Explosion! A thorough analysis of the appeal and reputation of Princess Amabie

The charm and full picture of "Explosion! Princess Amabie"

"Explosion! Princess Amabie", which was distributed and broadcast on the official YouTube channel and Teletama from July 2 to September 24, 2022, is a surreal and cynical one-shot anime that brings Amabie, a legendary figure from the Edo period, to life in modern times. There are 13 episodes in total, each of which is four minutes long, but each is packed with content and full of charm that draws viewers in. In this article, we will explain in detail the appeal and full picture of "Explosion! Princess Amabie", as well as the background, behind-the-scenes stories, information on the cast and staff, and reactions from viewers.

■ Story

The story of "Explosion! Princess Amabie" is that Amabie, who saved people from an epidemic during the Edo period, reappears on earth in the chaotic Reiwa era and continues to save people one after another with her extraordinary deeds. Each episode features people with different worries and problems, and Princess Amabie solves their problems. For example, one highlight of the episode is seeing Princess Amabie descend on Shibuya and solve the problems of various people with a lot of humor, such as a wife who oversleeps, a person who can't swim, a person with a broken cell phone, and a person who is struggling with dieting.

■Explanation

"Explosion! Princess Amabie" attracted attention as a surreal, cynical, one-shot anime. It also attracted attention for the wide range of cast members, from leading influencers and live streamers to big-name talent and comedians. It also attracted attention as a participatory anime program, and received a great response from viewers. In particular, the format in which people with different problems appear in each episode and Princess Amabie solves them resonated with viewers, and many people were able to project their own problems onto the show and enjoy it.

■Cast

The cast of "Explosion! Princess Amabie" is diverse. Yuko Shirahama plays Princess Amabie, Kaori Shimizu plays the role of the old man, and Kayoko Okubo plays the role of Seiga Dekami, among other unique voice actors and talents. The cast also features a number of other impressive actors, including Yu-pon as Katsuo, Yoshimura Kenji (Broadcast!!) as Natsuo and Pikaken, Akino Kahori as Tobio, Yoyoyo-chan (Reiwa's singing imitation queen) as Kurio, Roko (Nakahara Mirin) as Atsuko, Yuino (singer-songwriter) as Yoko, Ujikami Ichiban (Kabuki Rocks) as Charlie, Koizumi Rin as Marcy, Awaya Sanji as Punchy, Matsuoka Hideaki as Macky, George Ohara (George P) as Tarao, Hira (Kirara) as Tarako, and Miyashita Hiromitsu as the opening narration.

■ Main staff

The main staff of "Explosion! Princess Amabie" are George Ohara, who is in charge of the original story, direction, key animation, and script, with Kirara also taking part in the key animation and script. Shu Reku Hei 1, Kirara, and Oshiro were involved in the animation, and Ito Itaru was in charge of coordination. Cooperation was provided by Takemura Takemura Co., Ltd., Decore Co., Ltd., and Avex Music Publishing Inc., and the production was handled by CANON RECORDINGS LLC. The combined efforts of this staff are what give birth to the unique worldview and appeal of "Explosion! Princess Amabie."

■Subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "Explosion! Princess Amabie" are as follows:

• Episode 1: Princess Amabie descends on Shibuya (2022/07/02)
• Episode 2: The Wife Who Overslept (2022/07/09)
• Episode 3: I can't swim (2022/07/16)
• Episode 4: My cell phone broke (2022/07/23)
• Episode 5: Diet (2022/07/30)
• Episode 6: Maiden's Troubles (2022/08/06)
• Episode 7: Speed ​​Eating (2022/08/13)
• Episode 8: No Savings (2022/08/20)
• Bonus: Special Edition (2022/08/27)
• Episode 9: A short temper is a loss (2022/09/03)
• Episode 10: The Story of Midsummer Love (2022/09/10)
• Episode 11: An Explosion of Worries (2022/09/17)
• Episode 12: I want to be an amateur YouTuber (2022/09/24)

Each episode depicts a different worry or problem, but the highlights are the humorous ways in which Princess Amabie solves them.

■ Theme songs and music

The theme song for "Explosion! Princess Amabie" is "Call On Now!", with lyrics by Kirara, music and arrangement by George Ohara, and vocals by Étoile Ange. This song is an important element in showcasing Princess Amabie's exploits, and has left a strong impression on viewers.

■Production background and secrets

George Ohara's strong desire is embedded in the background of the production of "Explosion! Princess Amabie." His intention was to revive the legend of Amabie, who saved people from an epidemic, in the modern era, and to provide viewers with laughter and empathy by depicting the troubles of people living in the Reiwa era from a humorous and cynical perspective. In addition, as a participatory anime program, the show actively incorporated feedback from viewers and broadened the scope of the work by welcoming new cast members for each episode. This production style had the effect of shortening the distance with the viewers and deepening their attachment to the work.

A behind-the-scenes story is that in order to depict different worries in each episode, the staff actually went out into the streets to gather people's opinions and also collected worries from viewers on social media. In addition, when selecting the cast, they were particular about choosing unique talents and voice actors who fit the theme of each episode, providing viewers with fresh surprises. Furthermore, a unique visual style was established by fusing two elements in the animation production: making full use of the latest technology while valuing the warmth of hand-drawn animation.

■ Responses from viewers

"Explosion! Princess Amabie" received an overwhelming response from viewers. In particular, by depicting a different problem in each episode, viewers were able to project their own problems onto the show and empathize. The story also successfully conveyed a deep message while providing viewers with laughs through its exquisite blend of humor and cynical perspective. A community was formed on social media where viewers could post about their own problems and enjoy Princess Amabie's solutions to them, further increasing the popularity of the show.

As a participatory anime show, the show also actively sought feedback from viewers, which helped to close the gap between the show and its viewers. Viewers posted their own concerns and these were then featured in the anime, giving them a real sense of being a part of the show. This viewer-participatory style was a fresh appeal not found in other anime, and it attracted many viewers.

■ Recommendations and ratings

"Explosion! Princess Amabie" was loved by many viewers as a surreal and cynical one-shot anime. Each episode depicts a different problem, with Princess Amabie's humorous solutions being the highlight, providing laughter and empathy to viewers. In addition, as a participatory anime program, it actively incorporated feedback from viewers and succeeded in closing the gap with the viewers. This viewer-participation style created a fresh appeal not found in other anime, drawing in many viewers.

The recommended points are as follows:

• Each episode depicts a different problem, making it easy for viewers to project their own problems onto it.
• A story with a perfect blend of humor and cynical perspective
• As a participatory anime show, it actively incorporates feedback from viewers.
• A diverse cast will be participating, providing fresh surprises for viewers
• A unique visual style that combines the latest technology with the warmth of hand-drawn art

The show has received an overwhelming response from viewers, with praise being given to the success of the community it has built on social media and its viewer-participation style. It has also been praised for the way each episode depicts a different problem, making it easy for viewers to project their own problems onto it. Furthermore, the story is an excellent blend of humor and a cynical perspective, which has succeeded in conveying a deep message while providing viewers with laughs. For these reasons, "Bakuretsu! Amabie Hime" has been loved by many viewers as a surreal, cynical, one-shot anime.

Conclusion

"Explosion! Princess Amabie" is a surreal and cynical one-shot anime that brings Amabie, a legendary figure from the Edo period, to life in modern times. Each episode depicts a different problem, with Princess Amabie's humorous solutions being the highlight, providing viewers with laughter and empathy. In addition, as a participatory anime program, it actively incorporates feedback from viewers and has succeeded in closing the gap with them. This viewer-participatory style has become a fresh appeal not found in other anime, and has attracted many viewers. "Explosion! Princess Amabie" has been loved by many viewers as a surreal and cynical one-shot anime.