Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou is a two-episode OVA based on the manga of the same name (please read my review of the manga for more details). Specifically, it is based on a few early chapters in the manga. After reading over some other reviews, it seems that the transition from still images to animation has been somewhat of a hit-or-miss kind of thing with many people, but for me, I think it weathers the transition very well; the OVA takes advantage of the medium to showcase the world and characters, but in some ways doesn't go far enough. Story: 9 (Great) The story concerns Alpha Hatsusueno, an android(or gynoid, to be gender-specific) who lives on the outskirts of what's left of Yokohama, Japan after rising sea levels destroyed most of the city. She spends her days running a cafe and waiting for the return of her owner, who has left for reasons and parts unknown. One day, she receives a visitor - a young woman named Kokone, who is here to drop off a special package for her along with a message. When Alpha asks for the contents of the message, she discovers something special about Kokone - she, too, is a robot!
Alpha and Kokone quickly become friends, and the two begin to explore the world around them, aided by the gift sent by Alpha's owner - a camera that can directly interface with robots. Kokone returns to her delivery service, leaving Alpha feeling lonely again. She then decides to head out on her own to discover for herself what the world offers for her to photograph and preserve.
After going out to pick up a new rake, the skies above Alpha's little scooter start to darken; before long, a heavy rain sets in. Suddenly, a lightning strike out of nowhere! Alpha will now have to cope with trying to survive and the changes she'll face after her recovery.
Alpha decides to try out her new camera and becomes greatly dissatisfied with some of the shots she takes. She searches for the perfect shot, but is suddenly overtaken by a faint memory she barely remembers, one that goes back to the very day she was first activated.
The corresponding manga chapters covered by the OVA's two episodes are, in order,Chapter 7 Afternoon February 2, Chapter 8 1 by 1, Chapter 9 300 Image Capacity,Chapter 4 Rain and After, Chapter 12 Navi and Chapter 22 Yokosuka Cruise - note that Chapters 8 and 9 and Chapters 12 and 22 have been combined into a single half-episode each.
The story faithfully reproduces the ones told in the original manga chapters, but adds special touches as well. We see the dynamics of the wonderous splendor of Alpha's world, as well as the dynamics of her special relationship with Kokone (special in more ways than one :). Many of the subtleties of Alpha's character that can only be told through movement are revealed to us as well. We also see a little more backstory and a few changes here and there between the OVA and the manga - Alpha remembers or at least admits a little bit about what it was like being around before robots were common. Overall, the execution is great and it's clear that the animators and producers were careful to preserve and enhance the environment and characters of the manga, though I wish we could've seen the world through the perspective of Alpha's camera more often.
Art: 9 (Great)
The art is terrific and faithfully reproduces or even enhances the art style of the manga, but sadly the colors come off as a little washed-out, especially in regards to Alpha and Kokone.With that said, the animation takes us one step closer towards experiencing this futuristic world of Yokohama for ourselves, and brings Alpha and Kokone one step closer to our world.
Sound: 10 (Outstanding)
The music sets a benchmark for anime of this genre and is performed by Choro Club who also gave us the soundtrack for ARIA; much of it is performed with a gekkin, the same type of stringed musical instrument Alpha plays in the manga and seen in the OVA. Background an incidental music factor in heavily, much more so than other works. The music very much correlates to the imagery on-screen and tells us through audio the type of laid-back world Alpha sees, despite the many hardships she and her friends have to put up with.
Character: 10 (Outstanding)
In many ways the characterization of Alpha, Kokone, and the others exceeds that of the manga, since we're treated to many nuances the manga is simply not able to show. We see in Alpha a certain kind of endearing naivety as she begins to see things for the first time from differing perspectives, yet at the same time, we see a strong-willed young woman who is not only capable of taking care of herself but highly values the bonds she has with what has become her human family. The animation does much to bring these characters alive through these nuances and interactions with others and their environment, bringing these characters one step closer to reality.
Enjoyment: 9 (Great)
Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou is almost as much of a masterpiece as its source material but is not without its flaws that detracts from its enjoyment. The washed-out colors are distracting, especially when I was expecting the vibrant green and purple of Alpha's and Kokone's hair to be carried over from the manga. Despite that, the OVA still does a magnificent job of breathing life into Hitoshi Ashinano's still images and ephemeral snapshots, and for this alone it is a highly recommended and regarded piece.
Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou is given a final score of:
10: Outstanding
SaSamildanachEmrys
April 24, 2010
Not Recommended
I've seen numerous 10/10 ratings for Yokohama Shopping Trip (or Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou), and almost never anything below 8/10. So I decided, since it's only two episodes long, it had to be worth a try. It may well be the single most boring thing I have ever seen in my life. The main character spent a good fifteen minutes trying to take a photo but being unable to get the right shot. That's it. Later on, she looks at some lights under a lake. It's a pretty sight, no doubt, and there's nothing wrong with a scene of atmospheric tranquility, but it goes like this: lingeringshot of lights, lingering shot of face, lingering shot of lights, lingering shot of face, lingering shot of lights, lingering shot of face, lingering shot of lights, lingering shot of face....in silence for at least five minutes. I can't see any way in which that's anything less than incredibly dull.
And the animation! I've seen reviews praising the way the animation brings the main character's personality out vividly - but it's a lie! The art isn't bad, but the animation is downright poor. Alpha (the main character) has two expressions: 'slack-jawed gawp', and 'suprise' - and it soon becomes obvious that 'surprise' is the same slack-jawed gawp but with pink cheeks. The only other recurring character is the old man down the road, and he has only one expression! His facial features never move more than a fraction of an inch!
The worst example of animation in this, though, was the scooter-sideways incident. There was a sustained shot of Alpha riding her scooter, 'filmed' from behind. This was fine on the straight stretch of road, but then she came to some kind of curve or bend - but it took me a moment to realise that's what it was meant to be, because what actually happens is she leans slightly and moves directly sideways. It's HIDEOUS.
I'm completely nonplussed by the seemingly universal love of this anime. It makes watching paint dry seem eventful; at least paint progresses from wet to dry. The technical ineptitude only serves to make the experience painful as well as boring, leaving me with a weird feeling of being sedated and then beaten with wads of damp tissue paper.
Recommended
~ Story ~ 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).
~ Art ~
Initially released in 1998, Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou 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.
~ Sound ~
The soundtrack for Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou 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.
~ Overall ~
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.
I would recommend this series for those who want something calming to watch. 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.
Recommended
It’s hard to rate Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou accurately. After watching this first OVA, I decided to read a bit of the manga too. The manga is a little better suited for the slow pace, I think. Really not much happens. You don’t get a clear view of what’s going on through the episodes. However, the storyline probably wasn’t the point of this. What it wanted was to make you feel it. It’s very relaxing, and it goes along at such a leisurely pace. Characters come across nicely, and Alpha is very likeable. We don’t get to learn much about her owner, again, you do notget the experience of delving into a complicated storyline, but rather a very simple one.
Sometimes I find watching this sort of anime enjoyable. I did enjoy Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou, and I like it’s setting especially. The backgrounds and animation are very beautiful. Slice of post-apocalyptic stories and just slice-of-life or everyday life stories are fun to watch for me. While most will probably think this show disagreeable, others will like it for it’s calming music and pretty animation.
