'll be polite about it but also gives you an idea that you're treated like a criminal.
The police will also stop you if you are riding a bike (and look like a foreigner). They will ask for your passport. If you don't bring it, pray that you can somehow talk some reason with them. And then there are things that are only experienced by those who have stayed there almost their whole life. Again, it's very subtle things such as the way people will refer the foreigners as 'Gaijin' even if you have live there almost as long as the Japanese have. The fact that no matter how good you can speak Japanese, you'll never be one of them, they'll always see you as a foreigner. And then there's the 'special' treatment if you are from countries like China, Korea, etc, which I never experienced since I don't come from those countries. But knowing what I know, I can imagine how unpleasant it can be.
I still like Japan a lot obviously considering the amount of time I go there every year. But the more I spent time there, the more I notice these things. Mind you, the majority of people there are polite, kind individuals. But at the same time, there is this invisible barrier between them and yourself. And it seems hard to break down that barrier no matter what. Let's put it this way, the people there are nice except for a select few but the government and the way they allow certain things to happen in that country (such as their recent attempt to finger-print foreigners who come to visit) are not pleasant thing to experience.
I totally agree with you Garten, there are barriers, invisible, but there. There's certain nationalism/pride amoung Japanese that keeps foreigners out.
Of course it's not just Japan, but it seems to me that a lot of anime fans think discrimination happen everywhere but Japan. Truth is, Japanese keeps business and personal matters quite separately. So when you are there as a tourist they will definately make you feel very special, but if you are there to work... Well be prepared to find your overly positive outlook on Japan tainted.
Sometime, I think foreigners may actually find him/herself more welcomed in China. Since feeling of inferiority to westerners has yet to disappear completely (obviously, it's disappearing). Chinese officials also treat foreigners better than citizens b/c they really care about their international image.
quoting DD:
"But it is interesting that foreign people seem to look him and his anime nationalistic. It's opposite of his intention.
He always makes his anime a tool for his political opinion. For example, FMA,GSD,Blood+ and Eureka.Most Japanise dislike it. And I also dislike it."
I can see the relation to the other shows, but I certainly didn't see it in Eureka which was pretty much the exact opposite. It was a complete melting pot and It seemed to indulge in breaking down cultural barriers and showcased cultural integration and understanding. It's extremely positive and many parts of it are relevant to today without exactly being biased in any sort of way.
Quite a bit different than the picture being painted in say GSD or Blood+ which I do think went out of their way to paint the US in a bad and ridiculous light. Whether Code Geass stays on this path or not is to be seen, but I'm hoping for more because I have a lot of respect for the staff working on this show and for it to sink into that sort of thing would be a pity.
Sometime, I think foreigners may actually find him/herself more welcomed in China. Since feeling of inferiority to westerners has yet to disappear completely (obviously, it's disappearing). Chinese officials also treat foreigners better than citizens b/c they really care about their international image.
Since feeling of Inferiority to westerners? You mean Chinese people feeling "inferior" to westerners? Or you mean something else? I don't have a feeling it ever existed ^_^;; - the inferior feeling - among Chinese people. Chinese people and Japanese people are the same. On the surface, they're nice and welcome Westerners but they never stop calling Westerners "names" ... not for a single moment in History. Nor they ever think the Western way is "better" than the Chinese way ^_^;; Believe it or not Asians can be way more discriminative than Westerners because Westerners are more used to living in a multicultual environment whereas Asians are more used to one dominant race.
Well, I guess that does suck. I didn't really know about that stuff, Garten. However, from my own (admittedly limited) experiences, I'd still say that the Japanese are generally more polite and less likely to be seriously prejudiced or discriminatory than at least Americans are.
Hi everyone well I read about this anime in a Newtype and I was most intrigued by the idea of CLAMP collaborating for the first time on animation of a story that was not originally theirs. The stills and openings and endings seem really promising...Im ok with political talk even though Im not up to date with foreign politics...I do however have one question...does anyone know if it will be fansubbed by anyone...if so does anyone have the link to the page...Sorry had to slip that in there. Anyway thanx for the time and previews of what hopefully is going to be an awesome anime... If nothing else it will look nice I'll keep my hopes up for a good story line too. Have a good one!!
it looks so like fafner and gundam...
The nationalistic stuff of Code Geass reminds me of my younger days in China with all that leftover anti-Japanese hate from WWII on TV and books, so I feel comfortable with Code Geass' background.
Lelouch certainly has a motivation for destroying Britannia, as he says twice in the episode, for what it did to his family. I wanna see more Nanaly on-screen in future episodes~ *_* She's like, the Monou Kotori of Geass. On that note, every time I look at Lelouch I think, Kamui-chan!
I don't think Karen or Nagata were aware of what was really in the truck, besides it was from the Britannia Empire. Most of the Britannia military didn't seem to know, either, given how Suzaku and that ranked officer thought it contained poisonous gas. The crazy scientist Lloyd did seem to have an inkling about it... C'mon, you can never trust cat-eyed people designed by CLAMP. XD
Supervisor
Deep connection
Confederation of Koreans Living in Japan
竹P発言集（一部）
「僕は朝鮮総連と仲よかったから、在日の問題とかもやってました。万景峰号も３回ぐらい乗ったことあるんですよ。」
「作中に出てくる占領された日本は終戦直後の日本や植民地時代の韓国
・台湾を参考にしてる」←作中＝コードギアス
「全力投球で製作したアニメを通じて子供に現実社会の真実を伝えたい」
「世界のあちこちで勝手に戦争を起こして人を殺すアメリカとは何なのか、問うてみたい」
「イラク人を殺しに行かせてるのは日本人だと子供に分からせたい」
As a Japanese
I'm sorry.
English
Unskilled
seiji takeda of a scholar of anti-Americanism produces this animation.
A Japanese dislikes seiji takeda, too
Translation:
Statements of Takeda Producer
I know the people in the Confederation of Koreans Living in Japan so I was involved with that problem. I also went on the Mangyonbon (North Korean ship)3 times.
The occupied Japan in the anime is based on
Japan right after WWII, occupied Korea and occupied Taiwan.
I want to tell the children the truth about the world with this anime that I made with full effort
I want to raise the question, Why is the US going around the world, starting war and killing people?
I want to let the children know that the Japanese are responsible for the killing of Iraqis.
(These sentences are machine translations. )
The producer of this anime is Korean residents in Japan, and it differs greatly from the consideration of the Japanese.
A lot of Japanese also have big misgivings in this anime. Because this anime fuels the activity on an anti-day and the anti-American activity.
It is very frightened that the Japanese is misunderstood in this anime's being broadcast to the world.
Does everyone know the national flag and the national anthem of Japan?
The national flag and national anthem were decided formally in 1999.
戦後の日本教育は国民に自虐的な歴史認識を植え付け、いつしか自国への誇りさえ持てなく
なっていきました。
このアニメは、そんな抑圧を強制され続けた日本国民のガス抜きの要素もあるのでしょうね。
ただし、そんな考えで見ている日本のアニメファンは極少ないと思いますよ、だってアニメなんだし
気軽に楽しみましょうｗ
Today, The nuclear test was performed in North Korea.
Does everyone think that the Self-Defense Force can protect a Japanese citizen ?
An answer is NOOOO!!!
They are powerless in the current Constitution of Japan.
Code Geass's producer Mr.Takeda has a conection with North Korea .
He said it in intaview of Japanese famous anime magazin
"Animage".
I guess that he made anti America animes by orderd from North Korea.¸
According to the Japanese Constitution, the Self-Defense Force should not exist at all Minstou...take some time and read a copy of that document.
A army is a army no matter what you call it or what loophole you exploit in a legitimate treaty.
As for North Korea...HOLY CRAP!!! Well I've always known that the leadership there is insane but this course is complete suicide.
Seiji Takeda is KINGPIN of choson alliance AKA "Chosen souren(Korean Alliance)"
Almost of Sponsers of this broadcasting station(TBS) are Korean.
In Japan, peoples who hates korea never get post.
His Origin is North korea,not Japan.
The deed that Korea names him or herself Japanese in Japan is "通名" .
It is still forgiven.
What is Zzz...'s country?
Do you really think that the same one as the Self-Defense Forces and the army of your country?
There are various interpretations of Article 9 written in Japanese.
I do not know the 9th article translated into English.
Giving a broad interpretation of the constitution, the Self-Defense Forces exist.
ゆえに存在自体があいまいで制限がありすぎて軍隊らしい行動が殆どできないのが実状です。
The army protected by the U.S. Forces is the Self-Defense Forces.
Okay guys, can we please try to contain the discussion within the show's framework? If that's not possible, then at least talk about things like how hot is that Lancelot (I mean the white Nightmare Frame on the 5th screenshot, not the actual knight)? Or who do you think is C.C? Visitor from Jupiter?
Eh...that Lancelot really isn't my thing...it seems more than a little top-heavy...and that white and gold paint job is just screaming "look at me! I'm supposed to be the hero here"...too blatantly self advertising...
I generally dislike mecha and I feel that in this show it really isn't needed...I mean if you already have imperialism, mysterious mind control powers, violent revolution through terrorism, and political intrigue...the mecha will just be a gimmick and drag things down in general...
I'm born Chinese by the way and a citizen of the US...
Personally, I've never really been too impressed by bishounen. So I kind of felt pissed off when Lelouch was introduced. From the moment he first spoke, the image of Shin (from GSD) came into my mind, and when the series progressed, that feeling didn't change. For this reason, I hope that Lelouch won't be the sole "protagonist".
I think (even if I haven't yet seen any episode) that the term British Empire is given for some reason. Why would it say "United ingdom" for example as it is the formal name of the country (or team of countries)?
I would accept the term British Empire, as someone above mentioned (correct enough in my humble opinion) that it is some kind of representation of Westarnization and the master-mind behind all the world events. However that is nothing have to do with British, Irish or Scottish people. Only with the Elite governing minority.
Now, if you want to end into some better conclusions it might be better to read history and to look specially the history of Japan. It was the so called "Westerners" that somehow invade to Japan and not the opposite. So, if Japanese have some kind of prejudice against the foreigners, they have some point of right. I cannot accept, of course, that totaly but I can not blame them completely.
Also, their society is as it is, because the don't allow (as far as I know) too many foreigners into Japan. I also assume that they want to keep it that way, and it's their problem. If you don't like them, don't go to their country. In Rome you must behave like a Roman. And in here I invite anyone to oppose me if he/she knows something else.
That's all.
code geass [AMV]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A3Hk7PLJ-4
I've never stayed in Japan for longer than a month but I go quite frequently and visit my uncle and aunt there everytime. My uncle (blood related) is Taiwanese and has been living there for awhile. (My aunt is a native Japanese by the way.) As far as I know, he hasn't said anything about any discrimination toward him. Also, I speak Japanese and because I also look like one, I am very often mistaken to be Japanese. My other relatives and some of my parent's friends who've stayed in Japan for awhile haven't had this problem. My great grandfather and grandfather worked with the Japanese government during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. I'm aware that around this time, there was some discrimination towards Taiwanese people from the Japanese.
Taiwan and Japan, compared to other Asian countries, probably have the best relationship in terms of politics because of their history together.
Perhaps this discrimination is towards people who don't look Japanese?
For a Britannic model, the culture and sense of values are obviously
Britannia.
Does not an American these days know Britannia?
Using the name Britannia just seems very anti-west, American or British or whatnot. I’ve noticed before too, when I visited Japan they treat me quiet politely and yet I’ve noticed at times how fake it can be.
As for the multiculturalism issue being brought up, I'm Asian and living in Canada, and we're know as THE multicultural country of the world. Caucasian, African, Indian, or Asian, my school has almost every race possible and I'm friends with many people of different ethic backgrounds. The problems this could create though is a country without any nationalistic pride, we tend to pay more attention to news from our native country as opposed to Canada (I’m an exception only because I was born and bred here). We can also get really vicious in our class debates due to clashes in values. Our promotion of different cultures is made so obvious (we’ll have a church, then not far off a temple) it sometimes annoys other groups. At least in the US, assimilation is encouraged.
My English isn't very good sometimes, but here I go...
Maybe north Korea government is wrong. I think so too, but they feel and think they're right. This happens in many places around the world these days, and even if I don't support that, I can't totally blame them at the same time. Think about: 'Why do foreign governments act like that and do what they do? Are they crazy? Or is there a reason for their acts? Then what are their motivations?'. (For me, it's just like EVERY SIDE have lost their 'human reason' and prove that the so called 'human stupidity' will last thousands and thousands of years, if we don't exterminate ourselves during that time...)
Back to the issue, there are many american movies and games that mention other countries and portray them as being evil. I always think 'it's just fiction', but isn't it wrong? Why not the opposite? Why do I think that that's wrong and that we are right? (I used to). This anime 'is just fiction', but makes you think what could have happened if history had taken a totally different path, and abusive colonialist empires still existed. It's also a reflect of what happened in the past. When you think about it, it's similar to what happened to America (I mean the whole continent) when cononialist empires arrived, and called every native inhabitant with a very generalizing term (Maybe not Elevens, but...)
I don't think Code Geass is an "anti-west" production, but a reflect of real history and an 'us and they' way of thinking. Even if it's wrong, I don't think that those who make it want to be evil or feel that what they are doing is wrong.
Is it just me, or does the ED "Yuukyou Seinshunka" sound very similar to .hack//Roots's "Boukoku Kakusei Catharsis"? I mean, the pacing of the music and lyrics, the general feel of the song, all just remind me of it very much.
And as for this discreet discrimination against foreigners, is there anything that is more specifically gender oriented, or do they treat any foreigners the same whether men or women?
diz story is amazing.. even though i've nvr read it yet.. but im sure tiz amazing..
especially juz y staring at Rurūshu-kun..
OMG.. im melting XP
asian politics is a *bleep* ...
so many damn undertones, unreasonable arguments, and lack of reason...
(the again... nearly any aspect of politics dealing with international relationship seems to have fault)
as for me (being a korean) I do see the obvious patriotism in this anime... but is it so bad?
the type of patriotism portrayed in this anime is not condoning imperialism (but rather against it) and it indulges into a sense of national pride (which I honestly think Japan has lacked [well compared to its asian neighbors] for a long time now).
by the way what does this, "I want to let the children know that the Japanese are responsible for the killing of Iraqis," mean???
i think the sense of anti-westernization from this anime is not due to 'hateful' intention rather its a reaction due to the fear of lost of national identity (I won't even bother to go any further).
in the end:
- watch it if you like it
-if you are dis-comfortable with certain aspects of this anime then don't watch it
-if you 'hate' how *bleep'n* 'japs' are making them look better or what not...
...
why are you watching anime in the first place? (this statement was not out of resentment; it is blunt, ugly example of what one might feel)
y'know, no one really knows who started this whole anti-east/anti-west thing. The thing is, that there will always be discrimimation among people as long as you can find some difference among you. In my opinion, whoever started being racist in the first place, caused the discriminated party to be racist as well, and well...it got worse from there. There will always be some form of discrimination, an example is racism. It's basically the idea of "We're better than you. You're like this and like that. Blahlahblah" It complicates life. Truly, and I'm speaking from experience. The whole point is you gotta be human. Be nice :D no questions asked.
Actually I think there's a mistranslation there. It's not that "the Japanese are responsible for the killing of Iraqis" it's more like "the Japanese are simply letting the killing of Iraqis take place(and don't do anything to stop it)"
The OP and ED links are broken, which is sad because I wanted to download them :(
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