There are lots of things we can learn from anime, and not just moral and philosophical lessons – perhaps there are a few nuggets of knowledge nestled in the medium when it comes to something like civil engineering. At least, that’s what “Civil Engineering Monthly” seems to think so.
Civil engineering is a discipline that focuses on the construction and planning of man-made structures and is often useful in city planning and the construction of large projects, such as bridges and roads. Considering how limited liveable space in Japan is, it’s a discipline that’s highly useful for the development of the Japanese urban center.
In the meantime, the magazine “Civil Engineering Monthly” focuses on the various civil engineering projects going on around Japan as well as future projects being planned for future implementation. It has a readership of both professionals and casual hobbyists alike, so for the magazine’s December issue to focus entirely on the special theme of “civil engineering and anime” is nothing to be sniffed at.
And what better series to lead the issue with than That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime? After all, the series focuses a fair bit on the protagonist’ efforts to sustain their newfound monster kingdom – which includes a fair bit of civil engineering – and the fact that an anime adaptation is currently airing should draw a bit more attention than usual to the magazine. The story focusing on the series will feature an interview with the original light novels’ author Fuse, where he and the magazine discuss his series from a civil engineering viewpoint. The issue is also including a signed card from the author as a special gift to all those who purchase it.
December’s issue also features a wide range of articles on other anime beyond That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. These include Astro Boy’s “vision of a future Tokyo”, the road signs of Bakemonogatari, Shinbashi station in Patlabor, and the Tashubetsu bridge (Hokkaido) in Girls und Panzer. Most of the articles focus on the representation of various man-made structures in anime, and how they can help civil engineers today to create more efficient designs and systems.
If that sounds like something that you’d be interested in, then definitely considering picking up this strange yet fascinating issue of the magazine. It goes on sale November 28.