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Created by Yusei Matsui,Assassination Classroomstands out in the anime and manga world for its unique blend of comedy and violence in a high school setting. While many school-based series usually depict school life as a place of innocent friendships, love, and academic achievements,Assassination Classroomchallenges this trope head-on by portraying a more brutal reality.
And, Matsui had a valid reason for doing so. His decision to introduce violence into a school setting was not done for shock value but as a deliberate choice, which allowed him to explore much darker themes that resonate with fans on a deeper level.
Assassination Classroom: Violence as a Tool for Connection
In an interview viaAnime News Networkin 2016, Yusei Matsui acknowledged that while his story isn’t a direct commentary on Japan’s educational system, he sees real problems such as bullying and elitism, which influenced the creation ofAssassination Classroom.
Whether it’s bullying, the pressure to conform to the norms, or the stress of academic performance, these are problems that many students encounter in varying degrees. By adding violent elements to the story, Matsui was able to showcase the intensity of these experiences. In his own words,
I felt that I had to go the serious route or else the issues I tackle wouldn’t connect with readers. Aside from the portrayal of school, portraying family life can be difficult because it can get into deep, dark, heavy issues.
However, violence wasn’t the only subject that mattered to the story. Matsui’s clever contrast of violence with Koro-sensei’s nurturing guidance helps to create a balance in the story. The violent setup is the framework, but the story is really about personal growth and confronting life’s harsh realities.
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In a sense, Matsui wanted to ensure that the issues he was addressing such as bullying and elitism were not taken lightly. The violence served as a metaphor for the struggles students go through, and only by dealing with them head-on could they grow and learn.
Koro-Sensei’s Brilliance inAssassination Classroom
Yusei Matsuifurther shared the importance of Koro-sensei in theAssassination Classroom‘s storyline as he admitted that Koro-sensei was based on the ideal version of what he wished a teacher could be. The character represents the kind of guidance Matsui himself had wanted growing up.
Koro-sensei embodiesthe ideal mentor; someone who helps students overcome their failures and limitations, no matter how difficult the situation. His comedic personality serves as a counterbalance to the violence in the series, preventing the story from becoming excessively dark. As Matsui stated,
Koro-sensei says that there are two reasons people become teachers: because they have their own successes, and because they have their own failures. Me, I feel that I’ve had a lot of failures, and that’s why I have something that I would like to convey from those failures. In that way, I feel that I want to teach school even just once.
Many school-themed manga and anime rely on an idealized version of school life, where friendships are easily formed, and hardships are overcome with little resistance. Matsui intentionally went against this trope in theAssassination Classroom. He knew that by making theseries more violent and serious, it would stand out from the usual stories about school.
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The violence was a catalyst for exploring themes of failure, redemption, and most importantly, the importance of strong mentorship. Through the guidance of Koro-sensei, the students learn to face their fears, embrace their failures, and strive to become better people.
Assassination Classroomis currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
