Namu Amida Butsu! Rendai UTENA - A thorough review of the fascinating story and deep insight into the characters

Namu Amida Butsu! Lotus dais UTENA - Namu Amida Butsu! Utena - All-round evaluation and recommendation

overview

"Namu Amida Butsu! Rendai UTENA" (hereafter referred to as "Namu Amida Butsu! Utena") is a TV anime series that aired in 2019 and is based on the game created by DMM GAMES. It aired from April 8 to June 24, 2019, and consists of 12 episodes. It was broadcast on AT-X and TOKYO MX, and each episode lasts 30 minutes. It is directed by Oguro Akira, produced by Asahi Production, and copyright belongs to ⒸDMM GAMES/Visualworks/Namu Amida Butsu Project.

story

The story of "Namu Amida Buttsu Utena" begins when the main character, Takeru, is suddenly summoned to another world one day. This other world is a place called "Rendai," where Takeru is worshipped as "Buddha." However, Takeru doubts whether he is truly a Buddha, and yet he faces various difficulties together with the people around him. The story progresses while depicting Takeru's growth and the bonds he forms with the people around him.

character

Takeru: The protagonist. He is summoned to another world, "Rendai," and is worshipped as a Buddha. Although he is confused at first, he grows together with the people around him.
Sakura: Takeru's childhood friend. Summoned to the other world with Takeru, she plays an important role in supporting him.
Kanna: A resident of Rendai, she is the girl who first met Takeru. She believes in Takeru as a Buddha and fights alongside him.
Ryu: A warrior of the Lotus Sea. A brave character who fights to protect Takeru.
Masato: Takeru's friend. He supports Takeru in the other world and faces difficulties together with him.

Animation and visuals

The animation for "Namu Amida Buttsu Utena" was produced by Asahi Productions. The character designs faithfully reproduce the atmosphere of the original game, while also incorporating unique expressions for the anime. In particular, the depictions of the scenery and battle scenes in the other world, "Rendai," are visually stunning and well worth seeing. Additionally, the visuals, which skillfully incorporate Buddhist elements, give a deeper feel for the worldview of the work.

Music and Sound

As for the music, the opening theme "Namu Amida Butsu!" and the ending theme "Rendai no Uta" are memorable. The opening theme is a powerful song that emphasizes the Buddhist elements that are the theme of the work, drawing the viewer's attention. Meanwhile, the ending theme features a gentle melody that evokes the bond between Takeru and his friends. The background music is also used skillfully to match the development of the story, playing a role in bringing out the emotions of the viewer.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Namu Amida Buttsu Utena" is an appealing work that incorporates Buddhist elements into its unique worldview, even within the genre of fantasy set in another world. The story focuses on Takeru's growth and the bond he forms with his friends, and there are many touching scenes for viewers. The animation and music are also of high quality, making it a visually and aurally enjoyable experience.

The recommended audience is those who are interested in fantasy and Buddhist themes set in other worlds, and those who like stories that depict character growth and bonds. Fans of the original game will also enjoy the new interpretation and additional elements of the anime version.

Additional Information and Recommended Content

The original game of "Namu Amida Buttsutsu Utena" is provided by DMM GAMES, and you can learn more about the story and characters. In addition, character figures and goods are also sold as related products, so fans can enjoy collecting them.

Other recommended works include "Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-" and "Overlord," which are also fantasy stories set in another world. These works also focus on the protagonist's growth and the bond with his companions, and share themes with "Namu Amida Buttsutsu Utena." For those interested in Buddhist elements, we also recommend "Saint Young Men." This work is a comedy about Buddha and Jesus Christ living in modern-day Tokyo, and it humorously depicts Buddhist themes.

Conclusion

"Namu Amida Butsu! Rendai UTENA" is a fascinating work that skillfully combines otherworldly fantasy and Buddhist elements. The story, which focuses on Takeru's growth and the bonds he forms with his friends, will move viewers. The animation and music are also of high quality, making it a visual and aural treat. If you are interested in otherworldly fantasy and Buddhist themes, or if you like stories that depict character growth and bonds, this is a must-watch.