Zettai Shonen｜Anime

2022.09.06

Zettai Shonen is a 26-episode original anime that aired in 2005, featuring a two-part story with elements of everyday fantasy. The first part, the “Tana Arc” (episodes 1-12), is set in a rural town during summer, where Ayumu Aizawa, a middle school boy who has stopped attending school, experiences a personal transformation through encounters with mysterious beings known as “Material Fairies.” The second part, the “Yokohama Arc” (episodes 13-26), takes place two years later in the winter of an urban setting, following high school girl Kisa Tanigawa, who also struggles with school absenteeism, as she grows through her interactions with a strange flying object. This juvenile fantasy captures the incidents brought about by unknown entities appearing in modern-day Japan, focusing on the connections and growth of the young people involved. The series was written by Kazunori Ito, with Tomomi Mochizuki serving as director.

Synopsis

Zettai Shonen begins with the “Tana Arc,” set in a rural town during the summer, where Ayumu Aizawa, a middle school boy who has stopped attending school, encounters mysterious glowing beings and a strange boy named Wakkun, gradually transforming his once monotonous days. The “Yokohama Arc,” set two years later during winter in an urban setting, follows high school girl Kisa Tanigawa as she connects with those around her and grows through interactions with a glowing flying object. Set in modern-day Japan, the series delicately portrays how young people experience inner struggles and growth through encounters with unknown beings. The quiet, meticulously crafted world, subdued color palette, and gentle background music give the series a unique atmosphere.

Zettai Shonen | Recommendations

The highlights of Zettai Shonen lie in its serene atmosphere and slow-paced storytelling. The series intricately weaves the ordinary with the extraordinary, allowing viewers to immerse themselves deeply in the subtle emotional shifts of the young characters. The contrasting settings of a rural summer and an urban winter provide fresh perspectives, with underlying mysteries enhancing the viewing experience. The presence of the fantastical “Material Fairies” adds depth as characters experience growth and inner conflicts. The delicate balance between reality and fantasy creates a profound, lasting impact, inviting viewers to ponder the story long after it ends. This is a quietly resonant piece that lets audiences savor a gentle fantasy within modern Japan.