The appeal and evaluation of Pikaia!!: evolving story and character depth

Pikaia!! - The story of evolution and its charm

The anime series "Pikaia!!", broadcast on NHK Educational TV in 2017, is a unique work depicting the history of evolution. This anime is an original work, directed by Daiki Tomiyasu and produced by OLM. It has 13 episodes, each of which is only 15 minutes long, and depicts the grand theme of the evolution of life.

Story and Themes

"Pikaia!!" is a story about how life on Earth has evolved. The main character is a creature called Pikaia, and the story is set in the Cambrian ocean and depicts how it survives alongside other creatures. Pikaia is a real creature that is considered to be the ancestor of vertebrates during the evolutionary process. This anime follows the history of evolution from Pikaia's perspective, conveying the diversity and beauty of life.

The theme of the anime is "evolution," but it also includes philosophical questions about the preciousness of life, the mysteries of nature, and how humans have interacted with nature. A different creature appears in each episode, and by depicting its ecology and evolutionary process, viewers can experience the diversity and beauty of life.

Characters and worldview

The main character, Pikaia, is a curious and adventurous character. Set in the Cambrian sea, he meets various creatures, sometimes cooperating with them and sometimes competing with them to survive. Other creatures, such as Pikaia's friends Trilobite and Anomalocaris, are also portrayed as unique and fascinating characters.

The world of the film revolves around the Cambrian seas. The colorful and beautiful underwater scenery is depicted, and the ecology of the creatures that live there is realistically reproduced. This is where the technical capabilities of OLM, the animation production company, shine, and the visual beauty enhances the appeal of the film.

Animation and Music

The animation of "Pikaia!!" is a work that highlights OLM's high level of technical ability. It realistically recreates the Cambrian seafloor and depicts the movements and ecology of the creatures in great detail. In particular, the depiction of the creatures' movements and facial expressions is extremely realistic, drawing the viewer in.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of the work. Many of the background music melodies evoke the mystery of life and the beauty of nature, adding depth to the story. The opening theme, "The Adventures of Pikaia," is a bright and lively song that symbolizes the adventurous spirit of the main character, Pikaia, and captures the hearts of viewers. The ending theme, "Song of Life," is a beautiful song that sings of the preciousness of life and the beauty of nature, firmly conveying the theme of the work.

Recognition and Awards

"Pikaia!!" was highly praised as a unique work depicting the history of evolution. It was also an excellent educational program for children, and was broadcast on NHK Educational TV, where it was able to teach many children about the evolution of life and the beauty of nature. The beauty of the animation and the depth of the story were also highly praised, and the series has won various animation awards.

Specifically, it won the Excellence Award in the Animation Division of the 22nd Japan Media Arts Festival organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It was also nominated in the Media Division of the 48th Seiun Awards, where its unique theme and high quality were recognized. These awards and nominations prove that "Pikaia!!" is not only an animated work, but also a work that has educational value.

Response from viewers

"Pikaia!!" has received an overwhelming response from viewers. In particular, it has been well received by children, with many saying that it has given them an opportunity to learn about the evolution of life and the beauty of nature. It has also been well received by adults, who have praised it not only as an anime depicting the history of evolution, but also as a work that raises philosophical questions.

Comments from viewers include many comments such as "I was moved by Pikaia's adventurous spirit," "I was able to experience the diversity and beauty of life," and "I was able to feel the mystery of nature." These reactions show that "Pikaia!!" provided viewers with deep inspiration and learning experiences.

Recommendations and related works

"Pikaia!!" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolution of life and the beauty of nature. It is particularly good as an educational program to teach children the mysteries of nature and the preciousness of life, and is recommended for watching with the whole family. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy the beauty of animation and the depth of the story.

Related works include the "Dramatic Earth" series, which also depicts the evolution of life, and the "NHK Special" series, which depicts the beauty of nature. Like "Pikaia!!," these works also depict the diversity of life and the mysteries of nature, providing viewers with deep inspiration and learning experiences.

summary

"Pikaia!!" is a unique animated series depicting the history of evolution. It was highly praised for its story depicting the adventure of the main character Pikaia and the diversity of life, as well as its beautiful animation and music, and for its educational value. It has received a great response from viewers, and has become a catalyst for teaching children the mysteries of nature and the preciousness of life. Please watch it and experience its charm.