PLATONIC CHAIN ​​review: A story woven with profound themes and fascinating characters

"Platonic Chain": The appeal of an experimental anime set in a near-future Shibuya

■Overview of the work

"Platonic Chain" is a 24-episode anime TV series that aired on TV Tokyo from October 5, 2002 to March 29, 2003. It is based on a novel by Watanabe Koji and was directed by Asakawa Jun (Aran Sumiko). It was produced by ACID and copyright belongs to Kozy Watanabe/ACID/Platonic Chain Production Committee. The series aired as a 10-minute short anime, set in Shibuya in the near future, and depicts the fun and dangers of the internet society through the mobile phone site "Platonic Chain."

■ Story

Set in a near-future Shibuya, Platonic Chain tells the story of a group of boys and girls who use a mobile phone site called Platonic Chain, which provides answers to any question they may have. Through this site, the fun and dangers of the internet society are depicted. The protagonists grow as they face a variety of themes, including love, friendship and self-exploration. The story delves deeply into issues of human relationships and self-perception as the boundaries between reality and virtuality become blurred.

■Explanation

"Platonic Chain" was broadcast as a TV anime in 2002, and was the first Japanese TV series to use CG toon shading and motion capture. In particular, it attracted attention because some of the voice actors also used motion capture. This technical challenge achieved visual freshness and realistic character movements, further enhancing the expressiveness of animation.

The pilot film that preceded this work, "Platonic Chain," was produced in 2001 by director Jun Asakawa, and won the Grand Prix in the Rendering category at the European IMAGINA 2002 and was selected for the SIGGRAPH '01 Animation Theater in 2002. It has also received high international acclaim, including being selected for the UK's OnedotZero in 2003. These awards attest to the work's innovation and technical excellence.

■Cast

The main cast of "Platonic Chain" is as follows:

• Hitomi Tanaka: Saeko Chiba
• Kagurazaka Rika: Ai Nonaka
• Kanae Shimizu: Hiromi Tsunakake
• Kenichi: Kentaro Honda
• Makoto: Yusuke Tomoi
• Yuki: Shizuka Hasegawa
• Shinji: Hisayoshi Suganuma
• Sachiko: Ushikawa Toko
• Nae: Naoko Tokuzawa

These voice actors play an important role in expressing the individuality of the characters and making the story more exciting. In particular, the performances of Ms. Sayako Chiba and Ms. Ai Nonaka left a strong impression on viewers.

■ Main staff

The following key staff members were involved in the production of Platonic Chain:

• Original author: Hironi Watanabe
• Director: Jun Asakawa (Sumiko Aran)
• Screenplay: Aki Itami
• Directed by: Minoru Katakai
• Character design: Takeshi Okazaki
• Music: ISO

These staff members worked together to maximize the appeal of the worldview and characters of the work. In particular, Director Jun Asakawa's experimental approach was an important factor in enhancing the innovativeness of the work as a whole. In addition, the music by ISO played a role in enhancing the atmosphere of the story.

■Subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "Platonic Chain" are as follows.

• Episode 1: The Best Woman in the World (2002/10/04)
• Episode 2: The Inevitable Two (2002/10/11)
• Episode 3: Boyfriend Lineup (2002/10/18)
• Episode 4: Analysis of Love at First Sight (2002/10/25)
• Episode 5: Ignite the Burning House (2002/11/01)
• Episode 6: Detective vs. Spy (2002/11/08)
• Episode 7: Lover Factory (2002/11/15)
• Episode 8: Digital God (2002/11/22)
• Episode 9: The Sheltered Daughter (2002/11/29)
• Episode 10: Gift Exchange (2002/12/06)
• Episode 11: Confession Exam (2002/12/13)
• Episode 12: The Christmas Curse (2002/12/20)
• Episode 13: Turn on the lights (2002/12/27)
• Episode 14: Dress-Up Doll (2003/01/10)
• Episode 15: The Phantom 16 Years (2003/01/17)
• Episode 16: Old Man Camera (2003/01/24)
• Episode 17: The Time Machine (2003/02/07)
• Episode 18: Charisma Badge (2003/02/14)
• Episode 19: The Honor Student's Secret (2003/02/21)
• Episode 20: Her Memory (2003/02/28)
• Episode 21: Two people chased (2003/03/07)
• Episode 22: There are 12 of us! (Part 1) (2003/03/14)
• Episode 23: There are 12 of us! (Part 2) (2003/03/21)
• Episode 24: The Detective Appears (2003/03/28)

The subtitles of each episode reflect the development and theme of the story, and are designed to draw the viewer's attention. In particular, the themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery are skillfully depicted in each episode.

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs for "Platonic Chain" are as follows.

• Opening theme (episodes 17-23)
  "Go" Remixed by KG-K
  Sung by: Baby VOX feat. K-ONE
• Ending Theme 1 (Period: Episodes 1-9)
  "Q-Tee"
  Sung by: Ai Ichikawa
• Ending Theme 2 (Period: Episodes 10-16)
  "Go"
  Sung by: Baby VOX
• Ending Theme 3 (Period: Episodes 17-24)
  "Distance"
  Sung by: FUZZION
• Insert song (episodes 22 and 23)
  "Miracle✩DAYS"
  Vocals: Shating Girls (Sako Chiba, Ai Nonaka, Hiromi Tsunakake)

These songs are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the story. In particular, the opening theme "Go" symbolizes the energetic atmosphere of the work. The ending themes "Q-Tee" and "Distance" also played a role in enhancing the emotional scenes of the story.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Platonic Chain" has been highly praised by many viewers for its experimental techniques and deep themes. In particular, the use of CG toon shading and motion capture has further enhanced the expressiveness of animation and provided a visually fresh feel. In addition, the story, which depicts the fun and dangers of the internet society, is a theme that modern viewers can easily empathize with.

The portrayal of character growth and human relationships was also excellent, allowing viewers to empathize with the protagonists' worries and joys while enjoying the story. In particular, the characters of Tanaka Hitomi and Kagurazaka Rika were loved by many viewers. The subtitles and theme songs for each episode also played an important role in enhancing the appeal of the story.

■ Recommendation points

I recommend "Platonic Chain" for the following reasons:

• Innovative Technology : The use of CG toon shading and motion capture further enhances the expressiveness of the animation, providing a visually fresh experience.
• Deep themes : The story depicts the fun and dangers of the internet society, making it an easy theme for modern audiences to empathize with.
• Compelling Characters : Characters such as Tanaka Hitomi and Kagurazaka Rika leave a strong impression on viewers and add excitement to the story.
• Emotional Music : The opening and ending themes, as well as insert songs, are important elements in enhancing the atmosphere of the story.

From these points, "Platonic Chain" is an anime that can be recommended to many viewers as a work that combines technological innovation with deep themes. In particular, we highly recommend it to those who are interested in stories set in a near-future Shibuya and stories that depict the problems of the internet society.

■ Related works and recommendations

If you enjoyed Platonic Chain, we also recommend the following related works:

• "Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei" : As a work that depicts the problems of the internet society, it shares themes with "Platonic Chain."
• "Serial Experiments Lain" : A work that depicts the boundary between the internet society and reality, characterized by its deep themes and experimental expression.
• "Evangelion" : As a work that combines deep themes and innovative technology, it has a common appeal with "Platonic Chain."

These works will provide fans of "Platonic Chain" with new perspectives and new emotions. Be sure to check out the related works as well.

■ Summary

"Platonic Chain" is an experimental anime set in Shibuya in the near future. The use of CG toon shade and motion capture, the deep themes that depict the fun and dangers of the internet society, the charming characters and moving music all add to the appeal of this work. In particular, this anime can be recommended to many viewers as a work that combines technical innovation with deep themes. Please watch it and experience its charm for yourself.