A corrupt government proves to be very dangerous for the people of a certain country. The adverse effects of an unambitious regime can drag the future of the nation into a dark pit hole. On several occasions, we’ve seen this in the real world as well as in virtual reality and the Japanese industry is not unfamiliar with the concept of anime with a corrupt government.

Truly, there are too many well-written antagonists and there is no shortage of them in the industry but, nothing can ever top the emerging intimidation of a powerful government. The suppression, the rebellion, the build-up of the war between the hero versus the entire world – fans enjoy watching these shows. These types of anime often prove to be more thrilling than the villains prominent on the show.

And, in today’s article, we’ll take a look at some of the best anime with a corrupt government that highlights the consequences of an evil regime on the nation and its people. So, without any further ado let’s get started.

10. Akudama Drive

Set in a dystopian future, the show takes place in Kansai (a city in Japan) which becomes a vassal state of Kantō after a civil war. The bustling metropolis of Kansai, where cybernetic screens litter the neon landscape, may seem like a technological utopia at first glance. But in the dark alleys around the brightly-lit buildings, an unforgiving criminal underbelly still exists in the form of fugitives known as “Akudama.”

These multiple highly skilled criminals are sent a message from an anonymous client to free a death row prisoner named Cutthroat before they are executed. The team must work together to finish the job and earn their large payday, however, what starts as a game quickly evolves into a high-stakes, high-octane, and politically-active cyberpunk drama.

9. Guilty Crown

Guilty Crown is set in a post-apocalyptic themed world where a deadly virus named “Apocalypse Virus” spread across Japan, bringing death to its citizens and plunging the country into utter chaos. In an effort to establish order, the UN sends the GHQ to assist with the crisis however, the GHQ successfully restores a level of normality at the cost of Japan’s independence.

A decade later, the country still lives under their control, unable to break free from their draconian rule. Frustrated with the state of the nation, a resistance group named the Funeral Parlor aims to liberate Japan from the GHQ. High school student, Shu Ouma gets dragged into the conflict and is forced to fight to liberate Japan from its cruel oppressors.

8. Shimoneta

Shimoneta: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn’t Exist – that’s the full title – is exactly as it sounds. The series demonstrates modern-day Japan where one day the governing forces deemed that all sexual content was detrimental to society and banned everything that was remotely perverse.

The government not only outlawed all the explicit content but also forced its citizens to wear high-tech collars that monitor their behavior, making sure no one says or does anything considered lewd. Something needs to be fixed in such an anime with a corrupt government, and it does after panty-raiding revolutionaries decide to take on the job.

7. Rising Of The Shield Hero

Rising of the Shield Hero is an isekai anime series that constantly tries to pick on its main hero who is summoned to save their world. The series follows Naofumi Iwatani who is brought to another world to serve as the Shield Hero, one of the Four Legendary Heroes. But, instead of helping, the governing forces try to sabotage him, and soon, he gets falsely accused of sexual harassment.

With a raging storm of hurt and mistrust in his heart, Naofumi begins his journey of strengthening himself and his reputation. He ventures on a journey to acquire different abilities and survive amid the demon outbreaks. While the royal government isn’t the only problem Naofumi has to deal with, he must fight to protect the people of Melromarc from their ill-fated future.

6. Psycho-Pass

Psycho-Pass is a cyberpunk thriller anime produced by Production IG. Based on the societal and psychological themes, the series takes place in the near future when it is possible to instantaneously measure and quantify a person’s state of mind and personality. By using this technique, the mental state of every passing citizen is scanned to calculate the probability of them committing a crime.

On the basis of the recorded information, the police are dispatched to deal with the “potential” criminal. Basically meaning, execution before the actual crime is even committed, and on what basis? The collected data! Psycho-Pass is the best example of anime with a corrupt government where resources are used to overstep the boundaries.

5. 86 – Eighty-Six

The latest addition in the list of anime with a corrupt, 86 is about a government official named Lena who wants to do the right thing but slowly comes to realize that her government is corrupt. The Republic of San Magnolia has been at war with the Empire of Giad for nine years, however, the Republic government claims that there are no casualties whatsoever.

While those living in 85 of the nation’s sectors are kept safe, things are different for those in the 86th sector – they’re forced to actually fight the war. Vladilena ‘Lena’ Milizé is assigned to be the 86th sector’s squadron leader. But, seeing the oppression of the people, she decides to fight against the government she hails from. The more she learns about the system, the more complex her choices become.

4. Code Geass

Code Geass is a story of war among three superpowers: the Holy Britannian Empire, the Chinese Federation, and the European Union. In this classic event of political and moral turmoil, Holy Brittanian Empire acts as a villainous force burning the candle at both ends. Lelouch Lamperouge, the exiled prince of Britannia, swore to take revenge on Britannia for destroying his homeland and causing the death of his mother.

After inheriting the power of complete disobedience through his supernatural ability called “Geass”, Lelouch creates a superhero alter-ego to bring down Britannia once and for all. Using high-powered mechs, his mind-controlling Geass power, and his own intelligence, Lelouch does whatever it takes to overcome his opposition.

3. Akame Ga Kill!

The capital of Akame Ga Kill! is definitely the most dangerous place to live in anime, despite its shining walls and eternal wealth. The corrupt, self-serving government has exploited its citizens, using them as veritable slaves to create the city’s largest canal. In return, the governing body does almost nothing to improve the welfare of the city and poverty is the most common enemy of everyone.

Civil disorder is extensive, and so is the crime while those who go against the government are publicly tortured and crucified. Brutality, robbery, and trickery are everyday things in this world. It is no wonder why a revolutionary army of assassins called Night Raids has arisen to combat such a tyrannical and negligent regime. Doesn’t matter whose side you’re on, death is certain!

2. One Piece

Eiichiro Oda created such a dynamic world of One Piece which contains very powerful themes of slavery, racism, discrimination, hierarchy, and an insight into the dark side of the real world. Similarly, it does include a corrupt regime as well which is known as the “World Government” in the series. The government in One Piece is afflicted with every detestable act that a corrupt regime could have.

Often, pirates are seen as an evil force but here the Marines are portrayed as a corrupt military force. The World Government may act like they’re good pals but in reality, they aren’t! Conspiracy to maintain government secrets, committing mass genocide, promoting slavery – these are some of the good deeds of the World Government. Their selfish and diabolic actions are nothing more than dirty politics.

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

The list of anime with a corrupt government is incomplete without Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The series does proper justice to this concept and doesn’t shy to portray the corruption of the governing regime and its members. The State Alchemists who’re employed for helping the citizens, find themselves oppressing the raising voices.

The ruling regime conspires to find its way into power, perform inhumane experiments on people, commit mass genocide, and literally work with an evil group like Homonculi. Thanks to Edward Elric’s heroics and a bunch of morally correct people in the government, the people of Amestris get out of wicked government.

Which one of the following anime with a corrupt government is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other anime like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

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