Akiko Nakano’s ‘Nine Seconds of Peace’ Animation Surpasses 10 Million Views

The sobering side of Japanese society, where calls for ‘peace’ have become a target of ridicule

A nine-second animation carrying an ‘anti-war’ message has become a sensation on social media in Japan. But its reception has also been marked by sharp mockery and criticism, prompting observers to say it starkly reflects the country’s increasingly rigid social climate.

According to a recent report by the Tokyo Shimbun, an animation posted on Sept. 2 by Japanese animation artist Akiko Nakano on her X (formerly Twitter) account has recently surpassed 10.7 million views, drawing a huge response. In the short video, a bomber is reflected in the eyes of a girl looking up at the sky. A bomb is then dropped, the screen turns red, and the words “NO WAR” appear.

But the video, which runs less than 10 seconds, drew attention for more than its view count. Soon after it was posted, it became the focus of unexpected controversy as a torrent of harsh criticism targeted the artist and her work. Some online commenters disparaged its depiction, saying, “These days, it’s drones,” while others distorted and mocked its original intent, calling it “an animation meant to boost morale for properly building up air defenses.”

Experts say the backlash was driven largely by far-right-leaning online commenters. But they also criticized a recent trend in Japanese society in which even peace—a universal human value—and the message of “opposition to war” can easily become objects of ridicule. The Tokyo Shimbun, too, strongly criticized the current climate as “an era in which opposition to war is mocked and attacked.”

Women artists have also been coming together and reflecting on their role in response to this social climate. A talk event was recently held in Tokyo, attended by several artists, including Akiko Nakano. Nakano said, “I never expected this kind of reaction to a video I made from the simple feeling that I don’t want to die in a war, and I don’t want anyone to be killed.” She added, “Now, the moment you say ‘No war,’ you become a target people feel free to attack,” expressing deep concern.

Singer Yumi Tamai, who was also there, said, “In the past year or two, people who speak up for peace have been branded as having excessively strong political views.” Manga artist Mami Fukuchi also lamented, “There’s a pervasive atmosphere of repression, as if we’re being told we don’t understand the direction the world is heading.” A case shortly before this year’s House of Representatives election, in which a female essayist was subjected to intense cyberbullying after posting on X, “Mom, I’m going to stop the war,” illustrates the reality of the situation.

Despite the flood of criticism, Akiko Nakano has not wavered in her convictions. In an interview with the Tokyo Shimbun, she said, “I’m afraid that speaking out politically could cost me work, but I’ll keep saying what I believe I need to say as an artist.” She added that she is currently developing a new work carrying a message of peace.