2016-nen no Kimi e

The first episode of "Takopi's Original Sin" is among the finest pilot episodes I've seen. At 38 minutes, it's longer than a typical anime episode, yet it feels neither dragged out nor rushed, striking a perfect balance.

It is brilliantly written and beautifully animated, the episode is complemented by exceptional sound effects. Personally, I liked it's art style and it's environment.

The dynamic between Takopi, Shizuka, Marina and Azuma evokes the charm of Doraemon, Nobita, Gian, and Dekisugi, with Takopi which is an alien wielding gadgets (Happy Gadgets) reminiscent of that iconic cat robot. The playground with three large concrete pipes even mirrors Doraemon's familiar setting.

The episode also carries echoes like Re:Zero, Edge of Tomorrow, Summertime Rendering and Happy Death Day in its idea and concept.

The storyline takes a dark and heartbreaking turn, tackling sensitive topics like bullying, depression, domestic violence and suicide with care.

Some fans have hailed this as the most emotional episode ever, but I'd advise tempering expectations. While it's deeply moving and touched my heart, it didn't bring me to tears.

With an IMDb rating of 9.7, the episode is undeniably impressive, but I believe this score is slightly inflated and little bit overrated. If it was a finale episode that it can be understandable, but a pilot episode with 9.7 rating? For context, iconic pilot episodes of Attack on Titan, Death Note, To Your Eternity, The Promised Neverland, Breaking Bad, True Detective and Game of Thrones don't even reach 9.5 rating. A rating between 9.0 and 9.5 feels more fitting for this stellar episode.

While I can't judge the entire series based on one episode, this debut suggests Takopi's Original Sin is poised to be a remarkable show. It's a must-watch for anime fans seeking a blend of heart and intensity.

This episode is probably the single most interesting in any show, it mixes two very interesting story plot devices 1) The groundhog day 2) dealing with depression and self harm which I've never seen done in any media. The show is setup in a very good way. I have one concern that the show might get convoluted if the alien tries to solve every characters problem. I think if the show just focuses on one conflict and shows why it's not very easy to solve such things just like the scene where the alien realises that it can't patch things up. But if the show essentially becomes about the alien fixing everyone's lives, the emotional impact of the whole show would reduce. Rather I hope the show focuses on just Takopi.

I'm confident this is going to be absolutely worth watching. The animation is nothing short of breathtaking-fluid, detailed, and visually captivating. Every frame feels alive, and the artistic direction is on point. The plot already shows signs of growing into something rich and meaningful, with characters and storylines that grab your attention from the start. There's a unique atmosphere that sets the tone just right, and I really hope it keeps the same vibes all the way through. If the pacing and emotional depth stay consistent, this could turn out to be a truly unforgettable experience. I'm very excited to see what's next!

Takopi's presents itself as a fun and relaxing little anime, but unfortunately, from the very first episode, we're thrown in at the deep end. A sublime atmosphere, top-notch animation. This first episode surprises us and aims to reveal the harsh reality. This first episode is undoubtedly one of the best in the industry. This anime is presented to us as a letter, a dedication to the manga/animation industry; a story isn't always defined by fantasy but also by everyday events that can touch anyone. We can see that the staging is visually sublime, that everything is perfectly adapted while remaining faithful. So, go see this masterpiece that is only just beginning.

I had heard about this anime before, and when I saw how highly it was rated, I thought, "Is it overrated?" But I was wrong. I went in without knowing the plot and barely knowing anything about the manga -I had only just heard of it-. I honestly wasn't expecting such a brutal and well-crafted pilot episode.

Why is it so effective?

Visual & Emotional Integrity: The visuals create an innocent warmth that contrasts sharply with the terrifying story underneath. The combination of darkness and sweetness in the guro-moe style is especially reminiscent of Made in Abyss.

Powerful Themes: The first episode tackles heavy topics such as depression, parental neglect, bullying, animal abuse, and even child suicide-all at once. But it doesn't just use them for shock value; it explores them in a meaningful, thought-provoking way that leaves a strong impression.

The Impact of Takopi's Character: Takopi's innocent perspective and his distance from the harshness of human psychology evoke a deep emotional reaction. His well-intentioned but naive approach questions the idea that "happiness fixes everything." The story demonstrates, in a balanced way, that deep psychological wounds can't be healed so easily

How the Story Unfolds: The plot skillfully blends time travel and "Happy Gadgets" without disrupting the narrative flow. Instead of making things easier, these elements add complexity and tension, raising curiosity to the max. The fact that it does this without feeling ridiculous is a mark of great storytelling. I'm especially curious to see how the two main girls evolve-and even the character of Azuma, who helps Shizuka, hints at unexpected depth.

My Overall Opinion: Though it may look like a light summer anime at first glance, it's anything but. The first episode is thought-provoking, unsettling, and emotionally intense. It hits hard in just 35 minutes. With only six episodes planned, I believe the series will maintain its quality and could become one of the most talked-about anime of 2025. I'll be following it weekly for sure.