Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei is an anime based on a novel by Morimi Tomihiko.
This anime is a genre bending existentialist comedic drama about an ordinary young man who tries to live the rose-coloured campus life, but fails miserably wasting his 2 years of life. The series builds itself on the concept of multiple paths of choice given the exact same situation. In each episode Watashi, our dear narrator/main character, chooses a different school club, ultimately meeting the same people in varying circumstances. It may sound very repetitive for some, but each scenario is fun and unique enough to stand on its own.
Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei also deals with the timeless themes of angst, apathy, and the general hopelessness that plagues many college-bound youth, although the demographic is leaning towards Japanese student society.
Another thing that should be mentioned is YST's extremely fast pace both in speech and direction and the massive amounts of dense exposition thrust onto the viewer at all angels. The anime is only eleven episodes long but at a slower pace it could easily become a 2-cour show. However, the fast pace does a great job reflecting the hectic college lifestyle and holds firm to the idea that time flies when you're having fun.
~Characters:
The main character Watashi, which translates into "I", acts as the narrator, which drives the perspective of the anime. He is sassy and sex crazed but also deeply humble, proud, and innocent young man. He is someone anyone will relate to somehow. Probably that was the reason to not give him a real name, so the audience could relate more.
The other characters are equally delightful in their depictions, which begin archetypical and seemingly one-dimensional. Watashi provides us alternate looks at these characters, with each episode giving us more information about these characters. The development of supporting characters come naturally, and their presence in the story support Watashi’s characterization.
Talking about characters, I want to mention the great job that Voice Actors did. Main cast includes such names as Yoshino Hiroyuki (Ozu), Asanuma Shintaro (Watashi) and Sakamoto Maaya (Akashi). Of particular note is Shintaro Asanuma, who has lines that require him to speak a mile a minute. But he managed to deliver his lines and character well without a hitch, which was a nice surprise for me.
~Art:
I think this is one of the strongest sides of this show. Each frame of YST is pure art. There's simply not much else to say about it. Unique, imaginative, it reflects the mood of each scene perfectly.
~Sound:
Opening and ending fit the show so well, that you can say they become the part of each episode. So I would recommend not skipping OP or ED in order to get the most enjoyment out of the episodes.
OST is done by Oshima Michiru, woman know for her soundtracks for such titles as FMA, Hal, Sakasama no Patema and etc.
Soundtrack blends in well with the overall setting and art style, being simple yet beautiful.
~Summary:
In conclusion I would like to say that this anime was directed by Yuasa Masaaki, probably one of the most "hipster" directors out there. His other works include Kaiba, Kemonozume, Ping Pong The Animation. But Yuasa's directorial and artistic touch is exactly what makes this "boring" at first glance story and concept a true masterpiece.
I would recommend this anime to everyone and anyone. Only 10 episodes were enough for me to add this anime to my favourites. And it took 11 episodes to give this anime a solid 10.
