The legacy of Japanese anime in modern urban architecture and design

For decades, Japanese anime has captivated millions of people around the world with its creativity and its ability to transport us to imaginary worlds. But it is not only about entertainment, it has also had a significant impact on architecture and modern urban design.

Anime like “Akira,” “Ghost in the Shell,” “Porco Rosso,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” and “Your Name” have created unique concept cities that have influenced urban design around the world. The artists and designers of these animes have created fantastical, futuristic cities that have inspired architects and urban planners to rethink the way we build our cities.

In anime movies, we see floating cities, giant skyscrapers, narrow streets, old shops, and futuristic buildings that show us a unique mix of old and new. The attention to detail in creating these cities is impressive, and the designers have created cities that are not only beautiful, but also plausible and practical.

But it’s not just about aesthetics. Anime have also influenced the way people think about urban design. Concept anime cities are carefully planned and designed to reflect the way people interact within them. Instead of just creating buildings and roads, anime designers think about how people would live and move within those cities.

An example of this is the movie “Your Name” by Makoto Shinkai. The film features a fictional city called Itomori that is devastated by a natural disaster. The way the characters move and live in the city is crucial to the film’s plot, and the city itself becomes just another character. The designers paid special attention to the way the streets and buildings interact with each other, creating a city that feels real and liveable.

In short, the influence of conceptual anime cities on modern urban design is undoubted. Anime have shown us imaginary cities that are practical, beautiful, and plausible, and have influenced the way architects and urban planners think about the design of our cities. And best of all, these cities continue to inspire and captivate people from all over the world.