Eden of the East – Series – 11 Episodes

A friend had told me about this series, merely stating that it was very well done and very good. He told me that I should watch it and as we had some time between then and our next appointment, he was quite adamant that I watch at least 1 or 2 episodes. We ultimately pressed our time limit a little and watched 3 episodes. The series was very engrossing and had enough raw intrigue that it was hard to not want to watch it and find out what was going to happen next. It was not very long before I insisted that he tell me where to find the rest of the series. Once in my possession, it was only 1-2 days before I had finished it in its entirety.

The events that open the series seem simple enough, a girl arrives at the White House from Japan. She looks at the lawn, noting the fountain, commenting on just how far away it, that it looked much closer in the pictures. She reaches into her pocket, rummaging for something. During this time we see that there are police officers just behind her. When she finishes rummaging, we see her flick something, revealed to be a coin, trying to get it in the fountain. The police officers behind her step forward and demand that she tell them what she just threw at the White House. She stammers a little, then a young man steps forward, unclothed, with only a revolver and a cell-phone, asking in Japanese what was going on, a truck goes by and the young man vanishes. The cops are confused and start after the truck. The scene changes, showing the young man disrobing, then answering his strange cell-phone, with something happening to him. We learn that this young man has wiped his own memory both on his cell-phone and in his mind. The young lady, Saki Morimi, thanks this young man, and gives him her coat and scarf so he won’t be so cold. He thanks her and they part ways. Morimi realizes shortly after that her Passport is in her coat, which she just gave to the young man. This young man has since left, pressing a button on his cell-phone, which is imprinted with the phrase “nobelesse oblige”, he gets in touch with “Juiz”, a feminine voice, who then sends him a map to where he is apparently staying. After a series of interesting events, the pair find themselves in Japan where the young man, who takes the name Akira Takizawa from one of the many passports in his apartment, that he has 8.2 billion yen to use to save Japan however he thinks it is best done. He is told he is one of 12 chosen as Selecao to play “The Game”. Things progress from there …

While it summarizes only a portion of the first episode, much of the series works and builds momentum from that essential base. While little is known about each character initially, over the course of the 11 episodes, a lot is revealed, a good number of hooks are introduced into the series and many of the story lines are resolved. While only so much is answered, it is enough that there is a satisfying ending. It is said there will be 2 movies based on this anime in the future.

The Graphics of the series are very well done. While it uses some anime clichés for parts strictly for humor, the seriousness and tone of the anime are added greatly by the style of it. The opening and closing credit sequences offer a lot to the series, allowing for insight into the world and understanding some the events that are going on in the world. The ending in particular offers a sharp contrast to the rest of the series, as it appears to be done with paper cut-outs. The opening has a lot of quotes popping up in the background, which are tasteful and well chosen, adding something of a nice flavor. Much of the series relies on small details.

Musically this anime was well done. The opening song fits very well, as does the credits song. Much of what I personally enjoyed was enhanced by the score. The choice of themes and instrumentation worked very well in its favor. It was one of the very few where I never once tried to keep through the opening, instead opting to enjoy the song each time. It blends seamlessly into the series itself, only making intrusions as needed.

This is a series that would be best aimed at the Teen or above audience. It has a very ambiguous goal and some maturity would be recommended for enjoyment. It has some violence, but not large amounts of it. It is a rock solid series that many people could enjoy. It is shorter than usual, having only 11 episodes. Even with that reduction, it loses very little in terms of its story telling abilities. If you can find it, do so and check it out. I consider this a highly recommended series.





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