Higashi no Eden: Air Communication

Higashi no Eden Soushuuhen: Air Communication is an audio commentary of the original series, featuring Saki and the Eden of the East club members, so I suggest watching Higashi no Eden first. It does not address the movies. Although it’s a recap of the series, there is some appealing info (e.g. backgrounds on the Seleção) that were not mentioned in the series.

FYI, it is currently only available in English Sub. I watched Higashi no Eden in English dub, and the voices don’t differ that much. Takizawa’s voice in English is more attractive in my opinion, but there’s no difference overall. Also, most of the comedic ... scenes aren’t there (excluding the first episode with Takizawa’s Johnny), but all of the relevant info about the story was present.

Pros

The side story of Higashi no Eden is a lifesaver, especially for someone who doesn’t understand certain parts of the series. It explains every detail of the original series and provides extra information to answer some questions the viewer may have had. For example, what ever happened with the Johnny Hunter (Seleção No. 11) and her victim (the rapist)? Whenever a difficult scene (e.g. Takizawa’s past) comes, they answer the question thoroughly and explain it better than in the series. It definitely helps when the characters ask each other a question, and they answer honestly.

You learn more about the commentators themselves. They tell what went through their minds certain times (e.g. Saki’s thoughts of Takizawa when they first met). They explain why they do certain things and even the things they regret. For example, Itazu “Panties (Pantsu)” explain his reaction to Takizawa and how he began to like him.

Since Panties hacked inside Seleçãos’ phones by the end of the original series, he was able to browse their history from the first day of the game. Therefore, he was able to explain the reasons behind the Seleçãos’ actions and motives. It’s very helpful, since the original series didn’t fully expand on hardly any other Seleção besides Takizawa.

Cons

Takizawa is a peculiar character, and no one has any idea why he does certain things that are out-of-the-ordinary. The ending was a little disappointing, and I wish he was a commentator. You’ll probably ask yourself, “Wait. Why is Takizawa doing this?” The commentators basically say, “We don’t know.” So you can only depend on the sequel, Higashi no Eden the Movie I: The King of Eden to answer your questions about the ending.

Satoshi was so annoying. Since he likes Saki, he gets jealous during every scene involving Saki and Takizawa. He was always yelling and crying in my ears! I was so happy when someone would snap at him or slap him to shut him up. “Thank you,” since I can’t do it myself.

There were some scenes that they commented on that didn’t make any sense, because they weren’t there. Take the scene where Yūsei Kondō (Seleção No. 4) attacked Takizawa in the screening room for example. They weren’t there, so how can they comment on it? There’s the possibility that Takizawa may have told them about it, but there are other scenes as well that doesn’t make sense.

Overall (8)

I’m so glad I watched this after the series. I had several questions, and all but one was answered. The question that wasn’t answered was about the ending, and only Takizawa can explain it. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters as they explain their emotions and thoughts within the story. Also, a lot of things became clear to me, because they gave details on the complex aspects of the series. Even if you feel that you pretty much understand the story, I suggest that you watch it for the extra info that was not mentioned in the series. Trust me. It’s definitely worth watching.