We have another “anime takeover” for our podcast, as we cover Makoto Shinkai’s latest film: Suzume! Though it’s an animation, Suzume covers traumatic disaster events that are very real and recent in history. We discuss what the film has to say about the outcome of disasters in terms of mental health. We also chat about the film’s mental health theme of grief, and the responsibilities we have in taking care of each other as well as ourselves.

In Suzume, the titular high-schooler sets out across Japan on a mission to save the country from disaster, by closing mysterious doors that are unleashing chaotic forces upon the land. But what lies beyond the doors, and how does it link to Suzume’s past?

This episode has spoilers for Suzume throughout.