One of my absolute favourite aspects of the show is how the show is how the plot slowly unravels over the course of the show. One might say that this should be a basic storytelling requirement, but rarely is a piece of art able to accomplish this with the perfect pacing that Tatami Galaxy has. The way in which uses the plot device as a means of world-building is masterful; small, seemingly insignificant details pop-up in multiple timelines, and often transform into much bigger, considerably less insignificant details, which allows the world and the characters within it feel genuinely real. I found myself becoming more attached to these people than in any anime I've ever watched, aside from perhaps Hunter x Hunter, and the experience of realising this during the last episode made me tear up slightly.
However, what's most interesting about this is how the creators were able to meticulously piece together this puzzle before the viewers eyes over the course of 11 episodes, while simultaneously moving the story along at breakneck speed. One possible flaw would be that reading the subtitles while taking in the events on screen is incredibly difficult, although I will say that my speed-reading skills improved significantly by the end.
But this wasn't done without reason, as it accurately conveys the mentality of the protagonist, who drastically overthinks every decision he has to make; a flaw I assume most people can relate to (as the writers most likely realise).
This anime's greatest achievement, though, would be the insane visuals. Never before have I seen a piece of animation with the level of visual storytelling of Tatami Galaxy. Most of the animation is used to represent the inner workings of the protagonists mind - visual metaphors are in abundance here. I don't think this show would be anywhere near as good without the the level of detail and love put into every second of the animation. I believe that for something to have god-tier animation, I should be able to understand the ideas and concepts without the sound turned on, and the show goes above and beyond this requirement. I'm sure I would be able to understand the ideas, concepts, plot and characters arcs with no sound or subtitles to guide me, simply through the genius-level direction of Masaaki Yuata.
As you can see, I have refrained from stating any of the aformentioned ideas and concepts, simply because (as someone who myself went in completely blind) I would say that part of my enjoyment of the series was discovering all of it myself as the show went on, and watching the mural unfold before my eyes without any knowledge of where it would go or which direction it would take. Never has a piece of art taught me so much about myself and many of the toxic mentality's that have held me back from enjoying the simpler joys of life, and given me the motivation to go out and do exactly that. Without a doubt, The Tatami Galaxy earns its place as one of the greatest anime of all time, and one of my own personal favourites ever.
10/10.
