Anime Spotlight: Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi
Synopsis-Sasshi returns home to the shopping arcade of Abenobashi, located in Osaka, to learn that his childhood friend, Arumi, is set to be moving away with her family. Shortly after Arumi’s grandfather has an accident the two find themselves transported to an Abenobashi that is not their own. Every attempt they make to return to their home only finds them in a different shopping arcade. Most of these Abenobashi’s are derived from Sasshi’s geeky hobbies. A few of these Abenobashi’s include a dating sim, war setting, and carnival. While traveling through the different shopping arcades the two realize their family and friends are always there. Though there are two other characters, Eutus and Mune-Mune, that the children are not familiar with. Sasshi learns that Eutus is really Abe no Seimi, an Onmyo mystic from the Heian Era. Eutus takes the boy under his wing and teaches him the Onmyo way advising Sasshi it is his only chance to return to the real Abenobashi Shopping Arcade. Follow our fearless youngsters as they fight their way through these worlds and back to their own.
Cast/Crew-ADV Films brought us this Gainax series directed by Hiroyuki Yamaga. Yamaga also produced several episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Our intrepid warrior, Satoshi (Sasshi) Imamiya, was voiced by Tomo Saeki and Luci Chirstian. Luci also voiced Komachi Mikumari from Samurai 7. Sasshi’s long time best friend Arumi Asahina was voiced by Yuki Matsuoka and Jessica Boone. Jessica and Luci worked together on multiple series including Full Metal Panic. Eutus, a secondary, but very important character, was voiced by Rikiya Koyama and ChrisPatton. The vocal talent was well selected for this series and extremely entertaining.
Reflection- This is a not so well known series that has always been in my top 10 list. Each world you encounter is new, exciting, and always geeky in some way, shape, or form. Tons of action, lots of light comedy, and a little side of compassion. It’s a well written series with decent animation. I’m no animation expert though. If you don’t find yourself at least giggling at the fart jokes then you are more mature than I am. So good for you!
The series is going to take you all over the place, and it may be hard to follow in the beginning. I believe, though, if you stick with it through the end you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Why you should watch: You enjoy crazy changing worlds, science fiction, and a heartfelt story.
Why you shouldn’t watch:You don’t get sci-fi, geek, nerd, or dork reference, and you dislike scantily clad women.