The Tatami Time Machine Blues

The Tatami Time Machine Blues is a Japanese animated series that premiered in 2022, serving as a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2010 anime, The Tatami Galaxy. This imaginative and visually distinctive show continues to explore the peculiar yet relatable experiences of university life, delving into themes of choice, consequence, and the pursuit of an ideal future. Blending the avant-garde with the humorous, the narrative weaves a complex tale that is both introspective and whimsical, set against the backdrop of a college campus.

The series reintroduces viewers to its protagonist, an unnamed third-year Kyoto University student often referred to as Watashi, which means "I" or "me" in Japanese. Watashi is an introspective and somewhat disillusioned character, grappling with the typical anxieties and existential quandaries of college life. He reflects on his university days, pondering over the decisions he's made and the various paths he could have taken—each alternative outcome represented symbolically by a different tatami mat in his imaginatively conceived 4.5-mat room.

In The Tatami Time Machine Blues, the narrative picks up in the heat of the summer season. The sweltering heatwave that grips the city is almost a character of its own, oppressive and inescapable, mirroring the internal struggles of Watashi as he tries to find a sense of direction in his life. The title itself suggests a blend of nostalgia and science fiction, hinting at the element of time travel that becomes central to the series' plot.

Without giving away vital plot points, the essence of the story revolves around a seemingly trivial yet consequential incident involving a malfunctioning air conditioner remote. While this might seem a mundane premise, the incident sets off a series of events that spiral into a complex exploration of causality and choice. Watashi's confrontation with the possibilities of what could have been drives the narrative into the realms of the surreal as he attempts to navigate a labyrinth of potential timelines.

Accompanied by an eccentric cast of characters from his university circle, including the mischievous Ozu, who often plays the foil to Watashi's more serious demeanor, the pragmatic Akashi, and a host of other quirky personalities, Watashi embarks on an adventure that is as much about self-discovery as it is about solving the immediate conundrum that has besieged them. Each character is given depth and personality, contributing to the show's exploration of human relationships and the impact our interactions have on our lives.

Technically, the series showcases the same unique blend of art and animation styles which defined The Tatami Galaxy, with director Shingo Natsume taking the reins for this new adventure. His previous work on series like One Punch Man and Space Dandy ensures that The Tatami Time Machine Blues retains a high level of energy and creativity. Traditional animation is complemented by experimental visuals, unconventional camera angles, and an expressive color palette, creating an experience that is simultaneously familiar to returning viewers and fresh enough to captivate new audiences.

Narratively, the series capitalizes on the novel's author, Tomihiko Morimi's, storytelling prowess. His writing, adapted for the series, maintains a delicate balance between the absurd and the profound, wrapping life's mundane moments in layers of imaginative wonder. Elements of science fiction, psychological insight, and emotional depth fuse together to form a story that is both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining.

The music and sound design, much like its predecessor, are noteworthy and contribute greatly to the overall atmosphere of the series. A blend of jazz, classical, and whimsical tunes accompany Watashi's journey, accentuating the highs and lows of his temporal escapades and the emotional nuances of the diverse character ensemble.

In true homage to its source material, The Tatami Time Machine Blues does not shy away from addressing complex philosophical concepts. It delicately handles the idea of time not as a linear progression but as a series of interwoven tatami mats—each one holding a different version of Watashi's reality. As he weaves his way through this multi-dimensional space, viewers are invited to consider their own life choices and the infinite repercussions each decision could potentially entail.

Finally, the charm of The Tatami Time Machine Blues lies in its ability to balance the technical aspects of animation with the depth of its storytelling. It's a series that challenges viewers to contemplate their own existence while offering a delightful and engaging escape into the life of a uniquely troubled yet endearing college student. With its artistic vision, innovative narrative structure, and rich character development, the show stands out as a noteworthy addition to the landscape of modern anime, inviting both fans of the original series and newcomers to embrace the peculiar odyssey of choices that define our lives.