The premise of Gate begins when a mysterious gate appears in Ginza, Tokyo. From the gate emerge fantastical creatures and armies from a medieval-like world. The government of Japan quickly sends in a task force to investigate the other side of the gate, but things quickly spiral out of control when the JSDF is forced to engage the otherworldly forces.
Yoji Itami, a JSDF officer and otaku, finds himself at the forefront of the conflict. He leads a reconnaissance team through the gate and ends up fighting alongside the otherworldly indigenous population against the forces of the Empire. As the story progresses, Itami becomes involved in politics and diplomatic relations between Japan and the new world they have discovered.
One of the main themes of Gate is the contrast between modern military technology and the medieval world that the JSDF encounters. The JSDF’s advanced weaponry and tactics initially give them a clear advantage over their opponents. However, with each new conflict, they discover that the magic and supernatural creatures of the other world can level the playing field.
Another significant aspect of the series is its depiction of diplomacy and international relations between two entirely different worlds. Yoji Itami becomes a key player in negotiating peace and alliances between the JSDF and the indigenous population, as well as other forces operating in the new world, including private military contractors and rival nations.
The manga adaptation of Gate has been ongoing since 2011, with each volume containing approximately 200 pages. The anime adaptation of the series premiered in 2015 and ran for two seasons, producing a total of 24 episodes. The anime adaptation follows the manga closely but also includes original material not found in the manga.
Gate has received a generally positive response from fans and critics alike. The series’ depiction of military action and political intrigue has been widely praised, along with the diverse cast of characters. Some critics have also noted that the series’ portrayal of the indigenous population is relatively simplistic, with some of its elements falling into the trope of the “noble savage.”
In conclusion, Gate is a novel series that combines military action, diplomacy, and fantasy elements, creating a unique world that has resonated with fans. It features an interesting premise, solid character development, and a healthy dose of political intrigue. The series is a must-read for fans of military science fiction and political dramas. If you’re looking for an engaging, action-packed story set in a world unlike our own, Gate is worth checking out.