The Day I Became a God

The Day I Became a God is a riveting 12-episode anime series that aired in 2020 on Tokyo MX. The series was developed by Key, a highly respected visual novel studio, alongside P.A. Works and Aniplex. The captivating story is the brainchild of renowned creators Jun Maeda and Na-Ga, who are well-known for their esteemed works like Angel Beats! and Charlotte.

The narrative of The Day I Became a God revolves around Yota Narukami, a high school student who leads an ordinary yet fulfilling life. The story takes a dramatic turn when he encounters a peculiar little girl named Hina, who proclaims herself as "Odin", the god of Nordic mythology. Amidst this bewildering encounter, the self-proclaimed deity tells Yota that the world is going to end in thirty days, turning his life upside down.

While skeptical and confused at first, Yota gradually starts to notice uncanny incidents that seem to almost validate Hina's words. The conjecture about the end of the world aside, the most intriguing aspect is Hina's eerily accurate predictions of Yota's everyday life. From insignificant matters to significant life events, Hina's prophecies don't seem to fail, convincing Yota that Hina may well be telling the truth.

Yota, however, decides to maintain a semblance of normalcy and continues going to school, hanging out with his friends, and pursuing his romantic interest, Kyouko Izanami. His daily routine, though, is full of Hina's unconventional interferences, leading to unexpected situations and comic misunderstandings. The Day I Became a God is not simply about the bleak foretelling of the end of the world but also beautifully showcases the importance and beauty of everyday life and human connections.

As the romantic subplot develops alongside the mystery, the audience gets to witness Yota's evolving relationship with Kyouko. Yota's one-sided feelings for his childhood friend Kyouko and his attempts to win her heart add an interesting layer to the narrative. The portrayal of their friendship evolving into something deeper is skillfully executed.

The character development in this show is commendable. The growth of Yota from a nondescript high school student to someone grappling with realities far beyond his understanding is intriguing. Hina’s character, despite her mysterious origins and eccentricities, brings a light-heartedness and comical charm to the story. The secondary characters, including Yota's friends and family, greatly contribute to the plot while adding humor, nuanced perspectives, and depth to the narrative.

The most prominent element of The Day I Became a God is the unique blend of genres. Predominantly characterized as a science fiction series, this show doesn't shy away from delving into romance, comedy, drama, and mystery. It beautifully balances the scale between light-hearted, everyday school life and the suspenseful element of predicting the coming end of the world.

The animation and art direction of this series add to its charm. The Day I Became a God is stunningly animated, with gorgeously detailed backgrounds and well-crafted character designs. P.A. Works once again proves their knack for delivering top-notch animation quality.

Complementing the visuals is the impressively composed soundtrack. The music does an excellent job of amplifying the emotional moments and intensifying the excitement of suspenseful scenes. The opening theme song "Kimi to Iu Shinwa" by Nagi Yanagi sets the tone for the series, while the stunning ending theme "Goodbye Seven Seas" leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

As a modern series that explores high concepts like divinity and apocalypse, The Day I Became a God stands out from traditional anime themes. Yet, it also seamlessly weaves in classic anime elements of slice-of-life and high school romance while dealing with these complex ideas. Balancing an air of thrill, dread, humor, and love, the anime produces a unique storyline that hooks its audience and keeps them guessing until the very end.

In conclusion, the Day I Became a God is a beautiful narrative intertwined with divinity, life’s simplicity, friendship, love, and the impending end of the world. It invites viewers to ponder the importance of everyday life and the bonds we form, making it a memorable addition to the 2020 anime roster.