Watch Abenobashi

Abenobashi is an anime series that follows the story of two childhood friends, Sasshi and Arumi, who live in the shopping district of Abenobashi in Osaka. They grew up together, spending most of their time together, and even attending the same school. However, everything changes when their childhood hangout, the Abeno Shopping Arcade, is scheduled to be demolished.

The show starts with Sasshi and Arumi being transported to different bizarre parallel worlds through a magical portal in the shopping arcade. Each alternate world they visit is a distorted version of the current Abenobashi world they know. In these strange alternate worlds, they encounter their doppelgangers who are different from their original selves in various ways such as fighting in a tournament or having magical powers like wizards. Sasshi and Arumi find themselves in situations where they must fight off some weird and sometimes dangerous creatures.

As the series progresses, Sasshi and Arumi start to understand that their journey is more than just a random adventure. They discover that the different parallel worlds they are visiting are created by their subconscious minds. The duo must search for a way to return to their own universe by realizing their true desires and overcoming the dilemmas in their lives. Sasshi's travel companion, Mune-Mune, a stuffed toy he kept from his childhood, aids them in their journey, revealing hidden facts on the history of Abenobashi and the truth about the portal.

Throughout this anime, there is a theme of loneliness and anxiety that can be seen in Sasshi's character, as he struggles to accept the various changes happening in his life. Arumi, on the other hand, is a more logical and rational person. Despite Sasshi's tendency towards foolish daydreams, Arumi acts like the voice of reason in their journey through the different worlds. Together, the two friends encounter real-world counterparts of their alternate selves who have struggled with the same issues they are going through. They must overcome their fears, work as a team, and be honest with each other to reach the truth.

Abenobashi is a wacky and action-packed anime series. The show's distinctive style of storytelling is one of its most significant strengths. The alternate worlds that Sasshi and Arumi visit are imaginative, well-crafted, and each with its unique flavor. The surreal nature of the different parallel worlds can sometimes be confusing, but it doesn't take away from the brilliance of the plot. The fight scenes are fast-paced and loaded with excitement, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

The use of symbolism in Abenobashi is another remarkable factor. The show uses different symbols and historical settings to build the alternate worlds that Sasshi and Arumi visit. These themes and symbols intersect to create a puzzle-like plotline that pulls the audience deeper into the story. Everything links back to the duo's subconscious minds and what they want to achieve.

The characters in the show are well-developed, and their emotions and motivations drive the plot forward. Sasshi and Arumi's growth throughout the series is a testament to this. A particular character worth mentioning is Mune-Mune, the stuffed toy that travels with Sasshi. Although just a toy, Mune-Mune is a source of wisdom and guidance for Sasshi and Arumi. Through Mune-Mune, the show comments on the importance of cherishing one's childhood and memories.

Abenobashi is not your typical anime show. It has a lot of hilarious moments that will have you laughing out loud. However, it also delves into deeper themes like the struggles of growing up and accepting change. The series balances this complex duality perfectly, making it a must-watch for anime lovers. The show's animation style might not be too flashy or colorful, but it gets the job done. The soundtrack is unforgettable, with a mixture of mellow and upbeat tracks that fit each scene perfectly.

In conclusion, Abenobashi is an eccentric, funny, and entertaining anime that explores some deep themes. It's an engaging ride from start to finish, with its imaginative parallel worlds, interesting characters, and beautifully crafted, balanced storytelling. The show is well written and well-executed, leaving the audience satisfied with its conclusion. Abenobashi is a hidden gem that deserves to be remembered as one of the most unique and thought-provoking animes of its time.