Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.

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As we’re introduced to the Mutoh family and witness the graphic aftermath of an earthquake, there is a need to question if “Japan Sinks: 2020” may pick up.

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Creator	Komatsu Sakyou
Director(s)	Ho Pyeon-Gang, Yuasa Masaaki
Writer(s)	Toshio Yoshitaka
Aired (Netflix)	7/9/2020
Genre	Action, Drama, Young Adult, Animation, Non-English
Introduced This Episode (Character | Actor)
Mari	Sasaki Yuuko
Ayumu	Ueda Reina
Go	Muranaka Tomo
Koichiro	Terasoma Masaki

This content contains pertinent spoilers.

Plot Overview

From what it appears, “Japan Sinks: 2020” is focused on the Mutoh family, Mari, Ayumu, Go, and Koichiro. Mari is coming home from what appears to be a business trip, Koichiro works in construction, Ayumu does track and field after school, and Go is just your average tween. However, upon an earthquake that is 7+ on the Richter scale, their home, their lives, and so much more are forever changed.

On The Fence

The Characters Presented Are Likable But May Not Hook You

After “Devilman Crybaby,” and the spectacle that was, there were high hopes. Mind you, “Devilman Crybaby” started off strong, then used graphic imagery to keep you engaged, but it seemed “Japan Sinks: 2020” wanted to be better. However, be it by design or not, the Mutoh family, average as they are, just don’t push you to believe you should invest in their story. They are normal, average, unremarkable, and while them being generic could allow them to act as a better medium, I can’t say they make you believe this is must-see TV in an era when you have a plethora of options.

It’s Graphic In Such A Way That Feels Like A Compensation For The Above

Again, like “Devilman Crybaby,” there is this vibe that, as a backup plan, though it ends up becoming the main thing, graphic gore is supposed to shock you and make you wonder what will happen next? The problem is with that, if you have built a tolerance for violence and find odd faces with syrup like blood coming from new or old orifices, this may not do much for you. So while there is a initial shock, it fades quick.

Overall

Continue To Watch? – It’s Not For Us

First Impression: Divisive

I want to see where this goes. There is a hope this is a slow burn type of show rather than a studio that thinks what people want to see is shocking imagery and a consistent stream of trauma. For with the world filled with more than enough of that, you really have to bring something next level if you want to make that a selling point. And as of the first episode, “Japan Sinks: 2020” appears to be a forgettable anime that won’t be in the top 10 of the summer season.