The journey of “To Your Eternity” comes to an epic close! It was so good. The hardest part about finishing an anime is missing it all so completely and suddenly. There’s nothing left to do than look back and recount how awesome it was. “To Your Eternity” in particular, was the craziest emotional train wreck/ roller coaster ride for me. Honestly, the premise of “To Your Eternity” is one of the most creative and unique storylines I have ever seen. Just from the title, we feel a mysterious and magical vibe to it. Like it’s a nostalgic letter or something, right?
The first time I watched the pilot episode, I was a bundle of bittersweet emotions. Everything about it was perfect and hands down, beautiful. The aesthetic, the background music, and the way the story compelled us to feel both hope and sadness. The boy/Fushi’s (Reiji Kawashima) one-man show was so melancholic and captivating. Plus, the narration of The Beholder (Tsuda Kenjiro) added that mysterious emotion. The pilot is definitely one of the best anime episodes, but the story that follows is just as interesting too.
I can’t say that I have my favorite moments because all of them gave me the feels. Together with the stunning animation and visuals (expressions, perspectives, etc.), the show conveyed the bitter yet beautiful emotions of “To Your Eternity’s” tragic storyline. There’s a Crunchyroll interview that made me appreciate the sounds of “To Your Eternity,” and I couldn’t help but rewatch the pilot again. Plus, the opening sequence with Utada Hikaru is always lovely to watch.
If you think about it, there’s so much to get from this show. It’s so simple to watch and yet, it carries incredible depth. It basically highlights human emotions and connections. It was predictable at some points, but the executions were just so impactful. For example, I didn’t think I would grow to love little March as I thought I did. Gugu is also my “best boy and a man among men.” Pioran, well, she’s one tough and inspiring grandma.
The amazing writing, together with the wonderful soundtrack, helps you connect and invest in these interesting characters. You realize that they are more than meets the eye — actual people with actual hopes, fears, and dreams. What is the meaning of life and death? What does it mean to be human? Or to grow up? To have a family? To love? Themes like survival, loss, regret, humanity, and mortality just suddenly sneak up on you.
Not to be dramatic, but damn.
One more reason why the journey of “To Your Eternity” is so special to me is because of its masterful storytelling. (You can’t convince me otherwise!) Yoshitoki Ōima and Brain’s Base did a splendid job. For instance, the more we spend time with our protagonist and the other characters, we also experience their struggles. We get to bond and enjoy their company despite knowing that we’ll part ways soon.
Sure it’s sad, but it’s also what makes it so special. Things come and go; nothing is permanent in this life. However, that doesn’t make us or any of our experiences with people mean anything less than, but rather, it makes it all the more valuable. Isn’t this exactly worth fighting and living for?
Just like all of us, Fushi becomes molded by all his encounters — the meetings and partings, as well as the in-betweens of everything in his travels. At one point, I really thought that this journey from “To Your Eternity” was meant to give me weekly pain and suffering. Ha-ha-ha! Kidding aside though, there are always lessons from everything.
March, Pioran, Parona, Gugu, even Tonari — all of them had a meaningful and wholesome relationship to Fushi’s character. Fushi learns how to be kind, to want to become strong, to feel heartache, and my favorite, know what happiness is. (Even the bad guys taught him some things too.) Anyway, I cannot stress enough how heartfelt and well-crafted “To Your Eternity” is.
Living an immortal life is a life of pain and loneliness, but that’s what makes Fushi so special. Despite the difficulties and the fact he started as an empty orb, this protagonist grows into a good person with a good heart. Kind and loving people made him the way he is, so now he carries their wishes and memories with him. Just like that, “To Your Eternity” emphasizes the power of emotions and how it gives shape to us, whether it be grief or joy.
As I end this writing, I conclude that the anime “To Your Eternity” is truly a beautiful work of art. Perhaps even a masterpiece in its own class! The story is so extraordinarily terrifying and charming. I think it’s very beautiful because it’s simply a journey towards what’s ahead. This anime creatively delves into the lore of an immortal orb’s encounters of the bittersweet things that is life. I truly believe that “To Your Eternity” is not something you can simply watch, but rather, feel.
Did you enjoy “To Your Eternity?” What did you think of the finale?
If you enjoyed this week’s episode, make sure to vote for it on our weekly poll! Furthermore, you may read all our other “To Your Eternity” articles on the site. Lastly, the latest news is that To Your Eternity Season 2 is coming soon! The journey of “To Your Eternity” continues.
About To Your Eternity
“To Your Eternity” is an anime adaptation of the manga series written by Yoshitoki Ōima. It follows the story of a mysterious orb sent to Earth. It has no identity nor emotions, but through time it learns to take different forms. One day, it acquires the form of a boy and gains consciousness. The boy, Fushi, sets off to travel in search of new experiences, places, and people. “The journey begins.”
It is available to watch on Crunchyroll in select regions. In addition, it is also available to watch for free on Ani-One Asia YouTube Channel.
All images via Crunchyroll
© ⼤今良時・講談社／NHK・NEP
