Crunchyroll’s Darkest Anime Finally Finds Room for Light

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Crunchyroll’s summer schedule is jam-packed, boasting returning favorites like “Kaiju No. 8” and “Dandadan,” as well as several eagerly awaited newcomers. Among them, “Gachiakuta” shines for its harmonious blend of a sinister universe and Shonen action. Yet, one anime has piqued interest due to its intensely dark themes. “Takopi’s Original Sin” may well be the darkest anime ever on Crunchyroll, given that its plot tackles raw, real-world issues head-on. The story revolves around elementary school children and delves into heavy topics such as bullying, suicide, and aggressive behavior. What makes this dark narrative even more poignant is the fact that it’s told through the eyes of youngsters under the age of ten, intensifying its emotional resonance.

In the story titled “Takopi’s Original Sin,” we follow an alien named Takopi from the Happy Planet who comes to Earth on a mission to spread happiness. He encounters Shizuka, a young girl in elementary school, and endeavors to make her smile. However, it soon becomes evident that Shizuka is deeply troubled due to persistent bullying by a classmate named Marina. If not for Takopi’s time-reversing device, Shizuka’s tragic end would have already been set in stone, as Marina’s torment pushes Shizuka towards suicide repeatedly. Driven by compassion, Takopi strives to help her, but their journey only takes them deeper into darkness.

Takopi’s Original Sin Finally Features One Key Character Acting Emotionally Right

In Episode 2 of “Takopi’s Original Sin“, a tragic turn occurs as Takopi accidentally kills Marina with his time-travel device, which also gets damaged beyond repair. The gravity of the situation becomes all too real in Episode 3, as the plot plunges deeper into darkness, taking a sinister twist that viewers may not have foreseen. This darker path leads us to Azuma, a classmate, who assists Shizuka and Takopi in concealing Marina’s body and masking the murder. To make matters worse, Azuma guides Takopi in transforming into Marina herself, pretending to be her.

Initially, it seems surprising that Azuma becomes entangled in such morally questionable actions, but as the story progresses, we come to understand his reasons. The fourth episode, titled “Azuma-kun’s Salvation,” delves deeply into his past, revealing that Azuma identifies with Shizuka, seeing a piece of his mother in her. This connection makes him determined not to disappoint her. Previous episodes show that Azuma has never been able to meet his mother’s high expectations, as she constantly demanded perfection from him, much like his elder brother. In the most recent installment, Azuma becomes increasingly worried about Marina’s dead body being found and tries to share his concerns with his mother. However, she dismisses him, telling him that she has given up on him because he only scored fifty percent on his latest test.

In the realization that his mother no longer seems to care for him, Azuma chooses to shoulder the guilt for Marina’s demise on his own, resolute not to disappoint Shizuka, who he perceives as a mirror image of his mother. As the episode nears its end, moments before Azuma intends to hand himself over, his elder brother, Junya, confronts him, inquiring about whatever has been troubling him. Junya expresses his concern for Azuma, which leads Azuma to break down and admit that he’s been overwhelmed by the burden of meeting his mother’s expectations. The episode ends with a suggestion that Azuma also discloses Marina’s death to Junya. This scene signifies a moment of ethical and emotional understanding, hinting that the upcoming episodes will delve further into themes of forgiveness and emotional recovery.

Takopi’s Original Sin Will Continue Its Lighter Direction

With just two episodes left, it seems the series might take on a more upbeat tone. Azuma is riddled with regret over his past actions, and Takopi carries a heavy burden of guilt too. After assuming Marina’s identity and getting to know her family, the alien has realized the severity of his mistakes and yearns for redemption. He’s been expressing a strong desire to confess their deeds in recent episodes. Yet, things aren’t all smooth sailing as it’s also revealed that Shizuka is struggling emotionally due to Marina’s persistent bullying, causing her to grow increasingly detached and shallow.

Shizuka proposed that Azuma accept the blame for Marina’s death, but when it was shown in the recent episode that Azuma wouldn’t do this, Shizuka didn’t seem worried about the aftermath. Instead, she stays determined on her plan to visit Tokyo to see her dog, which is her main source of joy. It’ll be intriguing to watch how Takopi will help Shizuka, given that he’s close to a mental breakdown himself. Most importantly, the future of Shizuka’s storyline is the most captivating part and the biggest mystery in the show Takopi’s Original Sin. Although there have been brief moments of brightness amidst the show’s dark tones, it appears that not everything will conclude positively.

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2025-07-20 00:10