Children of the Whales

Dystopian anime about a floating island society

Watch on Netflix
About Children of the Whales

Released: 2017

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1 Season

Cast
Natsuki Hanae, Manaka Iwami, Yuichiro Umehara, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Mikako Komatsu, Daiki Yamashita, Hiroshi Kamiya

About Children of the Whales

Explore

About

Children of the Whales, also known as Kujira no Kora wa Sajou ni Utau, is a Japanese animated television series based on the manga of the same name by Abi Umeda. The show premiered in 2017 and quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and drama. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story follows a group of individuals with supernatural powers living on a floating island called the Mud Whale.

The Mud Whale is the only piece of land in the endless sea known as the "Sea of Sand." Its inhabitants, known as the Marked, possess psychic abilities but have limited lifespans. Chakuro, the show's young protagonist, has the power to record history using his thymia. The peaceful existence of the Marked is disrupted when they encounter a mysterious girl named Lykos, who possesses powers and knowledge beyond their understanding.

The series explores themes of identity, morality, and the struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving world. With its captivating storyline and thought-provoking themes, Children of the Whales has garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its beautiful animation and compelling storytelling.

Making/Production

Children of the Whales is produced by the animation studio J.C.Staff and directed by Kyōhei Ishiguro. The series' production involved a collaboration of talented artists, animators, and writers who worked together to bring the unique world and characters to life. The stunning visuals and intricate details of the Mud Whale and its inhabitants were meticulously crafted, creating a visually immersive experience for the viewers.

Actors

  • Chakuro - Voiced by Natsuki Hanae: Hanae brings depth and emotion to the main character, Chakuro, capturing his curiosity and vulnerability as he uncovers the mysteries of the Mud Whale.
  • Lykos - Voiced by Manaka Iwami: Iwami delivers a captivating performance as Lykos, blending strength and vulnerability, as she joins the Marked and grapples with her own identity.
  • Ouni - Voiced by Yuuichirou Umehara: Umehara portrays Ouni, a rebellious and charismatic character who becomes a central figure in the group's struggle for survival, with a perfect balance of grit and swagger.
  • Suou - Voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki: Shimazaki brings depth to the leader of the Mud Whale, Suou, portraying his strong sense of duty and protective nature towards his people.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

  • Children of the Whales was initially serialized as a manga in 2013 before being adapted into an anime series in 2017.
  • The show's official soundtrack was composed by Hiroaki Tsutsumi and includes a wide range of hauntingly beautiful melodies that enhance the atmosphere of the series.
  • The post-apocalyptic setting and mystical elements of the show draw inspiration from various mythologies and folklore.
  • The series delves into complex themes such as isolation, belonging, and the consequences of human actions on the environment.

Awards

At the time of writing, Children of the Whales has not received any notable awards.

Quotes

  • "People who forget the past are doomed to repeat it." - Chakuro
  • "Our lives are worth more than the time we have." - Lykos
  • "Sometimes, we have to choose our path, no matter how cruel it may be." - Ouni

Music

The musical score of Children of the Whales, composed by Hiroaki Tsutsumi, adds depth and emotion to the series. The soundtrack features a mix of atmospheric and melodic tracks that complement the show's ethereal visuals and intense moments.

Soundtrack

  • Opening Theme: "Sono Saki e" by RIRIKO
  • Ending Theme: "Hashitairo" by rionos
  • Insert Songs: "Ienai Ienai" by rionos, "Maze" by rionos