About The World Ends with You The Animation

"The World Ends with You The Animation" is based on the critically-acclaimed action-RPG game from Square Enix. The series follows our protagonist, Neku, who wakes up in the middle of Tokyo's Shibuya ward with no memory of how he died. Neku quickly finds himself trapped in the Reaper's Game - an intriguing contest where the deceased have the chance to come back to life, provided they win. His only options are to win this sadistic game or risk being erased from existence.

Making / Production

The series was produced by Square Enix and co-developed by DOMERICA and Shin-Ei Animation. It was directed by Kazuya Ichikawa, who has previously worked on popular anime series like "Monster Strike." Midori Gotou took on scripting duties, thereby turning the game's complex narrative into a compelling anime storyline.

Actors

• Kōki Uchiyama - Taking up the role of Neku, Uchiyama provided an excellent performance as the confused and reluctant youth, capturing the essence of character's struggle and growth throughout the series.
• Anna Hachimine - Hachimine played the bubbly Shiki Misaki, injecting the character with an exquisite blend of charisma and optimism that counterbalances Neku's introverted nature.
• Satoshi Hino - Hino played the cool-headed Joshua, expertly portraying the character's mysterious and sometimes aloof personality.

Trivia / Interesting Facts about it

• The animation is actually based on the expanded remaster of the game, "The World Ends with You: Final Remix," which was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2018.
• Despite the anime adaptation, several game elements like the unique combat system and the fashion influences are kept as core elements of the series.

Music, Soundtrack

• The series features many of the same soundtracks from the original game, composed by Takeharu Ishimoto.
• The opening theme "Teenage City Riot" by ALI and ending theme "Carpe Diem" by ASCA both stayed loyal to the game's upbeat, alternative, urban style.

Quotes

• Neku: "The world ends with you. If you want to enjoy life, expand your world."
• Mr. Hanekoma: "Trust your partner. And I'm saying that the world ends with you. How you see the world, how you see others... That's reality."