Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou -Quiet Country Cafe-: The charm and reviews of the cafe: Relaxation and excitement in the silence

Yokohama Shopping Trip -Quiet Country Cafe-: Its Appeal and Evaluation

Introduction

"Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou -Quiet Country Cafe-" was released as an OVA in 2002, based on the popular manga "Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou" by Ashinano Hitoshi. This OVA is based on the story of volume 7 of the original manga, but also includes original scenes. It is a short work of 2 episodes, each 30 minutes long, but it is filled with deep emotion and a beautiful worldview. In this article, we will introduce the appeal and reviews of this work in detail.

story

One day in midsummer, as the radio announces an approaching typhoon, the man, concerned about the dilapidated Cafe Alpha, takes Alpha to a gas station. When Alpha returns after the typhoon has passed, he finds that the cafe has been badly damaged. This makes Alpha decide to go on a slightly longer journey to raise funds to rebuild the cafe. He says goodbye to Takahiro and the man and sets off on his own, on foot.

During his journey, Alpha arrives in Kamakura, where most of the shrines and temples are submerged, with only the tip of a torii gate sticking out above the water. In Kamakura, he works part-time at a live-in restaurant for two months, then continues his journey to Chigasaki, Atsugi, and Hino. The people he meets along the way enrich his heart.

Commentary

"Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou" is a manga that began serialization in "Monthly Afternoon" in 1994 and is still popular today. Nine volumes of the comic have been released so far, and it is known as a unique work that depicts a nostalgic worldview with an essay-like narrative style. Following the great popularity of the previous animation, this OVA has been reconstructed with new staff.

This winter, "Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou -Quiet Country Cafe-" was released as a two-volume OVA. It depicts Alpha's journey to earn money to rebuild Cafe Alpha, which was destroyed by a typhoon, and includes original episodes that can only be found in animation. The setting is the end of the century in the near future, but it is a mysterious world with an idyllic and warm mood. The original world, expressed with all-round natural sound and comfortable music in 5.1ch, can be said to be a "relaxing" animation that depicts nostalgic scenery and the slow flow of time. A new "Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou" with a focus on music, video, and sound is about to begin.

cast

・Alpha/Hekiru Shiina・Kokone/Akiko Nakagawa・Uncle/Akizo Iizuka・Takahiro/Toyonaga Toshiyuki・Makki/Miki Nagasawa・Aunt/Yoshiko Iseki・Receptionist/Yuko Maruyama・Nai/Rei Naito・Man/Hidenobu Kiuchi

Main Staff

・Original story by Hitoshi Ashinano・Director, script, storyboard by Tomomitsu Mochizuki・Character design, animation director by Masayuki Sekine・Scene design by Yoshiaki Yanagida, Masaya Fujimori, Masayuki Sekine, Osamu Kobayashi・Art director by Shichiro Kobayashi・Color design by Miyoko Ichinose・Director of photography by Kazuhiro Sasaki・Music by Choro Club
・Arrangement: Taku Iwasaki ・Music and Sound Director: Takashi Kodama ・Sound Director: Shoji Hata ・Producer: Naomi Sudo ・Animation Production: Asiado ・Production: SME Visual Works

Main Characters

Alpha's real name is Hatsuseno Alpha. A7M2 type robot. He runs "Cafe Alpha" on the western cape of Yokohama, under the care of its owner. He is a wonderful robot that thinks and acts like a human.
Kokone Takatsu Kokone. An A7M3 type robot, she is like Alpha's little sister. She lives in Musashino and works for a courier company. After delivering a message from Alpha's owner, she becomes his best friend.
・He runs a gas station near his uncle Alpha. However, there are so few customers that even the gasoline is going bad. He and Alpha are like family.
・Uncle Takahiro's grandson and Alpha's younger brother. A bright and lively boy who always comes to the cafe. However, recently, as he has entered adolescence, he is a little excited by Alpha.
- Makki Matsuki. Takahiro's childhood friend (a little younger than Takahiro). He looks up to Takahiro like an older brother. His natural honesty and cheerfulness make him a beloved character among the various residents of "Yokohama."

subtitle

・#1／(2002/12/18)
・#2／(2003/03/05)

Related Titles

・Yokohama Shopping Trip

Theme songs and music

・ED1
・Fuwafura ・Lyrics by Hiroshi Yamada ・Music by Taku Iwasaki ・Singer by Alpha (Hekiru Shiina)

Evaluation and Impressions

"Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou -Quiet Country Cafe-" is a work packed with deep emotion and a beautiful worldview in its two short episodes. In particular, the interactions with the people Alpha meets during her journey are heartwarming and deeply moving to the viewer. In addition, the setting of the journey to rebuild Cafe Alpha, which was destroyed by a typhoon, gives a sense of Alpha's strong will and kindness.

Visually, the 5.1ch all-round natural sound and pleasant music further enhance the nostalgic worldview of the original work. In particular, the scene of the submerged shrines and temples of Kamakura is impressive for its beautiful yet lonely scenery. The character designs and drawings are also very detailed, and the emotions of Alpha and Kokone are conveyed through their facial expressions.

The cast is also excellent, especially Hekiru Shiina's voice as Alpha, who expresses her kindness and strength. Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Takahiro and Miki Nagasawa as Makki also bring out the charm of their respective characters.

This work is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who want beautiful animation and a moving story. It is especially perfect for those who want to enjoy the slow pace of time and beautiful scenery.

Recommended points

・Beautiful images and music: The natural 5.1ch sound and soothing music further enhance the worldview of the original work. In particular, the scenes of the submerged shrines and temples of Kamakura are a must-see.
- A moving story: There are many heartwarming scenes in the interactions with the people Alpha meets during her journey that will move the viewer.
- Great cast: The voice actors for each character, including Shiina Hekiru as Alpha, bring out the best in their characters.
- Nostalgic worldview: The original's essay-like narrative style and its setting in the near future at the end of the century create an idyllic, heartwarming atmosphere.

summary

"Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou -Quiet Country Cafe-" is a work packed with deep emotion and a beautiful worldview in a short two-episode series. The interactions with the people Alpha meets during her journey and the journey to rebuild Cafe Alpha, which was destroyed by a typhoon, leave a strong impression on the viewer. The natural 5.1ch sound, pleasant music, careful character design and animation, and wonderful cast all add to the appeal of this work. This work is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who seek beautiful animation and a moving story. Please enjoy the leisurely flow of time and the beautiful scenery.