FUTURE WAR 198X年

Future War 198X is a 1982 Japanese anime original video animation (OVA) produced by Toei Animation. Directed by Toshio Masuda and Tomoharu Katsumata, the film is set during the Cold War in an unspecified year of the 1980s, detailing the outbreak of World War III between NATO and the Warsaw Pact. It is partially inspired by Sir John Hackett's 1982 speculative war novel, The Third World War: The Untold Story. The plot revolves around an American scientist who develops a laser satellite system intended to prevent nuclear conflict, but a series of miscalculations by both the U.S. and U.S.S.R. governments leads to war and nuclear strikes on cities worldwide. The film has an anti-war theme, portraying the horrific consequences of nuclear war and the desire for peace. During production, the film sparked controversy for its initial pro-war narrative, which led to the script being reworked into an anti-war theme. Despite this, the film was criticized for its slow pace and unconvincing message. Due to its limited distribution, particularly internationally, copies of Future War 198X are considered particularly rare.