The appeal and reviews of "Kokkoku": A thorough analysis of the deep story and the appeal of the characters

"Kokkoku" - A fierce battle and family bond unfolding in a world where time has stopped

Overview

"Kokkoku" is a TV anime series that aired from January 8 to March 26, 2018, and is based on the game by Shota Horio. It consists of 12 episodes and was broadcast every Monday from 12:30 am on TOKYO MX and BS11. Produced by Geno Studio and directed by Yoshimitsu Ohashi, it faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original while bringing out the unique charm of anime.

■ Story

The story of "Kokkoku" revolves around the "Tokaijutsu" technique passed down through generations of the Yukawa family. Using this technique makes it possible to enter the "Tokai", a world where all things in the universe come to a halt. One day, the protagonist Yukawa Juri becomes embroiled in an incident where her nephew Makoto and brother Tsubasa are kidnapped by a kidnapper. Juri decides to use the Tokaijutsu technique to rescue them, but is shocked to discover that there are other people moving within the Tokai besides herself. They are members of the "Masumi Aikai Society", a group that worships the Tokaijutsu technique, and they end up fighting over the "stone" needed for the Tokaijutsu technique. As the mystery of the Tokai and the secrets of the Yukawa family are gradually revealed, the story depicts family ties and human drama.

■ Characters

The charm of "Kokkoku" lies in its unique characters. The main character, Yukawa Juri, has had a tendency to get worked up since she was a child, but she has the strength to act without hesitation in any situation. Her drive and determination drive the story. Meanwhile, Majima Shoko is the same age as Juri, but is thoughtful, cool, and has a mature aura. Her hidden thoughts and conflicts also add depth to the story. Juri's grandfather, Jiisan, is stubborn and uncooperative, but he also shows a side of making calm decisions for the sake of his family. Juri's nephew, Yukawa Makoto, is curious, and his family hopes that he will grow up to be an honest man. Juri's father, Yukawa Takafumi, is a "middle-aged NEET" who is particular about being the head of the household, but is aware that he does not have the dignity of a father. Juri's older brother, Yukawa Tsubasa, lives a reclusive life, but is a reliable presence in times of need. Saga Junji, the leader of the Shinsumi Aikai cult, is a cold-hearted man who will use any means to achieve his goals, and is passionate about searching for the truth. Shiomi, who is employed by Saga, is a sharp-witted character who acts calmly and collectedly. Sako, who has gathered the hired group, is hot-tempered and acts impulsively, but is also willing to listen to the opinions of others. The drama woven by these characters adds to the appeal of "Kokkoku."

■ Production staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of "Kokkoku". The original work was "Kokkoku" by Horio Shota (published in Kodansha's Morning Two), and the director was Ohashi Yoshimitsu. The series was composed by Kimura Nobuyuki, the original character designs were by Umetsu Yasuomi, and the animation character design and general animation direction was by Hinata Masaki. The music was by Michiru, and the series was produced by Geno Studio and Twin Engine. These staff members came together to recreate the worldview of the original work in the anime, delivering new excitement to viewers.

■Theme song

The opening theme for "Kokkoku" is "Flashback" by MIYAVI vs KenKen, which was used throughout all 12 episodes. This song features a powerful guitar sound and rhythm, which helps to heighten the tension of the story. The ending theme is "Morning Glow and Tropical Fish" by Boku no Lyric no Bouyomi, which was also used throughout all 12 episodes. This song has a gentle melody and memorable lyrics that enhance the emotional impact of the story. These theme songs further deepened the worldview of "Kokkoku" and resonated with the hearts of viewers.

■ Episode

"Kokoku" is made up of 12 episodes, each of which plays an important role in the progression of the story. The first episode, "Ikoku", depicts the kidnapping of Juri's nephew and brother, which triggers her to use Tokaijutsu, and serves as the prologue to the story. The second episode, "Nikoku", depicts Juri's first encounter with the people who move within Tokai, increasing the tension of the story. The third episode, "Third Koku", gradually reveals the purpose of the Masumi Aikai Association and the secrets of Tokaijutsu, drawing the viewer's interest. The fourth episode, "Fourth Koku", depicts a scene in which Juri's bond with her family is tested, deepening the human drama. The fifth episode, "Five Koku", reveals the importance of the "stone" necessary to use Tokaijutsu, approaching the heart of the story. The sixth episode, "Rikukoku", depicts Saga Junji's cold-hearted personality and purpose, and the story progresses from the enemy's perspective. The seventh episode, "Urushikoku", depicts Juri's growth and resolve, and delves deeper into the protagonist's inner world. In episode 8, "Hakkoku," the mysteries of Tokai and the secrets of the Yukawa family are further revealed, setting the stage for the story's climax. In episode 9, "Kukoku," supporting characters such as Shiomi and Sako are shown in action, giving the sense of the story expanding. In episode 10, "Jukoku," a scene is depicted in which family ties and love are put to the test, stirring the hearts of viewers. In episode 11, "Juuichi," the final battle for Tokaijutsu is depicted, bringing the story's tension to a climax. And in the final episode, "Juuichi," all the mysteries are solved, and the future of Juri and her family is depicted, bringing the story to a moving finale. These episodes work together to complete the story of "Kukoku."

■ Evaluation and recommendation

"Kokkoku" is a fascinating work with a story development that makes use of the unique setting of time stopping, and a human drama featuring unique characters. While faithfully recreating the worldview of the original work, it succeeds in drawing viewers in with the expressiveness that only anime can offer. In particular, the scenes depicting family ties and love are moving and resonate deeply with viewers. Additionally, the elements of solving mysteries surrounding world-stopping techniques and the "stone" are also intriguing, adding tension to the progression of the story. The theme song also plays a role in enhancing the worldview of the story, enriching the viewing experience. Overall, all elements of "Kokkoku", including the story, characters, production staff, and theme song, are of a high standard, making it a work that leaves a strong impression on viewers.

The reasons for recommending this work are as follows. First, the unique setting of time stopping is fresh and captures the viewer's interest. Second, the human drama of the unique characters is moving and stirs the viewer's heart. Also, the elements of solving mysteries surrounding the world-stopping techniques and "stones" are intriguing and add tension to the progression of the story. Furthermore, the theme song plays a role in enhancing the worldview of the story, enriching the viewing experience. Finally, it can be appreciated that it has succeeded in drawing in the viewer with the expressiveness unique to anime while faithfully recreating the worldview of the original work. For these reasons, we recommend "Kokkoku" as a worthwhile work that depicts the fierce battles and family ties that unfold in a world where time has stopped.

Related information

The original work of "Kokkoku" is a game by Shota Horio, serialized in Kodansha's "Morning Two". The anime adaptation faithfully reproduced the worldview of the original work while delivering new excitement to viewers with the expressiveness unique to anime. In addition, MIYAVI vs KenKen and Boku no Lyric no Bouyomi, who were in charge of the theme songs, each enhanced the worldview of the story with their own songs. Furthermore, the production staff, Geno Studio and Twin Engine, worked hard to bring out the charm of the original work to the fullest. Knowing this related information will help you understand the appeal of "Kokkoku" even more deeply.

Above, we have provided detailed information and recommendations for "Kokkoku". This is a work worth watching, depicting a fierce battle and family ties that unfolds in a world where time has stopped. Please watch it and experience the excitement.