The charm and emotion of the 500 Million Year Button: A thorough evaluation of Sota Sugawara's short story

500 Million Year Button [Official] ~Sugawara Sota's Short Short~ Review and Details

Overview

The TV anime series "500 Million Year Button [Official] ~Souta Sugawara's Short Short~", which aired from July 15 to September 30, 2022, is based on an episode of Sota Sugawara's original manga "Minna no Tonio-chan". This anime revolves around the "500 Million Year Button", which became a hot topic online, and features a philosophical and humorous story. It was broadcast on TOKYO MX and AT-X, and was also available on various online streaming services.

■ Story

■Explanation

■Cast

■ Main staff

■ Main Characters

■Subtitle

■ Theme songs and music

■Broadcast information

■ Broadcast period
July 15, 2022 - September 30, 2022 ■TV broadcast
TOKYO MX July 15, 2022 to September 30, 2022 (Episodes 1 to 12) Every Friday 0:30 to 1:00
AT-X July 17, 2022 to October 2, 2022 (episodes 1 to 12) Every Sunday 23:30 to 0:00

■ Online distribution
ABEMA July 15, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Friday from 0:30
d Anime Store July 15, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Friday from 0:30
d Anime Store for Prime Video July 15, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Friday from 0:30
d Anime Store Niconico Branch July 15, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Friday from 0:30
FOD July 15, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Friday from 0:30
Niconico Live Broadcast July 15, 2022 (1st to 12th) Every Friday from 0:30
Anime Times July 15, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Friday from 0:30
dTV July 15, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Friday from 0:30
Hikari TV July 15, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Friday from 0:30
au Smart Pass Premium July 16, 2022 - (1st - 12th) Every Saturday from 0:00
TELASA July 16, 2022 (1st to 12th episodes) Every Saturday from 0:00
Mega Pack July 16, 2022 (1st to 12th) Every Saturday from 0:00
milplus (Miru Plus) July 16, 2022 ~ (1st to 12th episodes) Every Saturday from 0:00
Amazon Prime Video July 18, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Monday from 0:30
Niconico Channel July 18, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Monday from 0:30
Video Market July 18, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Monday from 0:30
music.jp July 18, 2022 (1st to 12th episodes) Every Monday from 0:30
Animeka July 18, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Monday from 0:30
Bandai Channel July 18, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Monday from 0:30
GYAO! July 18, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Monday from 0:30
GYAO! Store July 18, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Monday from 0:30
U-NEXT July 18, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Monday from 0:30
SBM Anime Hodai July 18, 2022 (1st to 12th episodes) Every Monday from 0:30
Rakuten TV July 18, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Monday from 0:30
Hulu July 18, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Monday from 0:30
Google Play July 18, 2022 (1st to 12th) Every Monday from 0:30
TVer July 18, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Monday from 0:30
VIDEX July 18, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Monday from 10:00
HAPPY! Video July 18, 2022 (Episodes 1-12) Every Monday from 12:00

■ Online distribution (rental distribution service (TVOD))
Youtube (rental)

■Review

"The 500 Million Year Button [Official] - Sugawara Sota's Short Short" is a work filled with Sugawara Sota's unique worldview and humor. Known as an episode of the original manga "Minna no Tonio-chan," the "500 Million Year Button" has become a hot topic online, and the debate between those who should and shouldn't press it continues to this day. This anime makes the most of that topicality, and is full of story development that draws viewers in and charming characters.

The story begins with three siblings, 5-year-old Tonio, 14-year-old Jaimi, and 17-year-old Suneko, pondering whether to press the "500 million year button" to raise money for their hospitalized father's medical expenses. If they press the button, they will receive 1 million yen, but in exchange they will have to spend 500 million years in empty space, which prompts viewers to think deeply. The length of time, 500 million years, and the condition that memories will be erased raise philosophical questions that draw the viewer in.

The character settings are also very unique, with Tonio's nihilistic and mysterious charm, Jaimi's invincible natural girl activities, Suneko's leadership and secret Vtuber activities, etc. Each character is unique and charming. In particular, the presence of Unko-chan blends humor and fantasy, giving the whole work a light-hearted atmosphere.

The anime was directed by Sugawara Souta himself, and faithfully recreates the world of the original work. Don't miss the visual effects, such as the pixel art in the opening video and the dance scene in the ending. The music also matches the atmosphere of the work, and the opening song "TIME" and the ending song "Tick-Tock Boy" are memorable songs that will stay in the viewers' minds.

During the broadcast period, each episode featured a different theme, keeping viewers entertained. In particular, episode 5, "16 consecutive shots of the 500 million year button/Unko-chan," and episode 6, "A heated debate between those who want to press the button and those who don't/Going on a trip," became big topics of conversation among viewers. Additionally, episode 10, "The solution to the 500 million year button/The whole world is fake," delved deeper into the theme of the show, providing viewers with a new perspective.

This anime was an official adaptation of the "500 Million Year Button," an urban legend on the Internet, and was widely accepted by new audiences as well as existing fans. The debate between those who should and shouldn't press the button was reignited among viewers, and there was a lot of reaction on social media. Another major point is that it was also made available for rental on YouTube, expanding the opportunities for viewing.

Overall, "The 500 Million Year Button [Official] - Sugawara Sota's Short Short" is an appealing work with a unique worldview that combines humor and philosophy, and distinctive characters. It can be said that the fact that it encourages viewers to think deeply while also entertaining them with a light-hearted atmosphere is the result of Sugawara Sota's talent and the efforts of the staff. This anime provided viewers with a new perspective and enjoyment through the "500 Million Year Button," which became a hot topic on the Internet.

■Recommendation

"The 500 Million Year Button [Official] - Sugawara Sota's Short Shorts" is recommended for people who enjoy philosophical thinking and those who like humor and fantasy. It is also a must-watch for fans of the "500 Million Year Button" that became a hot topic online, and for fans of Sugawara Sota's work. Each episode covers a different theme, so you'll discover something new every time. After watching, it might be fun to join the debate between those who should and shouldn't push the button.

This anime is broadcast on TOKYO MX and AT-X, and is also available on various online streaming services. In particular, it is available for rental on YouTube, so there are many opportunities to watch it. Please enjoy this unique work.