Superheroes have always been a big thing in television and media - and this has spanned throughout decades worth of generations. Sometimes you feel like if only you had superpowers or through some divine intervention, you could somehow make the world a better place. Or perhaps you only want to use it for your personal gain? Inuyashiki doesn't gloss over the possibilities.
In 2017 the creative mind behind Gantz, Hiroya Oku's manga, Inuyashiki was adapted into an anime series as part of the Fall line up from that year. A tale of ethics, humanity, and the cost of responsibility, told through the perspective of an elderly man with nothing to live for. At only 58 years-old, Ichirou Inuyashiki is diagnosed with terminal cancer. He's a good man with a good heart, but at home all he has is a materialistic family and only a stray dog to care for. Though despite his predicament, he still does his best to live life to the fullest. On one unsuspecting night, Inuyashiki is involved in a mysterious accident, and he wakes up fully cured. But in exchange, he is given a mechanical body - but he isn't the only one who would have the same experience.
What Makes a Hero
Arguably the most unique aspect of Inuyashiki is the fact that it doesn't blur the lines between good and evil to create a grey morality - instead, it chooses to delve deeper. Inuyashiki uses his newfound powers for good and ensuring the safety of others - even singing the Astro Boy theme song to himself at one point. Then there's his counterpart, a young man by the name of Hiro Shishigami, who uses his powers for mischief, and it only escalates from there. Before long, he starts taking lives and begins treating it all as a game.
The narrative frequently switches between both characters as their stories begin to overlap. After all - every action has a consequence. From the getgo, Inuyashiki and Shishigami are already established as polar opposites. The former will go out of his way to take down a yakuza group and save a homeless man from bandits, the latter went to a stranger's house and killed the whole family for fun. Inuyashiki uses his newfound health and powers to be a true superhero, and catches the attention of his daughter, who begins to rekindle her relationship with him. Moreover, the family ties are no longer strained - this is the best outcome. Delving more into Shishigami's story, he isn't necessarily a straight-up villain from the perspective of his peers. Though his actions have a direct impact on them - this is the worst outcome.
The Tragic Justice in Karma
Inuyashiki doesn't stray away from realism, however. In the age of the internet, anything goes, and doxxing and harassment is a very real ongoing issue. While Shishigami's actions are inexcusable, his peers are the ones to pay for it - and results are tragic. At this point, the black and white morality aspects of the show begin to merge. Should other people be punished for the faults of someone that they know or happen to be related to? Now, the consequence of action falls upon internet trolls. Intent to harm will only result come back to bite you, and that's Inuyashiki's message. Do good, and you will attract good. Do bad, and you will attract bad. Two wrongs do not make a right.
In the year 2022, there are still countless instances of doxxing, harassment, and trolling under the pretense that they are doing "the right thing". Oku does an exceptional job at conveying the importance of inner peace within the self. Inuyashiki is able to see the best in others and make selfless decisions, while maintaining his inner peace. However, this can be argued that it's because he is older in age that he manages to achieve this. But it also offers a perspective for the audience, young and old alike - a lesson on morality and picking and choosing their battles. Self redemption is another theme that's present in the later episodes.
Becoming The Hero
The story is one thing - but the soundtrack is a whole other. Man With A Mission's "My Hero" is the best opening to come out of 2017. Not only do the instrumentals have an anthem-like tune, but the lyrics itself tell the story of looking to a hero for inspiration.
The official music video for it also portrays a person donning a costume and deciding to be a Good Samaritan for the day - becoming a hero in his own right. People say, "the world is a cruel place", but it doesn't have to be - and it doesn't mean you should contribute to it. For every Hiro Shishigami, there is a Ichirou Inuyashiki. Be the latter. It's never too late to change.