On a sweltering hot day, the only AC remote in the dorm gets destroyed by cola, and there's no backup. That's the start of a crazy mission for 'me' and my friends, who decide to use a time machine to go back to the day before to get a new remote before the old one breaks. But as you know, chaos ensues when Ozu (that mischievous best friend) gets involved. The Tatami Time Machine Blues is a perfect blend of Tomihiko Morimi's novel and The Tatami Galaxy series, offering both the humor of the original characters and a thought-provoking sci-fi plot.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story takes place in the summer of 2010 at the 'Shijōjō' (four-and-a-half tatami) dorm, where 'I' (the unnamed protagonist) lives with friends and seniors. One day, cola is spilled on the only AC remote in the dorm, breaking it. 'I' freaks out and laments, as this is the only hope to survive the scorching heat. But then Ozu appears with a 'time machine' he claims to have built (actually an old AC unit modified by a senior). 'I' doesn't believe him but has no other choice, so he teams up with Ozu and Akashi (a younger girl he has a crush on) to travel back in time to the day before the remote broke.
But when they reach the past, Ozu starts meddling with minor events for his own amusement, causing unexpected changes to the future. To make matters worse, there's a mystery about a 'man in black' who is chasing them. 'I' must quickly fix the mess Ozu created before everything falls apart, and most importantly, get the AC remote back.
Performance and Characters
The original voice cast from The Tatami Galaxy reprise their roles, which is a strength that makes fans feel familiar and warm. Shintarō Asanuma as 'I' naturally conveys anxiety, humor, and grumpiness. Meanwhile, Maaya Sakamoto voices Akashi with a cool yet cute demeanor. Hiroyuki Yoshino as Ozu perfectly plays the troublemaker; every word and tone makes you want to punch him but also laugh.
New characters like Jōgasaki (voiced by Junichi Suwabe) add charm and depth, especially in exploring relationships more deeply. Despite being a short series, character development is well done, making us feel more attached to them.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Director Shinya Kawamo and the team at Science SARU perfectly maintain the unique visual style of The Tatami Galaxy, with vibrant colors, rapid camera movements, and lively character designs. Scenes where characters run through time or fast-paced editing convey the urgency and chaos of the plot.
The soundtrack by Michiru Ōshima is excellent as always, with the opening theme 'Jinsei wa Saikō!' giving a fun feeling and the ending theme providing warmth, completing the atmosphere. Voice acting and sound effects are well done, especially the broken AC sound and the cool time machine noise.
Editorial Analysis
Although the plot seems like light sci-fi comedy, The Tatami Time Machine Blues subtly embeds thoughts about choices, time travel, and the impact of small actions. Like the original, the series plays with concepts of 'parallel lines' and 'relationships between people' through the perspective of 'I', who is always overthinking and hesitant.
What stands out is that the story doesn't take time travel rules too seriously, instead using that flexibility for comedy and surprise. However, for those who haven't seen The Tatami Galaxy, it may take time to get used to the fast-paced storytelling and crazy characters. But once adjusted, you'll enjoy it.
Verdict
<p><strong>The Tatami Time Machine Blues</strong> is a warm, funny, and thought-provoking series. Although short, it offers a full range of experiences. Hardcore fans of The Tatami Galaxy and general viewers who enjoy quirky sci-fi anime will likely love it. But if you dislike overly fast storytelling or eccentric characters, you may need some adjustment.</p>
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Excellent original voice cast from The Tatami Galaxy
- +Sci-fi plot that blends comedy and drama perfectly
- +Beautiful and unique visuals with vibrant colors
- +Soundtrack is lovely and fits the atmosphere
- +Great for fans of the Tatami universe
👎 Cons
- −May be hard to follow for those who haven't seen The Tatami Galaxy
- −Short episode count (6 episodes) leaves some topics unexplored
- −Some parts may feel repetitive compared to the original
Top Cast
FAQ
It's recommended to watch it first because the characters and world are established there. But you can still understand the story without it, though you'll enjoy it less.
There are 6 episodes, each about 25-30 minutes long.
It's adapted from the novel of the same name by Tomihiko Morimi and is a spin-off of The Tatami Galaxy.
In Thailand, it's available on Disney+ Hotstar with Thai subtitles (no Thai dub).
