These days, mental health awareness is more relevant than ever, and these anime prove it.
Many people think of anime as either lighthearted comedy or action-packed thrillers. But there are many stories dealing with very deep issues like mental health, trauma, and identity. Unfortunately, mental health is still a taboo subject in Japanese society, and this may be why emotional struggles are expressed creatively in anime and manga. We’ve rounded up five prominent anime titles that executed this sensitive topic of mental health extremely well.
1.Your Lie in April
This is the story of a young piano prodigy who loses the ability to play after the death of his mother. Arima Kousei lives his life in a monochrome world, but one fateful meeting with the beautiful violinist Kaori Miyazono colors his life with the beautiful palette of a spring day. These series deal with PTSD, existentialism, anxiety, and depression. Your Lie in April will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions, and most likely, you’ll never be the same again.
2.March Comes In Like a Lion
After the tragic death of his family, Rei Kiriyama escapes into the world of competitive shogi. Believing that being good at shogi is the only value he has, Rei spends all of his time perfecting the game. With no friends at school, he drifts through everyday life alone. That is, until he meets the three Kawamoto sisters, who welcome him into their warm home. This anime does a very good job portraying depression and the desire to belong.
This movie portrays suicidal tendencies and depression in a way that leaves you speechless (no pun intended). The story of a young deaf girl, Shoko, and the boy who bullied her resonated so well with the audience that even the professional psychologists praised it for its good representation.
4.The Anthem of the Heart
The main protagonist, Jun Naruse, suffers from PTSD, selective mutism, and anxiety after a traumatic incident in her childhood. An outgoing chatterbox, she unknowingly tells her mother that her father has been spending time with another "princess," leading to their separation. After that, she convinces herself to never speak again. Everything changes when she gets involved in the school musical and slowly comes out of her shell by expressing her feelings in a song. This is a beautiful coming-of-age movie that is very realistic in its premise and ending.
5.Banana Fish
The story follows two polar opposites: the fearless gang leader Ash Lynx from the US and the gentle and shy Eiji Okumura, a student from Japan. Both dive into the world of mafia and gang crime, trying to find out the truth behind a mysterious drug called "Banana Fish", while Ash tries to claim independence from his mafia upbringing. Banana Fish explores very heavy themes such as grooming, assault, and severe PTSD. Add to that the highly choreographed fights, high-IQ moves, and emotional scenes, and you're guaranteed to find yourself holding your breath as you root for the characters to get their justice.
These days, mental health awareness is more relevant than ever, and these anime prove it.
Many people think of anime as either lighthearted comedy or action-packed thrillers. But there are many stories dealing with very deep issues like mental health, trauma, and identity. Unfortunately, mental health is still a taboo subject in Japanese society, and this may be why emotional struggles are expressed creatively in anime and manga. We’ve rounded up five prominent anime titles that executed this sensitive topic of mental health extremely well.
1.Your Lie in April
This is the story of a young piano prodigy who loses the ability to play after the death of his mother. Arima Kousei lives his life in a monochrome world, but one fateful meeting with the beautiful violinist Kaori Miyazono colors his life with the beautiful palette of a spring day. These series deal with PTSD, existentialism, anxiety, and depression. Your Lie in April will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions, and most likely, you’ll never be the same again.
2.March Comes In Like a Lion
After the tragic death of his family, Rei Kiriyama escapes into the world of competitive shogi. Believing that being good at shogi is the only value he has, Rei spends all of his time perfecting the game. With no friends at school, he drifts through everyday life alone. That is, until he meets the three Kawamoto sisters, who welcome him into their warm home. This anime does a very good job portraying depression and the desire to belong.
This movie portrays suicidal tendencies and depression in a way that leaves you speechless (no pun intended). The story of a young deaf girl, Shoko, and the boy who bullied her resonated so well with the audience that even the professional psychologists praised it for its good representation.
4.The Anthem of the Heart
The main protagonist, Jun Naruse, suffers from PTSD, selective mutism, and anxiety after a traumatic incident in her childhood. An outgoing chatterbox, she unknowingly tells her mother that her father has been spending time with another "princess," leading to their separation. After that, she convinces herself to never speak again. Everything changes when she gets involved in the school musical and slowly comes out of her shell by expressing her feelings in a song. This is a beautiful coming-of-age movie that is very realistic in its premise and ending.
5.Banana Fish
The story follows two polar opposites: the fearless gang leader Ash Lynx from the US and the gentle and shy Eiji Okumura, a student from Japan. Both dive into the world of mafia and gang crime, trying to find out the truth behind a mysterious drug called "Banana Fish", while Ash tries to claim independence from his mafia upbringing. Banana Fish explores very heavy themes such as grooming, assault, and severe PTSD. Add to that the highly choreographed fights, high-IQ moves, and emotional scenes, and you're guaranteed to find yourself holding your breath as you root for the characters to get their justice.
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