On November 22, 2010, Japan was hit by missile strikes, a terrorist act that fortunately did not harm anyone, becoming known as "Careless Monday." Quickly forgotten, society goes on about their lives as normal.
During her graduation trip to America three months later, friendly college student Saki Morimi's life is forever changed when she finds herself saved from unexpected trouble by Akira Takizawa. Takizawa is cheerful, but odd in many ways—he is stark naked and suffers from amnesia, believing himself to be a terrorist. In addition, he possesses a strange cell phone loaded with 8.2 billion yen in digital cash.
Despite Takizawa's suspicious traits, Saki quickly befriends the enigmatic young man. However, unbeknownst to her, this is the beginning of a thrilling death game involving money, cell phones, and the salvation of the world. Higashi no Eden chronicles Saki's struggle to unravel the mysteries behind her savior, while Takizawa himself battles other individuals armed with similar cell phones and returning memories which reveal his possible connection to the event from months ago.
Anime Review: Higashi no Eden (Eden of the East)
Synopsis of the Story
Ten missiles strike unoccupied areas of Japan, sparing thousands of lives and earning the mysterious phenomenon the name of “Careless Monday.” Fast-forward to our protagonist of the story- Saki Morimi, a young woman who goes on vacation in America after her graduation. In Washington D.C, she gets in trouble with the police but is saved by a naked Japanese man suffering from amnesia.
The man, Akira Takizawa, discovers that he has a phone with 8.2 billion yen in digital cash, a female entity named Juiz who can fulfill his every wish, and that he was apparently part of a game whose goal is to save Japan. The number of lives and how he performs his duties will determine whether Akira will become the ‘messiah.’ Amidst all this, he also has to deal with 11 other individuals who share similar resources and goals.
Review
Eden of the East is an exhilarating fusion of suspense, humor, and romance, with a sprinkle of social commentary that will grip you right from the start!
Firstly, the animation by Production I.G is undoubtedly top-notch. They’ve beautifully depicted America as well as urban Japanese areas, giving the anime an aesthetic edge. The character designs are distinct and detailed, keeping you invested in their individual arcs. You can’t help but be sucked into this brilliantly animated world, filled with enigmas and charm!
The sound and music are fantastic. The soundtrack manages to keep you on the edge of your seat in suspenseful moments, whilst perfectly capturing the essence of more emotional scenes. A particular track of note, which will stick with you long after you’ve finished watching, would undoubtedly be “Falling Down” by Oasis – an absolute treat for your ears!
However, what really sets Eden of the East apart is its complex, twist-filled plot. It’s not just a story about saving Japan, it’s also a coming-of-age tale that explores societal issues and what it means to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. The details of the memory game and the intricate play among the 12 “saviors” will leave you hungry for the next episode.
The characters round off this package brilliantly. Akira Takizawa is a charismatic and compelling lead, who carries a mysterious aura but also has relatable moments of vulnerability. On the other hand, Saki Morimi plays a well-portrayed example of an everyday woman caught in extraordinary circumstances. Their dynamic and development throughout the series is definitely something to look out for.
One major standout of this series is its brilliant handling of suspense. Eden of the East knows when to show its cards and when to hold them. It never feels rushed or slow, and paces out its revelations meticulously. The brilliant execution of this suspense really sets this anime apart from the flock.
In the end, Higashi no Eden (Eden of the East) is a smart and compelling thriller that mixes different genres to create an anime experience like no other. Whether you decide to rent, buy, or stream this anime, you’re in for a thrilling ride! And I can assure you, you’re going to love every second of it!
Score: 9/10
I wholeheartedly recommend this anime as a must-watch for anyone interested in quality storytelling with some substantial intellectual weight. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable, unique anime and, trust me, you don’t want to miss out on it!
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