The recently concluded anime “Takopi’s Original Sin” wrapped up earlier this month, sparking intense reactions from viewers. The manga consists of only two volumes, and the anime adapts it into just six short episodes—yet it left a powerful impact. Its art style looks cute and clean, but the content is unexpectedly heavy and unsettling. Fans online have called it the “dark version of Doraemon” or a “depressing anime,” with every new episode trending on Twitter. So, what exactly makes this series spark such extreme opinions and discussions?
What Is “Takopi’s Original Sin” About?
The original manga “Takopi’s Original Sin” was the debut work of artist Taizan5, serialized on Shonen Jump+ starting in 2021. Despite its short length, every new chapter trended on Twitter due to its shocking developments. When the anime premiered in late June this year, it quickly gained a wave of new fans.
The story begins with the alien Takopi, who comes to Earth to spread happiness. In his struggles, he meets Shizuka Kuse, an elementary school girl who shows him kindness. To repay her, Takopi produces various “Happy Gadgets” intended to make her smile—but being unfamiliar with Earth, he often makes things worse. Hoping to help Shizuka reconcile with her classmate Marin, who bullies her, he gives her a ribbon that can repair relationships. Instead, Shizuka uses it to hang herself. In desperation to save her, Takopi brings out a gadget that rewinds time, returning to the moment before her suicide in an attempt to rescue her and see her smile again.
Themes of Life and Bullying
As the content warning at the beginning of Episode 1 states: “This work depicts sensitive issues related to life. The portrayal is faithful to the original manga’s intent and does not endorse such behavior.” The series deals with deeply unsettling themes—family dysfunction, suicide, and school bullying.
However, the author does not provide simple answers to these issues. Even Marin, the bully, is shown to have her own reasons and struggles. Because every character’s choices feel grounded in reality, the story invites viewers to draw their own conclusions—sparking wide-ranging discussions on social media.
A Deep Look Into Human Nature
The cast of characters is small—primarily Takopi, Shizuka, Marin, and their classmate Azuma. Yet each is given profound psychological depth. Shizuka’s despair at her harsh life, Marin’s complex mix of fear and love toward her mother, and Azuma’s insecurity and longing for recognition are all portrayed with realism.
Their struggles and choices feel painfully authentic, making it easy for viewers to empathize. But Takopi, who does not understand human nature, perceives events in a completely different way. This clash of perspectives is often what unsettles audiences the most.
A Short Yet Heart-Wrenching Masterpiece
Though only six episodes long, this anime leaves a lasting impact with its emotionally charged story, combined with powerful music, art direction, and voice acting. If you’re strong enough to handle darker themes, “Takopi’s Original Sin” is without doubt one of the most unforgettable anime of the year.
