Can disasters shape our collective memory?
Suzume is a 2022 Japanese animated coming-of-age fantasy adventure film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai. The story follows 17-year-old Suzume Iwato and a young stranger, Souta Munakata, as they team up to prevent a series of disasters across Japan. Their mission is to seal doors that release a colossal, supernatural worm—a force responsible for triggering earthquakes.
Shinkai felt a deep responsibility to express the impact of the earthquake and tsunami he had experienced rather than continue depicting them as mere metaphors. He feared that people’s memories of the disaster would gradually fade. By portraying these events in his film and novel, he sought to preserve awareness and share his experiences with younger generations who had not lived through the catastrophe.
How do our habits shape our awareness?
We are what our habits dictate. If thinking about potential disasters becomes a habit, we become aware of them. If we habitually think about our planet, we become more conscious of our environmental impact. If we see ourselves as citizens of the world, our perspective broadens. The key to lasting change is repetition—building awareness daily takes time, but this is how our brain rewires itself to form a new reality.
Why do we ignore what we cannot see?
For many, abstract concepts—such as maintaining long-term health or thinking about the future—are difficult to grasp. We tend to remember what is immediately visible while often neglecting, sometimes even deliberately, what we do not encounter daily.
Can changing our habits change the world?
To build global awareness, we must start by developing healthy habits for our brain. Strengthening our neuroplasticity through critical thinking allows us to process complex issues more effectively. Once we believe that profound change is possible—first within ourselves, then within our communities, and finally for the world—we open the door to real transformation.
What are your thoughts? Do you think movies like Suzume can influence how we see disasters and our responsibility toward the planet? Share your perspective in the comments!
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