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kawaiiguy's Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou Tv Review

Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou tv Review

Based on the Afternoon serial by Ashinano Hitoshi, the four episode OVA chronicles the travels of Alpha. The series takes place many years in the future, a time when rising temperatures have caused the polar ice caps to melt and the oceans to rise. Many of the world's major cities now lay under the rising oceans and human civilization is on the decline. The pace of life has slowed to a crawl and people lead a far more laid back life. The audience is given a glimpse of this future world and the lives people lead through the eyes of Alpha, a human-like robot.



Credits: kawaiiguy

Story & Characters

To start off, this review will be split into two and a half parts: The first OVA (1998), the second OVA (2000), and the manga (serialized in Kodansha Afternoon beginning in 1995 and running until present). I think this is the only fair way to evaluate some of these categories, since there are subtle differences between the three.

Yokohoama Kaidashi Kikou is a "slice of life" series. Like many of the genre, there really isn't much of a story to speak of. The series is about Alpha, a humanoid robot living in one of the coastal regions of Japan. Her owner had gone on a journey and left her there to tend a coffee shop (aptly named Cafe Alpha).

It takes place in Earth's future, during a time when global warming has caused the polar ice caps to melt. Human society is on the decline and the pace of life has slowed to a crawl. The oceans have risen, causing the world's coastal cities to lay underwater. What is left of humanity has moved to the higher regions where they live out somewhat primitive lives. Most of the roads are in a state of disrepair, but life goes on in a calm manner.

Humanity's last achievement, so it seems, was the creation of human shaped robots (like Alpha). There have been many iterations of these robots, but Alpha seems to be one of the first (and only) of her kind. All the others we see are more advanced models (like Kokone, for example).

Each OVA is based on selections from the manga. They outline Alpha's every day life and the people she comes in contact with. All in all, there's no good or evil. It's about a girl who runs a cafe. She goes on a journey every once in awhile and we get to tag along.

Rating: 7

Art

Manga
Over the years, the artwork for the YKK manga has matured quite nicely. It took a few years for the creator to get the style worked out for the characters. However, the best thing about the series is the landscape artwork. Simply put, the scenery is extremely calming to look at. It is extremely well drawn and the color pages are done with smooth pastel colors. The characters look cute in a childish sort of way, but at the same time has an air of maturity.

First OVA
Initially released in 1998, the first OVA was two episodes. The image quality and animation was on par with other work at the time. Somehow, the whole series had an 80's feel. I think this may have had something to do with the size of Alpha's sunglasses...

Second OVA
Two years after the original OVA, a second two episode OVA was produced. This time, we get more adventures of Alpha and friends. The artwork has been updated to more recent standards. The colors are far more vibrant and the picture quality is much better. The thing that I was captivated with was the landscaping. Somehow, the animators managed to capture the serenity of the countryside from the manga.

Rating: 7

Sound

Manga
Obviously, manga doesn't have sound. The soundtrack is completely up to you ;)

First OVA
The soundtrack for the first OVA was written and performed by GONTITI, a Japanese folk duo. They claim to make the "most comfortable music on earth." In this sense, I wholeheartedly agree. The soundtrack was not overwhelming and worked well with the imagery. In terms of dialog, the voice actors were perfect for their roles.

Second OVA
Music played a far bigger role in the second OVA. Replacing GONTITI is the Choro Club. If GONTITI is comfortable music, then the tracks recorded by Choro Club would induce a coma. The tracks provide far more variety in terms of instrumentals. However, some people may consider the soundtrack overwhelming. For those who enjoy the music, however, the R2 DVDs come with a dedicated 5.1 audio track of just the music.

Rating: 8

Presentation

Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou is one of the most calming series I've ever seen and read. The artwork, music, and story work extremely well together to create a beautiful work of art. At first glance, most people will probably not enjoy this work since it obviously lacks any coherent story. Even watching the series to completion leaves the viewer feel unfulfilled. It doesn't leave much of an impression and may be quickly forgotten. However, a change in mindset may boost the way a person looks at this work.

YKK isn't a story with mechas, technological gizmos, and explosions. It also isn't some sappy romance story about betrayal and how the main female character has some horrid grudge against all men everywhere. YKK is about the life of Alpha, a robot who runs a coffee shop. It's a perspective on life and the world around us. Take away all the technology and we get the barebones of life. If there's one thing anyone should take out of the series, it's this: the simple life can be enjoyable. Take some time out to cut loose and explore. Take your camera out, hop on your scooter, and just travel. Don't look for anything in particular or seek adventure. Just take life as it comes to you.

I would recommend this series for those who want something calming to watch or read. The soundtrack stands alone as well, and makes extremely good background music. It also makes very good (if not horribly inappropriate) fragging music for Unreal Tournament. If you seek something that goes against the grain of the norm or a mood piece, Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou is for you.

If you're a fan of action, romance, harem, slapstick comedy, brain hurting, or lots of shinys, then I would recommend against watching this. Chances are, you'll be bored to death and end up falling asleep before the end of the opening sequence.

Rating: 8

Final Verdict

7.5000 (good)

Reviewed by kawaiiguy, Jun 07, 2005

Comments

  1. kuroimisa Retired Moderator Jun 07, 2005

    A very fair review ^_^ Well balanced, and very honest XD
    *(^_^)*b

  2. Vinitachi Jun 07, 2005

    A anime about living a simple life. Hmm, sound good to me and yeah, the simple life can be pretty enjoyable. I think I'll check this out with time. (`-')b

  3. UberDog Mar 23, 2015

    Nice review, great structure and detail.

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