Akikan

Akikan is an intriguing and unusual anime series from the year 2009, aired on Anime Network. The show runs along a unique storyline that blends the ordinary with the extraordinary in a package of humor, romance, and fantasy. Anyone who finds the idea of an unusual twist on the typical harem anime set-up appealing may find plenty to enjoy here.

The central protagonist of the story is Kakeru Daichi, a high-school student. One summer day, while quenching his thirst with a can of melon soda, a strange incident unfolds. The can transforms into a beautiful human-girl right before his eyes. This seemingly ordinary soda can girl, named Melon, reveals herself to be an Akikan—a magical being who can exist both as can and human.

In this alternate universe, Akikans are rare and sentient beings birthed from ordinary cans of soda. Mysteriously materializing when young men lock lips with these unique cans, Akikans form bonds with these somewhat surprised owners and engage in a life full of novelty and adventure. Akikans come in all shapes and sizes, taking after the type of soda they were originally, from sports drinks to fruit juice, and have personalities as diverse as their soda flavors.

The plot thickens when it is revealed that there is an ongoing Akikan Elect, a secretive governmental project that proposes an absurd and eccentric competition wherein these soda can girls both fighting and co-existing to show who can be the best—steel or aluminium. From this concept springs a multitude of conflicts, both physical and emotional. The majority of the series focuses on this unique battleground that tests the abilities of the characters.

Over the course of the series, Kakeru must navigate his new responsibilities as an Akikan owner, negotiating the challenges of high school life while ensuring Melon, who becomes an integral part of his everyday life, remains safe from the dangers set by opposing Akikans and governmental agents. As one would expect in such narratives, eventually other Akikans end up wandering into Kakeru's life, complicating things further.

The show indulges in blending slice-of-life elements with action-packed sequences. It does an excellent job at delving into the emotional complexities of the characters, from exploring the dynamics between the Akikans and their owners, to the strange love triangle building between Kakeru, Melon, and his childhood friend, Najimi. As characters, the Akikans are portrayed with enough depth to make them engaging. Their individuality ranging from brave and defiant, to more soft-spoken and mild, add layers to the storytelling.

The animation style is commendable with vibrant colors, which enhance the overall viewing experience. With distinctive designs for each type of Akikan, including the more vivid color palette for fruit juices and more neutral ones for regular soda, the visuals further enhance the understanding and differentiation of the characters.

Given the premise and the type of humor the series indulges in, Akikan, undeniably, falls under the 'ecchi' genre of anime. However, despite its ecchi undertones, the series doesn't shy away from exploring meaningful themes. The story often seems absurd, concealing deeper concepts beneath its vibrant surface. Topics such as the nature of being, identity, individuality, and even gender and societal norms, are subtly threaded throughout the narrative.

As the series progresses, the comical eccentricity of the show often gives way to heart-warming and intense moments. The combination of light-heartedness, humor, action, and life lessons maintains interest throughout. The show's ability to tackle heavy themes with humor at some moments and delicacy at others is what makes it uniquely engaging.

With its offbeat premise, Akikan is not your typical anime series. It merges humor and drama in ways that remain refreshing and unconventional, even if some of its set-up is decidedly taken from classical harem scenario. It pushes the boundary on what an anime can be about, making the ordinary extraordinary and transforming a simple act of drinking soda into a larger-than-life adventure. Anyone interested in unusual plotlines, mix of genres, and a good dose of humor may enjoy this unique creation from 2009.