Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei


The Tatami Galaxy

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Alternative Titles

Synonyms: Yojo-Han Shinwa Taikei, Yojou-Han Shinwa Taikei, Yojohan Shinwa Taikei
Japanese: 四畳半神話大系
English: The Tatami Galaxy
German: Tatami Galaxy
Spanish: The Tatami Galaxy
French: The Tatami Galaxy
More titles

Information

Type: TV
Episodes: 11
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 23, 2010 to Jul 2, 2010
Premiered: Spring 2010
Broadcast: Fridays at 00:45 (JST)
Licensors: Funimation
Studios: Madhouse
Source: Novel
Genres: Award WinningAward Winning, ComedyComedy, MysteryMystery, RomanceRomance, SuspenseSuspense
Themes: Adult CastAdult Cast, PsychologicalPsychological, Time TravelTime Travel
Duration: 22 min. per ep.
Rating: R - 17+ (violence & profanity)

Statistics

Score: 8.561 (scored by 145087145,087 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #1012
2 based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #503
Members: 450,328
Favorites: 18,247

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Recommendations

Fans of both have drawn many parallels between the two shows. They're similar in that they are both semi-episodic comedy-drama with similar themes. The MC is a depressed young man trying to cope with the failures of his life, and is surrounded by weird people. Dark, depressing and slightly psychedelic, they're both great shows, and although not very similar, one will remind you of the other.  
report Recommended by eyerok
100% more monologue at 3 times the speed. If you thought you were good with keeping up with Koyomi's monologue in Monogatari, then you need to retest those speed reading skills with The Tatami Galaxy. If you can do that, you'll enjoy it. 
report Recommended by Zarkraz
Same director, based on books by the same author, set in the same universe, with many of the same characters. Yojouhan should probably be watched first. 
report Recommended by Tyblazitar
Very similar style in which they tell their stories. You see events from different perspectives and how everyone is related by the end of each series. They each may seem solely episodic but by the end you see the big picture and how everything fit together. They're both pretty psychological and delve into its characters minds to confront their delusions and problems. 
report Recommended by Danish
A quiet protagonist who seem to be bounded with a mysteriously talented friend/demon whom he can't beat. It also have a very obscure animation style and is enjoyable to watch especially if you like 'weird' perspectives. 
report Recommended by HRinka
- unique art and animation style - contemporary themes - slow pacing but great payoff - deals with different realities and time stuff 
report Recommended by smallasiangirl
Both shows come from novels written by the same author, so lots of the storytelling methods are similar. These are hands down two of the best directed anime series I have ever seen. Every detail is done to perfection. The art style, the characters, the music, the mood, it's all great. They both feel strangely similar to one another, despite their actual stories being somewhat different in their approach. At their core though, these stories are about family, belonging, and the characters discovering themselves. If you want something that will make you feel and think, and motivate you to become a better person, both of  read more 
report Recommended by Xaeveax
They both are packed with mindfuck and throw everything crazily at you from the word 'go'  
report Recommended by Overtures
Everything is happening very fast in these 2 series, main characters are similar 
report Recommended by helensan
Both use the concept of different possibilities or realities really well. Steins;Gate is a bit more straightforward sci-fi. The Tatami Galaxy is more surreal. And strange. 
report Recommended by SheasonDuerulo
Both of these shows feature time loops where the same plot is acted out, taking a different turn each time, and frequently overlaps, with things being told slightly differently. Higurashi is a lot more bright colors and slapstick humor, whereas Tatami Galaxy is somewhat darker humor, with less emphasis on little kids killing each other and laughing. 
report Recommended by Cheating
the endless 8 ark in Haruhi goes back in time in each episode and Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei (or Tatami Galaxy) goes back in time in each episode both for a silly reason that the main character forgot to do something in Haruhi no yuuutsu there aren't many changes but in Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei most of the episode is different they also both give you that de ja vue feeling  
report Recommended by GummyShoes
time traveling/parallel universe fun 
report Recommended by abandoned2014
Similarly to my comparison of this and bakemono the thing that ties these shows is the insanely fast dialogue. 
report Recommended by MrGiostar
Both are dark comedies with with very loose plots and episodes that can often stand alone.  
report Recommended by Jackster27
Both deal with human nature and doubts in metaphorical way. 
report Recommended by OVanBruce
Both anime have to do with time travel and changing the past. tatami galaxy is more comedic and erased is more serious. Both are very enjoyable. 
report Recommended by StarlightShiba
Similar to Kuuchuu Buranko, pretty trippy and you have to infer the story. Once you understand the story it's mindblowing. These are shows that force you to think and really understand what is going on in the show. 
report Recommended by elevenpyres
Both series are directed by Masaaki Yuasa, which means that they both present strong themes and ideas behind the plot. They also have a somewhat similar and special art style, which is actually a way to represent human emotions in a symbolic way. If you liked one, the chances are you'll also enjoy the other. 
report Recommended by destinyunknown
Both Tatami Galaxy and Haruhi Suzumiya deal with time loops and the main character's effects on the world around them. 
report Recommended by EmilyFalcon
Both share a similar carpe diem message as well as the same comedic style, which is expected coming from the same director. Mind game just does it with a much wilder style of visuals where Tatami Galaxy is a little more elegant in comparison.  
report Recommended by MEGATRON
Both shows focus on social outcasts with a flawed mindset and the reason they got into the position they were in. They also feature similar lead female characters and some romance without having romance be the main focus of the show. However, the approach in each show is quite different.  
report Recommended by Lohuydahutt
Both have a focus on character connections. In each story there is just a touch of the supernatural, but not a ton. The emphasis on character's relationships over other things is the main commonality. 
report Recommended by auditear
The protagonists of these entries are similar; both are cynical, double as the narrator for their respective series and their real names are left a mystery. Each finds himself dissatisfied with his life, and only learns to appreciate the imperfections in his life after he lives in a world without them for a time. Both protagonists have an internal conflict that ends with an important decision pertaining which world they prefer. Both entries involve a lot of inner monologue, and not to mention time travel. Tatami Galaxy is more upbeat and fast-paced, while Disappearance is slower and more gloomy.  
report Recommended by MoeKaiser
-Incredibly moving stories that force the beholder to question their lives. -Superb management of the timelines in both forces those who watch be incredibly attentive or risk losing important details. -Great for those who love to put two and two together. -Fantastic conclusion. 
report Recommended by YourPalCthulhu
While having witty humor, both are artsy, dialogue driven and character focused. 
report Recommended by Silent_Scream
Different is better. As soon as something comes along that isn't a harem and/or doesn't have generic moeblob character design, BEST ANIME OF THE SEASON! For better or worse, this is ALWAYS how it goes. In the case of Tatami it's highly regarded across the board since there wasn't any manga artwork to disregard for the purposes of ART. Aku Hana is FAR more of a love/hate series; people familiar with the source material generally disliking it and people unfamiliar often labeling it as the best anime of the season. The approach of both series is, simply put, style over substance... and cheap over expensive. Aku  read more 
report Recommended by AironicallyHuman
Both of these shows have a groovy, unique artistic style and off-the-wall humor. Mob Psycho contains a lot of action and combat that The Tatami Galaxy lacks, but they are both quirky, interesting little shows that make you think. Did I mention the phenomenal animation?  
report Recommended by okcoolthanks
Both are artsier anime with the same central theme that you have to risk subjecting yourself to the painful parts of life to achieve happiness 
report Recommended by YesThatCinesra
These shows are similar in the sense that they are opposites. The MC in Yojouhan wants a Rose-colored life, while MC in Hyouka doesn't want that. Their journey has something different in it's mind for both of them though~ Both of these shows are about the characters, about growth and love.  
report Recommended by KingKongShrest
Kinetic comedies themed on reality and moving forth with life. Both shows invoke groundhog day plots. Both are funny, emotional, and mature. 
report Recommended by hellogoodbye
Both have very colorful artwork, a hectic pace, and are dialogue-driven. Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei has more of a modern realistic setting than the fantasy Katanagatari, but both are unconventional, humorous, and most of all enjoyable works of art. 
report Recommended by Numi
Both have lots of imagery/symbolism. They also both have characters with lots of mental strife and confusion about what's going on in their lives and how to obtain happiness 
report Recommended by RedBardIsCool
Both have surreal and dark atmospheres which give them a similar feel. The one big difference is in Cat Soup there is pretty much no dialogue while in The Tatami Galaxy the main character talks so fast during his monologues that it is occasionally hard to keep up with the subtitles. 
report Recommended by Jackster27
They both have a similar dark undertone in the storytelling, although Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei is a bit more lighthearted in nature. They both have their own way of providing social commentary. 
report Recommended by Nanodesu
Although there is a huge difference when it comes to the art, both of these shows deal with college-life and growing-up in a way that's easy to relate with.  
report Recommended by pizzadood
Being the best animes of all time  
report Recommended by AsukaShikinami02
What is apparent from watching BB is that decisions were made to contrast the hues in the anime; protagonist's blue, so his opponent's red, but that doesn't stop there at all as even environments are usually one or another, kind of like how in Tatami Galaxy one hue is more likely to envelop most others, except in BB they're more 'solid', more bright (as even street lights are), and this presumably was made so life could be felt emanating from, mainly Hideyoshi, but also societies at large. 
report Recommended by Quirky_analysis
Both are psychological and philosophical slice of life anime which heavily focus on characters and the motivation of their protagonists. In both you will find lots of questions left to your interpretation, an amazing unique animation and a beautiful orchestrated soundtrack. In order to enjoy any of both it is required to feel some sort of empathy towards the protagonist. 
report Recommended by eblf2013
They both look a lot similar to each other, have cultural standards close to one another, and are a little bit generally trippy. Fun to watch everywhere, be it an MV or full-length TV anime. 
report Recommended by NextUniverse
Both of these anime are episodic, and carry the same elements and dialogue from episode to episode. Recurring animations and lines foreshadow themes and plot points while also making use of humor. Both are 11 episode noitaminA shows within the 'coming-of-age' genre. Sarazanmai is a bit more character driven where the Tatami Galaxy relies heavily on its unique brand of storytelling. Both shows are animated well and contain aspects of magical realism. Each series also has fans that will tell you much though is required to appreciate them. 
report Recommended by CorkMars
Similar artwork and animation style, as well as fast-paced dialogue, raunchy yet tasteful humor, and social critique. 
report Recommended by Numi
You need the learn learning so you can forget and move on. Similar conclusions in the end. Tatami galaxy is more unique as art goes but you should be left with similar enjoyment after end.  
report Recommended by notugaen
Both follow adults having regrets and wanting to redo their lives, only to learn lessons on how they must be happy with acting on what they can do in the present. 
report Recommended by jayru
The comedy styles are vastly diffrent but if you liked the message of Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei, then I have a feeling that Grand Blue might resonate with you. Living a relaxed and care-free life style is what both of these anime promote. As some people take anime way too seriously and more than just japanese cartoons or a form of media they might think that Grand Blue can't be nearly as good as an art project such as The tatami galaxy. Well I ain't here to tell you if it is or isn't I just like reccomending anime. 
report Recommended by Maki-Roll
Both of them are about the character's way of life. Good studios with great directors. Kubikiri Cycle / Zaregoto is a mystery show while Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei goes more like a comedy for a while, but both have the psychological theme. Interestingly the protagonists are "named" "Watashi" and "Boku". 
report Recommended by Ben-Hur
not much in common when it comes to the premise or the details or anything, but tatami galaxy is a lot like odd taxi in the overall enjoyment. Ppl who like one will most likely like the other. Fast and witty dialogue, a story that is entertaining at all moments, a distinct artstyle, bop music, a lot of things happening at a time and a slow methodical build up with smart placements of clues hinting at bigger mysteries. give em a try, they are both masterpieces in their own right. If you like mystery shows with good dialogue, then they are for you. 
report Recommended by BerriesSan
Romance-ish works with a VERY surreal animation. You might wonder what are you even watching. 
report Recommended by eblf2013
While their story might be nothing alike, if you enjoyed tatami galaxy for its unique art style then toilet-bound Hanako-Kun should be next. Both have unique and interesting art styles. 
report Recommended by Scented_Candles
Both main characters are very similar, they both are talking to themselves about things that are very relatable which makes you like them first episode. 
report Recommended by veinnnn
Both look like slice of life shows at the first glance but are so much more than that. While Rakugo is about kikuhiko(mc) searching for his purpose in life after getting rejected by the field he wanted to be in, after losing his family and people dear to him, Tatami galaxy is about a student who constantly avoids the reality and relies on escapism wondering why does the campus life not feel like the ideal rose colored world he dreamt of. Both shows have self-acceptance and loneliness as part of their themes but still manage to portray them in reassuring manner without coming off as  read more 
report Recommended by ADR01018
Though very different in message and theme, both shows boast an intriguing story-telling that makes you want to binge the entire thing in one setting. As you try to piece everything together in your head, the finale completes the puzzle. 
report Recommended by LuckyBastrd
It is "kind of" season 2 of Tatami Galaxy. It follows the same characters but with a new and interesting plot. 
report Recommended by swaggydodes
Both of them involve an unusual theme and story, sometimes can be too surreal and hard to understand 
report Recommended by poirotto
Both shows revolve around a young student trying to find his place in the world, as they come to terms with their past and accept the environment they are in. They learn to depend on others and grow out their secluded shell, as the audience gets to watch them mature socially and struggle while taking on new challenges. 
report Recommended by ItsAMeMako
"The protagonist has fallen in love and has an object that must deliver to their beloved, so they embark road to a wild and weirdly animated adventure. This anime is spectacular, mindbending and has an amazing soundtrack" Is a description that fits both anime. Really, they are extremely similar. If you loved one, highly likely that you'll love the other. 
report Recommended by eblf2013
Heavy on monologues. dark humour, unpredictable situations and weird overall story. 
report Recommended by eblf2013
They're both anime from Madhouse, where the inherent message in both is that it's not too late to do something in life and that it's important to move from one's comfort zone. 
report Recommended by eblf2013
Both protagonists are young adults frustrated from expectations, routine and failure in their lives, questioning themselves if they are good enough. Also, both share a dark comedy, a crush that protagonist does not notice, and characters that can't be considered as fully good or bad whom the protagonists have toxic relationships. 
report Recommended by eblf2013
Serious and dark deconstruction stories that involve lots of symbolism and an incredible ammount of absurdity, both in humorous and serious situations which might let the viewer in a state of confusion. Both also recur to unreliable narration and character development, not to mention that several of the most psychological moments in both are similar. 
report Recommended by eblf2013
Both are works from the same author and both are dialogue heavy anime filled with cultural references, that carry a vibrant atmosphere with a similar narration style. If you like one than without a doubt you’ll like the other. 
report Recommended by Akoram
Well, I think that since Tamaki Suou from Ouran High School Host Club talks and talks and talks, he could possibly out-talk Watashi from Tatami Galaxy in terms of monologues. Both shows as a result of these two characters fill the silence with a whole lot of "Blahblahblah" in a very amusing way--either over-hyper or over-monotone--whatever it may be these two individuals easily make the Japanese language seem so dang art-y and word-y. Watashi and Tamaki, also, have the worst time trying to successfully woo the girls of their dreams (Akashi and Haruhi, respectively) who seem to be single, smart, and generally "normal"  read more 
report Recommended by zewho
Even if the two are completely different on the outside, they have common points, mostly philosophical, for example illusion and the idea of "going nowhere, wasting our lives" 
report Recommended by Elek420
Both feature Yuasa Masaaki's crazy postmodern madness via Madhouse Studios, refreshingly unique style of animation, and stories about love and determination. 
report Recommended by zenoslime
unique art style. Akashi reminds me Nao. 
report Recommended by uum4
Silver Spoon is more down-to-earth while the Tatami Galaxy is wilder and features more magical realism elements, but both are essentially about come-of-age, what it means to get vulnerable and brave on your journey to self-discovery and the countless possibilities that life has to offer. 
report Recommended by thoakun
"Travel" between different universe with a special ambiance and differents roles for the character each time.  
report Recommended by Soliniumm
Korekuraide Utau and Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei are both anime with an unique animation style about how every choice we make affects us somehow. Korekuraide Utau is way shorter though, being only a music video. 
report Recommended by Fujaku
both deal with the problems of someone to become popular and stuff in a very comic fashion 
report Recommended by andypnuts
An interesting story that is fairly chill, that should be interesting for those who liked the mystical aspect of Tatami Galaxy. 
report Recommended by SuperDUD
With all the fast talking, these share the common ground of making me feel like I'm watching Gilmore Girls, but in a good way 
report Recommended by Detective
A striking insight into how the 'other half' of the anime viewing population lives. The vast differences separating the deprived from the enlightened. Though these anime are very different in a lot of ways, or in fact every way, they are the Yin and Yang of the anime world, as different as the rich from the poor, and so must both be watched in order to form a true understanding of the anime world. At the forefront of good and bad anime, these two stand alone. It's up to you, the viewer, to decide which belongs to each side; 'good' or 'bad', and the outcome  read more 
report Recommended by Sideli
Resetting time anyone?  
report Recommended by firerez
both are insane but at the same time, have a deeper meaning to them when you continue watching them. 
report Recommended by NintensityCrowds
-Shows how recently admitted university students navigate adulthood and university. -Both shows the eccentricity of university lifestyle. -Both follows characters who are confused or pondering what to do with their life or what path they should take.  
report Recommended by caprisan
Overall comperable approach to the interior monologue of the characters, and many similar directing tricks. Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou has a much more up front romance and Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei is much more overtly wild and experimental, but both have substantial comedic elements and confront themes of self image and self acceptance, and the subsequent moving forward. 
report Recommended by madman3
Small actions result in large results. In Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei, the protagonist explores the different paths he may take while in college, which in each one results in his demise. In C, the protagonist ventures in the world of the 'Financial District.' In that world, those who lost 'money' or go bankrupt would suffer in the real world. Both series share the common idea of earning an opportunity that could either make or break you. 
report Recommended by arigajoe
They are both eccentric peculiar anime, which seems to leave you with the same not-exactly-sure-what's-going-on after taste. Both have mysterious elements which coincide with slice of life occurrences with added humour. Not your typical watch, both are great anime with similar atmospheres. 
report Recommended by sugarplumfairy
It shows symbolic... anatomy between set of characters which is why... A huge Dilemma happened every lives between the society.. Leading as the protagonist/Shiki... face crappy reality which he or she don't want involved with.. Tied on a black threads as his bad luck.. won't end  
report Recommended by HikiNEET021
If you liked tatami galaxy, you will like this story that is also of regret and time.  
report Recommended by Bruno_roen
Another work involving Masaaki Yuasa. They explore different themes, but both have an art style with an experimental feel to it. 
report Recommended by Starless1
They're both about college students looking for romance and happiness, and they're both sort of... out there (for lack of better words, they're both pretty random at times) 
report Recommended by RedBardIsCool
The protagonist travels between different worlds, different possibilities. Exist a mystery, trying to explain the reason for its loop. In AMNESIA, the protagonist experiences these changes, she knows they exist and does not have memory of herself, in Tatami Galaxy he experiences those changes without knowing that they exist and does not have memories of the parallel worlds, even when some actions are repeated. Curiously, their links remain, even if their ways of knowing themselves or their actions are modified. 
report Recommended by OtakuNote87
Enclosed between four walls, our protagonists travel through time, to various possibilities, they repeat the day to day, to reverse the destiny. In Punchline, it is to prevent the end of the world and Tatami Galaxy is to have the life that always desire. Everything is a supernatural act due to restrictions of themselves, not having the guts to be better every day and to realize what they have been going through their eyes. 
report Recommended by OtakuNote87
#DankRecs Both have a thought provoking message to convey about life and how the character finally has a resolve to deal with it. Also both anime is surreal and funny in their own way. 
report Recommended by You
Yojouhan Shinwa Takei shares the theme of having a main character re-do scenarios and situations in an attempt to change the future for the better. 
report Recommended by Trope_65