Osaka – In the first episode of “Future Kid Takara,” we meet Takara, a young boy, and Dr. Amory, a scientist. They escape a tornado in the year 2100. Amid the chaos, Takara accidentally activates a time travel device, sending them to 2024—a time when climate change has not yet reached its critical point.
In 2024, they encounter Sara, a 12-year-old girl. Together, they embark on a journey to explore the “beautiful Earth” that has largely vanished in their future. Throughout their travels, they witness the early effects of climate change: melting glaciers, struggling polar bears, wildfires, and devastating floods. Though their future looks bleak, the series aims to inspire hope among young viewers.
The 11-episode anime, set to air on NHK Educational TV in November, seeks to educate children on climate change, emphasizing its cause—our reliance on fossil fuels. Climate scientist Seita Emori from the University of Tokyo supports the series, noting it is designed to fit into school curricula since climate education was integrated into Japan’s elementary education in 2020. “By teaching children early, we can foster a willingness to engage with these issues,” Emori explains.
However, teaching climate change in Japan poses challenges. The country ranked the lowest among 32 nations in a recent Ipsos survey, with only 40% of people believing personal action is necessary to combat climate change. Alarmingly, interest in climate issues is particularly low among younger individuals. A 2023 Cabinet Office survey revealed that just 31% of those aged 18 to 29 are concerned about climate change.
Yosuke Buchmeier, an assistant professor at the University of Oxford, attributes this indifference to two factors: a lack of encouragement for political discourse in schools and media that treats extreme weather events as isolated incidents rather than signs of a larger crisis. He notes, “In Japan, we rarely link extreme weather to climate change. This diminishes public awareness of the issue.”
Kyoko Gendatsu, an NHK journalist and producer of “Future Kid Takara,” further emphasizes the need to instill a sense of agency among young people. She cites a 2024 study indicating that only 45.8% of Japanese teens feel they can impact society. Gendatsu believes it is vital to cultivate a generation that believes in their power to make a difference.
At the series’ recent screening at the Osaka Expo, voice actors and former soccer player Shinji Ono voiced their concerns about the rising heat and its impact on future sports events. Emori highlights how “Future Kid Takara” differs from other films that touch on climate change without addressing its root causes, such as the romantic anime “Weathering With You.” In contrast, “Future Kid Takara” doesn’t shy away from discussing these issues openly.
Recent films like “Don’t Look Up,” a satirical critique of public apathy toward crisis, highlight the necessity for creators to thoughtfully approach climate messaging. Kelvin Tang, a postdoctoral researcher in climate education, acknowledges this dilemma. “Creators should realize their work shapes how audiences think and act on these issues,” he says. He finds “Future Kid Takara” a relevant starting point for educating children about climate change.
At a recent workshop organized by Tang, children explored climate change through simple cartoons and discussed how they can contribute positively. The session concluded with kids drawing what they envision Japan’s climate might look like in 50 years—many hopeful images emerged alongside alarming ones.
It’s essential to cultivate this hope among the younger generation, helping them believe in their capacity to effect change. As we confront a rapidly changing world, each small action, inspired by education and awareness, can drive meaningful progress.
For more insights on climate change education, check out [the National Geographic](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/climate-change). The need for informed action and awareness is crucial now more than ever.
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climate change, anime, television, environment
