Welcome to WRS! - A thorough analysis of a new type of sports anime

"Welcome to WRS!" - A story of futuristic robotics and youth

■Overview of the work

"Welcome to WRS!" is a 10-episode short animation that was distributed on YouTube from September 9 to October 10, 2021. It was originally written by manga artist Ikoma and directed by Yasumoto Midori. It was produced by Studio Gaina and the copyright belongs to the National Research and Development Agency. This work tells the story of the main character, Ooba Tooru, who challenges various robot competitions with his avatar robot Pat in a virtual space called WRS VIRTUAL.

■ Story

Ooba Toru is a cheerful boy who is participating in WRS for the first time. He is an only child with a naive personality and a weakness of being directionally challenged. However, he wants to make more friends and has recently become interested in robots, so he decides to participate in WRS VIRTUAL. Toru's buddy avatar robot Pat is a serious and caring robot who was originally a patrol robot in the virtual park. Worried about Toru's lack of sense of direction, he decides to act together with him.

Tohru and Pat will compete in four competitions: "Manufacturing Category," "Service Category," "Infrastructure/Disaster Category," and "Junior Category." In each category, various robotics technologies are tested, and Tohru and Pat will grow through them. Tohru also meets a young lady named Suiren Machi, and deepens his relationship with her buddy Daisy. Machi loves robots, but she also has an insincere side, and is a little annoyed by her father's obsession with developing robots.

Furthermore, Ms. Namie, who teaches Tohru and the others, is the Madonna of the Academy, usually cheerful and fun, but when she gets angry she transforms into a terrifying figure. She is said to be so scary that even bears run away from her, and she is a unique character who starts speaking in the Kumamoto dialect when excited or drunk.

■ Characters

Tooru Ohba

A bright boy who is participating in WRS for the first time. He is an only child with poor sense of direction, but he participates in WRS VIRTUAL out of a desire to make more friends and an interest in robots. He worries about his inability to act forcefully when the time comes, but he grows as the story progresses.

Pat

Tohru's buddy avatar robot. He is earnest and caring, and was originally a robot patrolling the virtual park. He is worried about Tohru's poor sense of direction, so he decides to work with him. The logo on his chest says "WRS Patrol."

Water Lily Town

A stubborn and stubborn young lady. Her father is involved in the development of robots, so she has some knowledge about them. She loves robots, but she also has a difficult side to her. She feels a bit uneasy thinking that her father is too obsessed with robots.

Daisy

Machi's buddy avatar robot. She is like a warm, big sister and wears a white daisy on her head. She became Machi's buddy by order of her father.

Namie Sensei

Madonna-sensei at the academy is usually cheerful and fun. However, when she gets angry, she transforms into a terrifying figure, so scary that it is said that even bears run away from her. When she gets excited or drinks alcohol, she starts speaking in the Kumamoto dialect.

■ Production staff

The original work is by Ikoma, and the director, scriptwriter, and editor are Yasumoto Midori. Character design is by Hachimitsu Hanani, and character concept is by Sugitani Shogo. Sound direction is by Asao Yoshinobu, and sound adjustment is by Tomidokoro Yusuke (E-CREATE) and Mannen Saori (3S Studio). Sound assistants are Hanamoto Masa and Yamada Risako, sound production is by Okamura Shinji and Suzuki Miho, and sound production is by TO Books.

■Cast

The voice of Ohba Tooru is played by Shimono Hiro, the voice of Pat is played by Seki Tomokazu, the voice of Suiren Machi is played by Toyoda Moe, the voice of Daisy is played by Suzaki Aya, the voice of Namie-sensei is played by Makino Yui, the voice of Doronta is played by Saito Fuuko, and the voice of Soral is played by Sugita Haruka.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Welcome to WRS!" is a story about future robot technology and youth. Though the episodes are short, the growth of each character and the changes in their relationships are carefully depicted, making it well worth watching. In particular, the relationship between Tohru and Pat conveys a sense of friendship and trust, moving viewers. In addition, by setting the story in a virtual space called WRS VIRTUAL, it is a work that conveys the potential of robot technology and hope for the future.

The animation quality is also high, with beautiful character designs and background art. In terms of sound, the voice actors for each character have a unique voice under the direction of Yoshinobu Asao. In particular, Hiro Shimono as Tohru and Tomokazu Seki as Pat bring out the charm of their characters.

This work can be enjoyed by both children and adults, and is recommended for those who are interested in robot technology and those who like youth stories. Although the episodes are short, they deal with deep themes and often leave you thinking after watching. Please give it a watch.

■ Recommendation points

• A story about the future of robotics
• Character development and relationship changes
• Beautiful animation and character design
• A diverse cast of voice actors
• Fun for both children and adults

Related information

All 10 episodes of "Welcome to WRS!" are available on YouTube. There is also an original manga, so you can enjoy the work even more deeply. In addition, events and exhibitions are held where you can experience the world of WRS VIRTUAL, so if you are interested, please take part.

Conclusion

"Welcome to WRS!" is a wonderful work that depicts the future of robot technology and the story of youth. Although the episodes are short, they deal with deep themes and often leave you thinking after watching. Please watch it once and enjoy the adventures of Toru and Pat.