In response to the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war and its geopolitical implications, the upcoming ‘Code Geass’ anime has undergone a title change. Director Gorō Taniguchi recently announced the modification from ‘Code Geass: Z of the Recapture’ to ‘Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture,’ citing concerns over the controversial associations linked with the letter ‘Z.’
The decision to change the title comes as the letter ‘Z’ has been utilized as a militarist symbol in both pro-Russia and pro-Ukraine propaganda, prompting worries about potential negative connotations. Recognizing the gravity of the symbol in various geopolitical contexts, the production team deemed it necessary to make this alteration.
The adoption of ‘Rozé’ as an alternative not only sidesteps potential controversies but also signifies a deliberate effort by the creators to distance the anime from any inadvertent political interpretations. This decision aligns with Japan’s condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions on numerous Russian entities since 2022.
‘Code Geass,’ renowned for its intricate narrative exploring themes of war, power dynamics, and rebellion, originally debuted as a mecha anime in 2006. Over the years, the series has evolved, with film adaptations released from 2017 to 2019. The storyline follows Lelouch vi Britannia, an exiled prince who rebels against the oppressive Holy Britannian Empire with the aid of a mysterious power known as Geass.
Scheduled for a four-part screening starting in May 2024, ‘Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture’ aims to navigate these sensitive geopolitical waters while staying true to the essence of the original series. Fans can currently stream the original ‘Code Geass’ anime series on platforms like Hulu and Crunchyroll.