Sarazanmai

Sarazanmai is an original animation series from Japan that aired on Fuji TV in 2019. This show, created by the ingenious minds of Kunihiko Ikuhara and Nobuyuki Takeuchi, proves to be a distinctive blend of fantasy, action and comedy with the subtle addition of philosophical and sociological aspects.

The triumvirate of protagonists includes Kazuki Yasaka, Toi Kuji, and Enta Jinnai, three middle school boys residing in the Asakusa District in Tokyo. They are intricately drawn characters with contrasting personalities and unique quirks, setting a lively and diverse narrative. However, an auspicious encounter with a Kappa, a creature from Japanese folklore, named Keppi changes the course of their lives.

Transformed into Kappas themselves by Keppi following the removal of their 'shirikodama', an organ symbolically representing their desires, the boys are catapulted into a bizarre new world within their own district. They are given a mission - to collect the shirikodama of zombies - in exchange for their own. The three reluctantly embark on a journey filled with extraordinary adventures, surreal battles, and endless surprises while navigating the mysterious 'Kappa Kingdom'. These forced exploits then turn comical as the boys try to find a balance between their secret lives as Kappa heroes and their regular school lives.

Sarazanmai delves into the lives of its characters through the 'Dish of Hope', a dish that can grant any desire, at the cost of one's shirikodama. Amid the chaotic bustle of thrill and fear-inducing missions, our protagonists unveil various facets of their character, coming to terms with their desires, regrets, fears, and hopes. Defining the show's thematic essence are the arcs about connections, secrets, relationships and sacrifices. The series is intense, pulling the heartstrings with its realistic portrayal of human emotions, interlaced with rib-tickling humor.

Complementing its unique storyline, Sarazanmai presents a visually enthralling universe. The animation style is vivid and electrifying with a rich palette of colors. The creators ingeniously blend traditional Japanese elements with a modern twist, reflecting in the design of the Asakusa district, a combination of cultural heritage and urban aesthetics.

Each episode is smartly structured, starting with the boys' normal life, descending into the absurd realm and finally their return to reality with newfound revelations. The plot focuses on the concept of 'sara', a Japanese word meaning a dish or a plate. It symbolizes the fragile human desires that the central characters grapple with, setting itself apart with its inventive take on narrative symbolism.

The sterling performance of the voice actors is worth mentioning. Their dialogues and expressions are imbued with a range of emotions, making the characters feel more real and relatable. Additionally, the musical score of the series is commendable. The opening and closing themes are addictive, setting an energetic tone for the show. Intertwined within the narrative are catchy musical numbers that further enhance the enjoyability of the series.

Moreover, Sarazanmai impresses with its philosophical depth. While it deals with a range of human emotions and desires, it also contemplates upon societal constructs and nuances, beautifully expressed through metaphors and allegories. It shows the characters grappling with their identities and secrets under the societal pressure of conformity.

The series comprises 11 episodes of approximately 23 minutes each, with each episode being a thrilling ride, finding a perfect balance between light-hearted comedy and profound reflection. Sarazanmai, with its unique characters, engaging storyline, remarkable animation, extraordinary music, and thought-provoking themes, claims a spot among the most memorable anime of 2019.

Regarded as a genre-bending series, Sarazanmai is not your typical coming-of-age anime. It is a visual spectacle that will keep you mesmerized with its surreal narrative and stunning artwork while causing you to reflect upon your own understanding of relations and societal norms. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate unconventional plotlines and enjoy a touch of philosophy underlined with humor.