"Humanity Has Declined" Review: A parallel world story where humor and philosophy intersect

"Humanity Has Declined": A quirky and humorous story

"Humanity Has Declined" is a TV anime series based on a light novel by Romeo Tanaka. It aired from July 2nd to September 16th, 2012, and was available on many broadcasting stations, including Teletama, tvk, TOKYO MX, Sun TV, Chiba TV, TV Aichi, BS11, AT-X, and Niconico Live Broadcast. It has 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long, and was produced by AIC ASTA. The original illustrations are by Yoshi Tobe, the director is Seiji Kishi, and the character designs and general animation director are Kyuta Sakai.

Story and worldview

The story is set in a future where humanity has declined and tiny lifeforms called fairies have taken over the Earth. The protagonist, "I," graduates from the last educational institution for humanity, the "school," and returns to her hometown, Camphor Tree Village. She ends up working as an international civil servant "mediator," resolving disputes that arise between the old human race and the fairies. Her reason for becoming a mediator for Camphor Tree Village was that "it seemed easier than physical labor," but she spends her days being led astray by the strange behavior of the fairies.

"I" looks like a sheltered young lady, but she doesn't like socializing, getting up early, or eating carrots. Her special skill is baking sweets, which the fairies love. Her grandfather was the head of the arbitration office in Camphor Tree Village for many years, and is now "I"'s boss. Her grandfather enjoys hunting as a hobby, and is a collector of mechanical items who loves guns. A young boy named Assistant-san also appears, and he was taken in by his grandfather and works at the arbitration office. Assistant-san is silent and his expression doesn't change, but he continues to study and grow.

Fairies are super fairy-tale creatures with an average height of 10 centimeters and a high level of intelligence. When they gather in large groups, they display incredible skills and start doing "interesting things," but they also tend to get bored and disperse quickly. Although they don't need food, they love sweets, and they also show a humorous side by curling up when surprised.

character

The characters in this work are unique and each has their own unique charm. The protagonist, "I," struggles as a mediator in the village of camphor trees, but is also at the mercy of the fairies' eccentric behavior. Her grandfather, as the head of the camphor tree village mediation office, is her boss, but also supports her. The assistant is silent and has a fixed expression, but she is depicted as continuing to grow.

Fairies are tiny creatures, averaging 10cm in height, and highly intelligent. When they gather in large groups, they display incredible skills and start doing "interesting things," but they also tend to get bored and disperse quickly. Although they don't need food, they love sweets, and they also show a humorous side by curling up when surprised.

Other unique characters that appear include Ichikin-san, a guide robot at Fairy Company's factory, Processed Chicken, an intelligent chicken, Y, a friend from his days at school, P-ko, a girl who has lost her records, O-taro, a young man with a flowing scarf and inhuman movements, Doc, a boy who is trying to master the art of living, and Nobara-kai members Curly Hair, Hana-senpai, Witch-senpai, and AB-senpai, as well as RYOBO230r, an assistant machine that supports people's lives.

Subtitles and episodes

Each episode of this series has a different theme. Episodes 1 and 2 are "The Fairies' Secret Factory", Episodes 3 and 4 are "The Fairies' Sabukaru", Episodes 5 and 6 are "The Fairies' Return", Episodes 7 and 8 are "The Fairies' Time-Saving Magic", Episode 9 is "The Fairies' Dinosaur Life", Episode 10 is "The Fairies' Earth", and Episodes 11 and 12 are "The Fairies' Secret Tea Party". From these subtitles, we can see that this series is centered on the eccentric behavior of the fairies.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme of this work is "Real World" by nano.RIPE. The lyrics are by Kimiko, the music is by Sasaki Jun, and the arrangement is by nano.RIPE. The ending theme is "My Dream Within a Dream" by Ito Masumi. The lyrics, music, and arrangement are by Ito Masumi. These songs play an important role in expressing the worldview of this work and the feelings of the characters.

Production Staff

The production staff for this work includes many talented staff members, including the original author Romeo Tanaka, the original illustrator Yoshitomo Tobe, the director Seiji Kishi, the assistant director Harume Kosaka, the series composer Makoto Uezu, the character designer and chief animation director Hisata Sakai, the prop designer Takehiro Ishimoto, the art directors Ayumu Miyakoshi and Masakazu Miyake, the color designer Sachiko Urushido, the composite director Motohiro Kunishige, the editor Hitomi Kato, the art designer Team Tildon, the music composer Sachi Otani, the sound director Satoki Iida, the sound effects director Iki Okuda, the sound production company Delphi Sound, and the production studio AIC ASTA. Thanks to the cooperation of these staff members, this work was produced with high quality.

cast

The cast of this work includes Mai Nakahara as "I" and Unsho Ishizuka as "I"'s grandfather. The performances of these cast members portray the personalities and feelings of the characters realistically.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Humanity Has Declined" has gained many fans with its unique worldview and humorous story. The strange behavior of the fairies and the struggles of the main character "I" are depicted, entertaining the viewers. Another big attraction of this work is the charm of the unique characters.

This work has a worldview that combines science fiction and fantasy, which is rare for an anime based on a light novel. Therefore, it is especially recommended for those who like science fiction and fantasy. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy a humorous story and the individuality of the characters.

Furthermore, this work also contains a deep theme. Through the setting of the decline of humanity and the emergence of a new life form, it asks the question of what it means to be human and what it means to live. Therefore, it can be recommended to those who enjoy deep themes.

Overall, "Humanity Has Declined" is a work with many charms, including its unique worldview, humorous story, unique characters, and deep themes. We recommend that you give it a watch.