The Tatami Galaxy

The Tatami Galaxy is a mind-bending, intricate, and original anime series that aired in 2010 by Madhouse and was distributed by FUNimation. Based on the novel by Tomihiko Morimi and directed by the celebrated Masaaki Yuasa, the show is a distinctive blend of science fiction, mystery, and slice-of-life genres, packaged within a unique narrative structure that is both compelling and creative.

The series explores the life of an unnamed protagonist, where each episode is an exploration of a different "what-if" scenario. The protagonist is a socially awkward third-year student at a large Japanese university and is haunted by the crushing weight of his unfulfilled dreams, aspirations, and the persistent question of whether he has made the best of his time at the university.

He is constantly debating on joining the most prestigious circle (club) on campus to fill his college life with rose-colored memories or mulling over how he must have squandered his golden college days, a chance for a truly splendid life filled with romance and accomplishment. He is accompanied on his introspective journey through hypothetical university life by his mischievous and nefarious friend, Ozu, who seems to delight in the protagonist's discomfort and misfortune. Many of the protagonist's dilemmas revolve around his interactions with Ozu and a mysterious and elusive romantic interest, Akashi, adding another layer of depth and intrigue to the story.

Two things set The Tatami Galaxy apart from your average anime series - its narrative structure and distinctive visual style. Each episode of the series begins with the same premise but then diverges along various paths depending on the choices the protagonist makes, giving us 11 parallel storylines that are all interconnected in subtle and profound ways. Despite the distinct patterns, the show offers fresh twists and fascinating new perspectives with each iteration, where different aspects of the characters' personalities and their relationships are explored. The result is both disorienting and captivating, leaving the viewer eager to unravel the deeper connections that run through each storyline.

Visually, The Tatami Galaxy is a feast for the eyes. It combines a bold color palette with a distinctive, impressionist art style, resulting in sequences that are surreal, flamboyant, and powerfully expressive. This, combined with the frenetic pace of the storytelling and rapid-fire dialogue, lends the series an energetic and ethereal quality that is as engaging as it is unique.

The anime operates on a symbolic level as well, making prolific use of repetition and motifs, most notably the '4.5 tatami room' – a cultural symbol of solitary college life in Japan – to accentuate the protagonist's existential struggles. The motifs of moths, clocks, the figure-8, and the cross lend themselves to a myriad of interpretations about destiny, time, and the choices we make.

While the pace and density of The Tatami Galaxy's narrative can be initially overwhelming, those who stick with it will be rewarded with a profound and nuanced contemplation of life, decision-making, and the importance of perspective. Therein lies Tatami Galaxy's real beauty – the sensitivity with which it lays out the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and self-improvement subtly suggests that perhaps the color of one's life is determined not by external circumstances or opportunities (or their lack thereof) but by our own outlook towards them.

The Tatami Galaxy's galactic exploration of life's possibilities and its intricate narrative design will captivate viewers looking for something out of the box. It conveys an invaluable lesson about living life without regrets by questioning life's pivotal moments and the choices made during those moments. With every episode, the show explores these themes and offers its spectators a fresh perspective on life, self-discovery, and the realities of adulthood, often learning that sometimes the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Ultimately, The Tatami Galaxy is a story about predicting and facing the consequences of our choices and about learning to appreciate our present instead of perpetually harboring regrets and wondering about infinite 'what ifs'. It is a thought-provoking, visually spectacular series, making it a must-watch for anime enthusiasts who enjoy introspective narratives.