The only difference is No.6 lies and conceals their motives. But, citizens in No.6 and West Block are the same humans. His friend Inukashi tells Shion that “if he keeps believing in that fantasy of his, he’ll never survive in West Block” (Vol. Shion still believes people inside and outside the wall are the same humans. The weak will die and the strong will reap the benefits. People want to survive and morals get disregarded. West Block does not hide their wrongdoings like No.6. Shion moves to West Block until the collapse of No.6. Shion, disgusted the city he once lived in could treat others as subhuman, vows to change its ways. To the mayor of No.6, “West Block isn’t part of the city” and he uses it as “some kind of garbage dump” (Vol. In fact, No.6 preys upon those outside the wall to become stronger. Those living outside the wall dividing No.6 from West Block do not get to indulge in such a luxury. No.6 puts out a facade so the citizens think they are safe and protected at all times. With everything perfect, citizens have no urge to revolt against the government. A peaceful death is not the only delusion the government forces its citizens to believe. At the funeral “they all would look like they were having some wonderful dream” (Vol 1. Once death comes families do not have to worry their loved ones suffers before death. Once they meet certain undisclosed criteria, the government sends them to the Twilight Cottage, which takes care of elders until the end. Science advances to the point citizens do not have to worry about an early death from most illnesses. In the beginning, No.6 appears to be a world without sorrow.

Humans want the perfect society and strive to create one with good intentions, but they succumb to being human.

Shion, a resident who escapes false imprisonment, wants to blur the lines between black and white. People inside No.6 are citizens and outside the wall they are insects. Humans will use, abuse, or cut out those weaker or in opposition to stay on top. This society strives to be perfect, but it cannot avoid a major human trait. It is one of six city-states founded after a nuclear fallout. The novel focuses on the holy city, No.6. Only 0.05% of deaths in No.6 result from suicide. Atsuko Asano’s novel, No.6, portrays an ideal society on the surface. Once on top and in power, others who oppose the one on top get subdued or thrown out. Humans strive to push their way to the top of society to create what they see as a utopia.

No 6 atsuko asano novel