In the realm of manga, few works have the enduring legacy and depth of Osamu Tezuka’s “Phoenix” (Hi no Tori). A series that masterfully intertwines various narratives around the central theme of life, death, and rebirth, each volume offers a unique perspective and a rich tapestry of philosophical exploration. My journey through Tezuka’s world has seen me delve into the intricate stories of “Future” and “Karma,” each leaving a profound impact on my understanding of the human condition. Now, I turn my attention to another remarkable story in the series: “Resurrection.”
“Resurrection,” set in the distant future, pushes the boundaries of how we perceive existence and consciousness. It was during my younger years that I first encountered this thought-provoking narrative. The story’s exploration of human and machine relationships, the nature of perception, and the essence of what it means to be alive struck a chord with me, planting seeds of curiosity and wonder that have continued to grow over time. This piece is a reflection of that journey — a look back at my initial impressions as a teenager and how my understanding and appreciation of “Resurrection” have matured over the years.
Early Impressions
My first encounter with “Resurrection,” a pivotal story in Osamu Tezuka’s “Phoenix” series, happened during my teenage years — a time when every new story read was an adventure and every page turned a journey into the unknown. Published initially in 1970, this story’s futuristic setting, set in the year 2484 AD, was unlike anything I had experienced in literature before. The way Tezuka intertwined advanced technology with timeless themes of life and death was truly enthralling.
Leona’s story, marked by a catastrophic car accident and subsequent transformation through an artificial brain, was particularly striking. It was a concept that seemed so far-fetched at the time, yet Tezuka presented it with such vivid detail and plausibility that it felt eerily real, especially considering the era of its publication. The idea of replacing major parts of the human brain with artificial components raised a whirlwind of questions in my young mind. It blurred the lines between man and machine, between natural and artificial life, in a way that was both unsettling and fascinating.
But it was Leona’s altered perception of the world post-surgery — where humans and animals appeared as lifeless objects — that left the most significant impression on me. This drastic change in his reality was a powerful metaphor for the disconnection one can feel in a rapidly advancing world. It was a theme that resonated deeply, making me ponder the true essence of human experience and our connection to the world around us.
The Story of Leona and Chihiro
At the heart of “Resurrection” lies the unconventional and poignant tale of Leona and Chihiro. Leona’s transformation following his accident and the subsequent implantation of an artificial brain leads him into a world where his perception of life is drastically altered. Humans and animals, to his new eyes, appear as inanimate objects, a jarring experience that alienates him from the world he once knew. This depiction by Tezuka brilliantly captures the existential disorientation that can arise from the fusion of human and machine.
Chihiro’s introduction into the narrative adds another layer of complexity. As a robot working in a factory, she represents the pinnacle of the futuristic world Tezuka envisioned — a world where the line between the organic and the synthetic is not just blurred but is, in many ways, nonexistent. The relationship that develops between Leona and Chihiro is fascinating and multifaceted. To Leona, Chihiro appears uniquely human, a beacon of life and normalcy in his altered reality. Meanwhile, Chihiro, initially devoid of human emotions, begins to experience a change, an evolution of her ‘heart’, triggered by her interactions with Leona.
Their love story is a profound commentary on the nature of emotion and connection. It transcends the physical boundaries of human and machine, delving into the realm of emotional attachment and mutual understanding. It challenges the reader to reconsider what it means to love and to be loved, to connect beyond superficial appearances and societal norms.
As their relationship unfolds, Tezuka takes us through a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The ‘beautiful park’ where they find solace, later revealed as a blast furnace, symbolizes the power of perception and the subjective nature of beauty. It’s a poignant reminder of how love and emotion can transform even the bleakest of settings into places of beauty and meaning.
Philosophical Questions
“Resurrection,” beyond its compelling narrative, is a treasure trove of philosophical exploration. As a teenager, I found myself deeply engrossed in the profound questions it posed about reality, identity, and consciousness. Tezuka’s storytelling did not just entertain; it provoked a kind of introspection that was both challenging and exhilarating.
The blurring of lines between human and machine in Leona’s story opened up a realm of philosophical inquiry about what defines humanity. Is it our biological components, our ability to feel and express emotions, or something more intangible? The story dared me to consider the possibility of an artificial brain experiencing emotions and forming genuine human connections. It suggested a future where the essence of being human could transcend our physical form, a notion that was both fascinating and unsettling.
Chihiro’s evolution from a seemingly emotionless robot to a being capable of love and emotional growth raised questions about the nature of consciousness and the potential for artificial beings to possess something akin to a soul. The story made me ponder the potential for machines not just to mimic human behavior but to develop a consciousness of their own.
The concept of altered perception, as experienced by Leona, also led me to question the nature of reality. If our perception shapes our reality, then what happens when that perception is fundamentally altered? The story beautifully illustrated how subjective and fragile our grasp on reality can be, and how it can be transformed by technology.
Lastly, the story prompted me to think about the ethics of advanced technology. The idea of an artificial brain, cloning, and the creation of sentient beings raised moral dilemmas about the limits of scientific advancement and the responsibilities that come with such power.
As a teenager, these themes were not just intriguing plot points but gateways to deeper philosophical contemplation. They encouraged me to look beyond the surface of the story and explore the underlying implications of a future intertwined with advanced technology and artificial consciousness.
Mature Reflections
Revisiting Tezuka’s “Resurrection” now, with a more mature perspective, I find my understanding and appreciation of its themes have deepened significantly. The story, which once seemed like a distant, futuristic fantasy, now resonates with startling relevance in our rapidly advancing technological world.
The concept of an artificial brain, once a fantastical element of science fiction, now prompts a real contemplation about the future of artificial intelligence and neuroscience. As technology progresses, the ethical and existential questions posed by Tezuka become increasingly pertinent. The blurred line between human and machine that intrigued me as a teenager now invites a more nuanced consideration of what it means to be alive in an age where artificial consciousness might become a reality.
My mature understanding also brings a greater appreciation of the emotional depth and complexity in the relationship between Leona and Chihiro. Their connection, which challenges conventional boundaries, speaks to the universal need for companionship and understanding, regardless of the form it takes. It’s a reminder that the essence of connection and love transcends physical and biological limitations.
Reflecting on the themes of perception and reality, I now see them as a commentary on the subjective nature of our experiences and the impact of technology on our understanding of the world. The story encourages a consideration of how our reality might be shaped or altered by the advancements in technology, a thought that is increasingly relevant in the era of virtual and augmented reality.
Moreover, the ethical considerations that the story raises about the creation and treatment of sentient beings have taken on new significance. As we stand on the brink of potentially creating forms of artificial consciousness, the moral dilemmas presented in “Resurrection” seem less like speculative fiction and more like imminent challenges.
In essence, revisiting “Resurrection” has been a journey of rediscovery. The story has unfolded new layers of meaning and relevance, demonstrating the timeless nature of Tezuka’s work and its enduring ability to provoke thought and reflection in an ever-changing world.
The Concept of Collective Consciousness
In “Resurrection,” the evolution of Robita from a narrative standpoint is both tragic and deeply poignant. The character of Robita originates from a profound act of love and desperation. Leona, after being severely injured in an attack by a gang seeking to harvest his organs, finds himself on the brink of death. In these critical moments, he makes a significant request — to have his brain memories, which are stored in an artificial brain, uploaded into a storage system and combined with Chihiro’s consciousness. This fusion of Leona and Chihiro’s memories and essence gives birth to Robita, a servant robot.
Robita, thus, is not merely a robot but a vessel containing the collective consciousness and intertwined experiences of two distinct beings who shared a deep connection. This unique origin contributes to Robita’s extraordinary human touch, resonating with users in a way that sets it apart from other robots. The complexity and depth of Robita’s character are a testament to Tezuka’s masterful storytelling and his exploration of what defines consciousness and identity.
The tragic incident leading to Robita being unfairly accused and sentenced to death following the accidental death of a toddler under its care is a critical moment in the story. The collective punishment of Robita, highlighting the ethical dilemmas in dealing with artificial entities, becomes a significant commentary on society’s fears and misunderstandings regarding artificial intelligence.
Following the execution of one Robita, the collective consciousness shared among all Robitas leads to a dramatic and symbolic act. Each Robita, embodying the combined spirits of Leona and Chihiro, marches into the furnace, the place of their most cherished memories, and ceases to function. This mass act of self-destruction powerfully illustrates the depth of their interconnectedness and shared identity.
This portrayal of collective consciousness in Robita is revolutionary and serves as a cautionary tale. It suggests a future where machines might not only have individual awareness but also a shared understanding, echoing the complexities and responsibilities that accompany the creation of such advanced artificial beings.
Tezuka’s exploration in “Resurrection” thus fosters a dialogue about the essence of shared experiences and the future of artificial intelligence. It remains a highly relevant and thought-provoking theme as we continue to advance in our technological capabilities, blurring the lines between human and machine consciousness.
Ethical Considerations and the Future of AI
“Resurrection” by Osamu Tezuka, with its intricate narrative involving Leona, Chihiro, and Robita, ventures into the complex terrain of ethics in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and consciousness. Reflecting on this story now, I find its insights into these issues more relevant than ever in our contemporary world, where the lines between AI and human experience are increasingly blurred.
The ethical implications of creating and interacting with sentient AI are central to the story. The transformation of Leona and Chihiro’s consciousness into Robita raises profound questions about the moral responsibilities toward artificial beings. How do we define rights and personhood in entities that exhibit human-like consciousness and emotions? The trial and subsequent execution of Robita, for an incident it may not have been responsible for, illustrates the societal challenges in understanding and legislating AI. This aspect of the story mirrors current debates about the legal and moral status of AI, as we grapple with the rapid advancements in this field.
Furthermore, the collective consciousness and shared fate of the Robitas highlight ethical dilemmas around the creation of AI with the capacity for shared experiences and emotions. The story poses critical questions: Should AI be granted the same ethical considerations as humans if they possess consciousness? What are the consequences of creating machines capable of experiencing suffering or joy?
In a broader sense, “Resurrection” serves as a prescient commentary on the future trajectory of AI. Tezuka’s vision of a future where AI and humans coexist and interact on deeply emotional and complex levels is becoming increasingly plausible. The story urges us to consider the implications of these advancements on society, human relationships, and our understanding of what it means to be alive.
Tezuka, through “Resurrection,” invites us to contemplate a future where AI could redefine the essence of life and consciousness. As we stand on the cusp of significant breakthroughs in AI, these contemplations are not just philosophical musings but imminent realities we must prepare to face.
Blurring Realities
Reflecting on Osamu Tezuka’s “Resurrection” from his “Phoenix” series, I am struck by the lasting impact this story has had on my life and thought processes. From my initial encounter with it as a teenager to my more mature reflections today, the narrative has continually offered new insights and provoked deep contemplation.
Tezuka’s visionary storytelling, particularly in “Resurrection,” transcends the boundaries of time and technology, remaining remarkably relevant in our present era. The story’s exploration of themes such as the nature of consciousness, the relationship between humans and machines, and the ethical implications of advanced AI, speaks to the core of our current technological and philosophical debates. It is a testament to Tezuka’s genius that a narrative crafted over half a century ago can still resonate so profoundly with contemporary issues.
My journey with “Resurrection” has been one of continual discovery and reevaluation. The story has not only shaped my understanding of science fiction as a genre but also influenced my views on the complexities of human and artificial life. It has been a catalyst for pondering the profound ethical and existential questions that we, as a society, are only beginning to grapple with as we advance into a future where the lines between the organic and synthetic are increasingly blurred.
Tezuka’s “Resurrection” stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of great literature. Its ability to explore complex human experiences, challenge our perceptions, and provoke philosophical inquiry is a remarkable achievement. As I look back on the impact this story has had on me, I am reminded of the timeless relevance of Tezuka’s work and its capacity to engage and inspire generations of readers in their quest to understand the human condition in an ever-evolving world.
Image by zephylwer0
Tom’s Blog 