Sparks of Tomorrow Review: A Steam-Powered Japan

In 1844, the Dutch informed the Tokugawa shogunate of the existence of steam ships, but the military government showed no interest in the concept. A decade later, the lord of the Satsuma domain commissioned the creation of Japan's first steam-powered boat, a development lost in the media frenzy surrounding Commodore Perry and his American warships arriving in 1855. Perry brought numerous advancements, including Japan's inaugural steam locomotive; however, the technology's impact was short-lived.

In 1883, Japan inaugurated its first arc lamps in Ginza, heralding the onset of the country's electric revolution. One might ponder how differently history could unfold if steam had persisted and emerged as the dominant energy source in early 20th-century Japan. The latest Kyoto Animation series, Sparks of Tomorrow, streaming on Netflix since July 5, delves into this hypothetical scenario.

Electricity is present in the Sparks-verse, but it is still an enigmatic and underappreciated technology worldwide. In contrast, steam serves as the primary form of energy, with vast networks of steam pipes coursing through cities like Kyoto, resembling colossal factories. This imaginative world-building contrasts starkly with people dressed in traditional Japanese garb, creating a visually captivating spectacle.

Japanese steam engines in the Sparks-verse are primarily controlled by one family, the Mizoe, who wield power comparable to that of the government. Yosuke, the scion of the Mizoe family, serves as the primary antagonist of the story, Kihachi Sakamoto—a young inventor advocating for a future powered by electricity for the greater good.

Unfortunately, the series encounters a few setbacks. In Episode 3, Kihachi strives to perfect the lightbulb, an invention that exists in the Sparks-verse but is treated more as a novelty due to its short lifespan. The episode primarily follows Kihachi's meticulous approach to experimentation with bamboo filaments and glass casings, devoid of action or suspense.

While this segment may foster an appreciation for the scientific method and the unpredictable nature of breakthroughs, it occasionally veers into iyashikei anime tropes, lacking tension or antagonists and providing a serene immersion into intriguing worlds.

Despite these moments, the payoff of Kihachi's success is heartwarming, akin to witnessing a sunrise after a long day of hiking in the iyashikei anime Laid-Bad Camp. His creation radiates not only light but also the awe-inspiring beauty of creation, only to be abruptly interrupted by Yosuke's hysterical outbursts. Yosuke emerges as a problematic character, not only due to his stereotypical gay-coded portrayal but also because his presence seems unnecessary.

A narrative like Sparks of Tomorrow could have centered solely on the act of creation without the need for antagonists. Instead, his presence disrupts immersion and appears to be a result of a misguided notion that "stories inherently require bad guys."

Despite these shortcomings, Sparks of Tomorrow possesses numerous compelling ideas that, with time, should rectify its flaws. The series offers a thought-provoking exploration of societal transformation in Japan as technology advances, with characters like Inako Momokawa, the daughter of a sake brewer, embodying the modernizing spirit of the era. Through Inako's journey, the anime subtly illustrates how technological progress can lead to a more liberated and independent society.