Chainsaw Man: Unraveling the 90s Impact on Fujimoto’s Emotional Saga

Chainsaw Man’s Roots: Exploring Influences, Popularity, and the Impact of Classic Manga & Anime

The video features Yamada Reiji discussing various topics related to the manga series Chainsaw Man, including its influences and roots in classic B-movies, the reasons for its popularity, and a discussion of the manga’s first volume. He also touches on other manga and anime series such as Devilman, Berserk, and Dorohedoro, and their influence on Chainsaw Man. Throughout the video, Yamada shares his personal opinions and insights on these topics.

All together, one era is coming to an end, [omitted] and the woozy one is coming to an end. Of course, at the same time, we are carrying elements of mental illness. Every generation has it. So that theme is coming up, but there is another way of output: “Give up and go forward. This is starting to happen.

Reiji Yamada from 47:15

Shaped by the Turbulent 90s, A Decade of Change and Transformation in Japan

Tatsuki Fujimoto, the author of Chainsaw Man, was born in 1992. He grew up in The 1990s in Japan was a time of significant change, marked by economic, social, and cultural shifts. The decade began with the end of the “bubble economy” and the onset of the “Lost Decade,” a period of economic stagnation that lasted until the early 2000s. This economic downturn impacted the values and priorities of the Japanese people.

1. Economic Shifts: With the bursting of the economic bubble, Japan faced a period of financial struggle, which led to an increased focus on frugality and practicality. The values of materialism and consumerism that had dominated the 1980s were replaced with a focus on saving and living within one’s means.
2. Social Changes: The 1990s saw a rise in individualism and a shift away from traditional values. This was evident in the increased number of women pursuing careers and the growing acceptance of alternative lifestyles. The concept of the “freeter,” or part-time worker, emerged as a response to the difficult job market.
3. Pop Culture: The 1990s saw the rise of J-pop, with artists such as Hikaru Utada, Namie Amuro, and SMAP gaining popularity both in Japan and internationally. Anime and manga also gained global recognition, with series like Sailor Moon, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Dragon Ball Z becoming cultural icons.
4. Technological Advancements: Japan’s technological prowess continued to grow during the 1990s, with the release of innovative products like the Sony PlayStation and the development of the world’s first high-definition television system. The decade also saw advancements in mobile phone technology, setting the stage for the rise of smartphones in the 2000s.
5. Environmental Awareness: The 1990s marked a growing concern for the environment, with Japanese citizens and the government focusing on issues such as waste reduction, recycling, and energy conservation. This shift in values led to the development of environmentally friendly products and policies.

And so was born the invincible chainsaw man.

Knowing the background of a work allows us to better understand the depth of the story and the emotions of the characters, which in turn changes our perspective on the work. This is because knowing how the author’s experiences and cultural background influence the work of art can lead to new discoveries and impressions. This knowledge also makes it easier to notice the detailed descriptions and word choice in the story and enjoy the work more.

For example, knowing that the author of “Chainsaw Man”, Shure Takashi Fujimoto, grew up in Japan in the 1990s, it is interesting to read how the values and culture of that era are reflected in his work. You may also explore how the stories depict the strength and ingenuity of a generation experiencing economic hardship to survive.

Knowing how pop culture and technological advances of the time period are represented in the work will also help you understand how the author was influenced to create the story. By reading a work of art with this knowledge, you will be able to enter more deeply into the world of the story and discover new charms and emotions.

Please check it out!