Yokohoama Kaidashi Kikou is a "slice of life" series. Like many of the genre, there really isn't much of a story to speak of. The series is about Alpha, a humanoid robot living in one of the coastal regions of Japan. Her owner had gone on a journey and left her there to tend a coffee shop (aptly named Cafe Alpha). It takes place in Earth's future, during a time when global warming has caused the polar ice caps to melt. Human society is on the decline and the pace of life has slowed to a crawl. The oceans have risen, causing the world's coastal cities to lay underwater. What is left of humanity has moved to the higher regions where they live out somewhat primitive lives. Most of the roads are in a state of disrepair, but life goes on in a calm manner. Humanity's last achievement, so it seems, was the creation of human shaped robots (like Alpha). There have been many iterations of these robots, but Alpha seems to be one of the first (and only) of her kind. All the others we see are more advanced models (like Kokone, for example).
~ Art ~
Initially released in 1998, Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou was two episodes. The image quality and animation was on par with other work at the time. Somehow, the whole series had an 80's feel. I think this may have had something to do with the size of Alpha's sunglasses.
~ Sound ~
The soundtrack for Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou was written and performed by GONTITI, a Japanese folk duo. They claim to make the "most comfortable music on earth." In this sense, I wholeheartedly agree. The soundtrack was not overwhelming and worked well with the imagery. In terms of dialog, the voice actors were perfect for their roles.
~ Overall ~
Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou is one of the most calming series I've ever seen and read. The artwork, music, and story work extremely well together to create a beautiful work of art. At first glance, most people will probably not enjoy this work since it obviously lacks any coherent story. Even watching the series to completion leaves the viewer feel unfulfilled. It doesn't leave much of an impression and may be quickly forgotten. However, a change in mindset may boost the way a person looks at this work.
I would recommend this series for those who want something calming to watch. The soundtrack stands alone as well, and makes extremely good background music. It also makes very good (if not horribly inappropriate) fragging music for Unreal Tournament. If you seek something that goes against the grain of the norm or a mood piece, Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou is for you.
If you're a fan of action, romance, harem, slapstick comedy, brain hurting, or lots of shinys, then I would recommend against watching this. Chances are, you'll be bored to death and end up falling asleep before the end of the opening sequence.
