Accel World

About Accel World

Accel World is a Japanese light novel series written by Reki Kawahara and illustrated by HiMA. The series was adapted into a 24-episode anime by Sunrise in 2012 which features a futuristic scenario where augmented reality technology has become commonplace. The series revolves around Haruyuki Arita, a young student who finds solace in online games to escape his real-life disappointments until he is introduced to Brain Burst, a secret game where players can accelerate their brainwaves to the point where time appears to stop. Haruyuki soon becomes entangled in the complex and competitive world of Brain Burst as he battles his way through various levels to obtain power and prestige.

Making / Production

The Accel World anime was produced by the Sunrise studio, known for its long-established history of creating successful anime series. Masakazu Obara directed the series, while Yukiko Aikei designed the characters. Hiroyuki Yoshino collaborated with original series author Reki Kawahara for series composition.

Actors

• Yuuki Kaji as Haruyuki Arita: The protagonist of the series, Kaji played Arita as a timid and soft-spoken boy struggling with his physical appearance and social status. His transformation into a confident, courageous gamer is excellently portrayed by Kaji.
• Sachika Misawa as Kuroyukihime: Misawa provides the voice for Kuroyukihime, the popular and enigmatic student council vice-president who recruits Arita into the Brain Burst game. She impressively brings out the dual nature of her character - both bishop and queen.
• Aki Toyosaki as Chiyuri Kurashima: Toyosaki played Chiyuri, Arita's childhood friend, with a great mixture of friendliness and anxiety, showing Chiyuri's concern for Arita and her own insecurities.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series was originally a novel before being adapted into a manga and then an anime.
• All the characters' names refer to colors in Japanese, relating to their respective avatars in Brain Burst.
• Accel World shares the same universe with Kawahara's other work, Sword Art Online.

Awards

Accel World was a finalist for the "Den of Geek top anime of 2012".

Quotes

• "Even a small life has its own purpose. This is the will of the universe.” - Haruyuki Arita
• "We can't stay kids forever." - Kuroyukihime
• "The time for words has passed... now we let our fists talk." - Haruyuki Arita

Music, Soundtrack

• "Chase the world" by May'n - used as the first opening theme.
• "Burst the Gravity" by ALTIMA - used as the second opening theme.
• "→unfinished→" by Kotoko - used as the first ending theme.
• "Unite" by Sachika Misawa - used as the second ending theme.