Kaiba｜Anime

2022.03.10

Kaiba is an animated television series that aired from April to July 2008. It won the Excellence Award in the Animation Division of the 12th Japan Media Arts Festival.
Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, who worked on The Tatami Galaxy and Ping Pong as an animator on CHIBIMARUKO and CRAYON SHINCHAN.

Synopsis

A world in which memories can now be converted into data, and physical death can no longer be called death. Memories are stored in databanks, and it has become possible to ‘transfer’ to a new body, buy and sell memories, and even illegally falsify or steal memories. Society became chaotic, disempowered and stagnant.

One day, a man woke up in a broken room. His name is Kaiba. He has no memory of himself. In his pendant is a photograph of an unknown woman… The sky is filled with suspiciously moving electrolytic clouds, and memory hunting is rampant in the city. Kaiba is suddenly attacked and has to flee into space. As he travels around the stars, he meets various people and regains his memories. The contradictions and corruption of this world and her own existence that once tormented her. And about Neilo, the woman in the pendant… ‘Which one am I? Which is you? Which is you? Who am I?” What will happen when they meet again?

Kaiba | Recommendations

“Kaiba” is a hidden gem. The story may seem a little difficult at times, but the level of the 12 episodes is very impressive, and it gets even more exciting from around episode 9.
In terms of design and worldview, there are similarities in the font design, background art and composition throughout the work, and the balance of Yuasa’s original sensibilities is very appealing. The drawings seem to go back in time. Slightly similar to the style of Osamu Tezuka. This drawing and the appearance of the characters make it look comical, but it is a good style that does not hinder the emotional portrayal of sadness.
All of the insert songs are also excellent. In particular, the planet,the tree song is excellent and the timing of its use is also a factor.
This work has expanded the possibilities of expression in animation. It deals with a variety of themes, yet still has a strong plot. Because of its deep themes, it has a great impact on the viewer and goes beyond the realm of entertainment. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but for those for whom Kaiba resonates, it is one of the best films ever made.