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Why do so many anime (e.g. _Code Geass, Steins; Gate, Ano Hana_ ) have cicadas
in the background?


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tropes symbolism
What is the purpose served by cicadas in anime?


In Japan, cicadas are symbolic of summer, and possibly symbolize reincarnation
as well, based on summer being the time when the cicada comes out to
sing.[[1]](http://thelife-animal.blogspot.ca/2012/10/cicada.html)

![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/VMykc.jpg)

As per their role in anime, according to Wikipedia,

> The songs of the cicada are often used in Japanese film and television to
> indicate the scene is taking place in the summer.
>
> — [_Cicada, Wikipedia_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicada#Japan)

I do not remember when exactly they appeared in _Steins;Gate_ (nor the other
anime), but I would assume that this is simply a reference to a summertime
setting.


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I grew up in an area that was close to sea level (a bit further south than
Japan) and in the Spring and Summer I recall hearing cicadas just about every
time I went outside. I suspect the effect in anime is to improve immersion or
accurately reflect the reality of the situation that the anime is trying to
portray.


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