The appeal and depth of "Kaiba": A thorough analysis of this moving sci-fi anime

"Kaiba": A profound journey of memory and existence

■Overview of the work

"Kaiba" is an original TV anime series broadcast on WOWOW in 2008, directed by Masaaki Yuasa. The 12-episode series is set in a future society where memories can be digitized, and follows the story of Kaiba, a man who has lost his memory, as he searches for the truth about himself and the world. This original TV series, directed by Masaaki Yuasa, follows "Kemonozume" and expresses complex themes with simple characters, elevating it into an adult fantasy.

■ Story

A world where memories can be digitized and physical death can no longer be called death. Memories are stored in a databank, and it is possible to "transfer" to a new body, buy and sell memories, and illegally tamper with and steal memories. Society is in chaos, losing power and stagnating. One day, a man wakes up in a broken room. His name is Kaiba. He has no memories. Inside the pendant is a photo of a woman he doesn't know... There are mysterious electrolytic clouds moving in the sky, and memory hunters are rampant in the city. Kaiba is suddenly attacked and forced to flee into space. As he travels through the stars, he meets various people and regains his memories. He learns about the contradictions and corruption of this world and his own existence, which he once suffered from. And about the woman inside the pendant, Nero... "Which one is me? Who are you? Which one is you? Who am I?" What will happen when the two meet again?

■Explanation

"Kaiba" is set in a future society where memories can be digitized, and tells the story of the protagonist Kaiba, who has lost his memory, searching for the truth about himself and the world. This is the second original TV series from director Masaaki Yuasa, following "Kemonozume." The director himself is also in charge of the original story and series composition. The complex and profound theme is depicted with simple characters, elevating it to an adult fantasy. The unique and absurd ideas of "switching" bodies and peeking into memories make this a fun work. Another attraction is being able to enjoy the world of Masaaki Yuasa in WOWOW's high-definition picture quality.

■Cast

• Kaiba/Hiroko Kuwashima
• Nero/Mamiko Noto
• Popo/Romi Park

■ Main staff

• Original story: Masaaki Yuasa, Madhouse
• Planning: Masao Maruyama
• Director and series composition: Masaaki Yuasa
• Character design: Nobutaka Ito
• Setting design cooperation: Yasunori Miyazawa
• Prop design: Takayuki Hamada
• Color design: Chie Tanimoto
• Art Director: Ryo Kono
• Director of photography: Koji Takahashi
• Edited by Satoshi Terauchi
• Sound Director: Keiichi Momose
• Music by Kiyoshi Yoshida
• Sound Production: Medialta Entertainment Works
• Music producers: Kozue Okada, Masayuki Onoue
• Music Production/Artist Management Office
• Executive producers: Naoki Takamizawa, Jungo Maruta, Hiroshi Hirayama, Koichi Izukura
• Producers: Hiroyuki Kitaura, Yukiko Futakata, Manabu Tamura, Chiaki Ikejima
• Animation producer/Tsutomu Fujio
• Animation Production: Madhouse
• Production work/Kaiba Production Committee

■ Main Characters

• The protagonist, Kaiba, wakes up after an accident with no memory of what he is. He is attacked without knowing who he is, and ends up escaping into space. He switches bodies, meets people on various planets, and eventually discovers his true identity.
• A senior member of Popo's "Issodan." A man who knows Kaiba's true identity. Although he is involved in the organization's evil deeds, he is a kind-hearted man who is trusted by the members and the people. After meeting Kaiba, he begins to reveal his desire for power.
• Vanilla spaceship sheriff. A timid little villain who uses his position to commit evil deeds. He falls in love at first sight with Kaiba in the form of Chronico and decides to help him.
• She is childhood friends with Chekineiro and Popo. She is a kind-hearted girl who worries about the changes in Neiro and Popo.
• Junker is a man who scans and steals the memories of crazy people to buy and sell them. He is pressured by Popo to join in the crime.
• A simplified body that travels with Hyo-Hyo Kaiba. It helps Kaiba in many ways, but its true identity is...
• A simplified body that Kaiba uses to escape. It is a stuffed animal-like body that cannot speak, eat, or feel pain.
• A girl that Kaiba met on the planet Toto, Chronico. To help with her family's finances, she removed her memories and sold her body. Kaiba boards her body, which was accidentally abandoned, and sets off on a journey.
• A member of the Nero anti-social organization "Issodan." He works to make the world a better place, but ends up being used by the organization. He meets Kaiba, who has lost his memory, and the two fall in love.
• Copy Warp (No. 199101)
  One of Warp's copies. He impersonates the real Warp and rules the heavens. He is involved in the accident that caused Kaiba to lose his memory.

■Subtitle

• Episode 1: The Name is Warp
• Episode 2: Stowaway
• Episode 3: Chronico's Boots
• Episode 4: Grandma's Memory Room
• Episode 5: Avipa, the Star of Admiration
• Episode 6: Muscular Woman
• Episode 7: The Unmemorable Man
• Episode 8: The Disguise
• Episode 9: Defeat the Warp!
• Episode 10: Kaiba
• Episode 11: Rotating Fans
• Episode 12: Everyone in the Clouds

■ Theme songs and music

• OP1
  Never
  Lyrics by Seira
  Composition: Takashi Yamaguchi Arrangement: Akira Nishihira Song: Seira
• ED1
  Carry Me Away
  Lyrics by Seira
  Composer: Maiko of MY
  Arrangement: Maiko of MY
  Vocals: Seira

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

Kaiba is a work that deals with the profound themes of memory and existence, and has been highly praised for its unique worldview and storytelling. Director Masaaki Yuasa's unique style and the use of simple characters leave a strong impression on viewers. In addition, the absurd premise of body "switching" and the buying and selling of memories further enhances the appeal of the work.

In particular, the relationship between memory and existence depicted through the journey of the main character Kaiba evokes deep emotion and reflection in the viewer. Kaiba's interactions with the people he meets on various planets and the process of regaining his own memories evoke empathy in the viewer. In addition, the love story between Kaiba and Nero is also an important moving element of the work.

Furthermore, the world of Masaaki Yuasa, depicted in WOWOW's HD quality, is visually stunning. The visual beauty, which reflects the color design and art director's attention to detail, is one of the reasons why viewers can experience the world of the work more deeply.

■ Recommendation points

I highly recommend Kaiba to anyone interested in the theme of memory and existence, or to fans of Masaaki Yuasa's work. It is also recommended for those who enjoy unique worldviews and storytelling. Furthermore, those who have access to HD quality will be able to enjoy the beauty of the visuals.

This work deals with profound themes, but it also provides viewers with inspiration and encourages thought, which is why it is loved by so many people. Please try to experience the world of "Kaiba".