Love does not discriminate between human and machine!

Summary:

After spending the night with a certain woman, Koji leaves her before she wakes. Rina attends to her usual activities elsewhere. When Rikuo and Masaki enter the Eve cafe again, Nagi takes note of how often they have been coming. This makes her guess that they are skipping classes, but Rikuo proves her otherwise. While getting the boys’ drinks, Nagi suggests that there are plenty of people to talk to in the cafe if they desired to do so. Masaki states that he only wishes to know more about the cafe, not wanting any needless interaction, but the boys’ attentions are soon brought to Koji and Rina getting along together as usual. When Nagi returns to the boys, and seeing their interest in the couple, she invites Koji and Rina to sit with the two. Setoro suggests that Nagi not do unnecessary things when she returns to the counter, but she simply expresses her belief that things would be more lively this way.

The boys’ conversation with the couple is initially awkward, because of the lack of things to say among other things, but Rikuo eventually takes interest in Noji’s camera phone. While looking through its features, he brings up a screen with all the photos contained within it. When Rina sees a certain photo, one with Koji and the woman from the morning, she becomes somewhat angry. She simply tells Koji not to leave her alone, however, before leaving due to a reaction in her leg.

Rikuo spies on Rina a short distance away, soon learning that Rina has an injury in her leg. In an open injury, her robotic parts are revealed. By the time Rikuo is forced to reveal himself to Rina, he suggests that she should see a repair personnel. Because of the type of work she does though, and her need to follow her master’s orders to the best of her ability, she is unable to do this. When Rikuo expresses his worry about Koji’s pictures that Rina saw, she assures him and herself that Koji’s kindness will not change. Rina starts to return to everyone else, but before she does, Rikuo takes the chance to tell her about his experience with Sammy. Rikuo tells Rina to expresses her feelings, even if they are towards a human. When Rina wonders how he is able to say something like this, she and Rikuo himself realize that he has developed feelings of love.

Masaki meanwhile confronts Koji, and after seeing that he has no pictures with himself and Rina, he wonders if he is having an affair with a robot in secret. Koji denies this, but to Masaki’s shock, he soon reveals that he is a robot himself. Koji’s wish is to save his master, who looks very similar to Rina. Koji’s master would rather be attached to him than another human being, so Koji sought to learn from Rina to save her. Koji requests that Masaki would keep this complicated situation a secret from Rina, and by the time Rikuo and Rina return, Masaki implies his agreement.

In the following days, Rikuo and Masaki both become shocked after relaying the information they gathered to each other. As it was never said that Koji was Rina’s master, this meant that her master was actually an unknown VIP. Further more, both Koji and Rina saw their partner as a human being. With Nagi’s confirmation, Rikuo realizes that even the androids in the cafe cannot tell between humans and their own. While observing Koji and Rina despite this irony, Rikuo realizes that love between androids is very similar to that of humans’. When Rikuo returns home, he notices that Sammy has started to wear a pink band on her head. When Sammy wonders if this is to his tastes, RIkuo can only become embarrassed.

Preview: Nameless.

Impression:

A pink hairband. Nice. This episode was easily the most humorous of the three so far, as I found myself laughing throughout most of the it. The typical perverted jokes with Rikuo looking down Rina’s shirt were one thing, but the dramatic effects caused by the imitated camera made things all the more hilarious. As usual, I also liked the use of symbolism throughout the episode. I’m fairly certain that the separation between men and women’s bathrooms was suppose to be an illusion to discrimination between android and human, and the drama that Naoko was watching at the beginning of the episode seemed like foreshadowing to what would be happening throughout the sequence. The futuristic interface from Koji’s phone made my artists’ eyes flare as well, and the use of dramatic irony made me appreciate this act all the more.

With all of these subplots being introduced, and the hint of even more appearing within the next act, I can only wonder if the story will really end within six episodes. As the next episode won’t be appearing for another four months, the possibility of a second season could even been brought up. Although this series appeared to be a simple si-fi romance at the beginning, it’s definitely starting to look like there’s going to be much more under the surface. Rikuo’s developing feelings for Sammy through all the events still takes the cake for me though, and that’s easily what I’m looking forward to seeing the most by the end of the day.

This episode can be viewed on Crunchyroll with subtitles.

The Three Laws of Robotics.

Summary:

Rikuo is still baffled at Sammy’s actions, but he is seemingly convinced that everything is normal when she begins her usual activities again. Not helping the situation, Naoko still insists that Rikuo is acting like a Dori-kei. At school later, Masaki reminds Rikuo of the three laws of robotics. He further suggests that they should check to see if Sammy is really following her usual duties, bringing the boys to the previously visited cafe once again. Rikuo is relieved after a quick look around the shop, but since Masaki reminds him that this may not be enough, the two boys go to a higher level of the cafe. Rikuo is alarmed when the young girl Chie appears behind him, but the two boys are then properly introduced to her and the older man named Shimei. After observing these two, and the couple Rina and Koji, Rikuo and Masaki recall how hard it is to tell whether people are human or robot in the cafe.

After ordering drinks, Masaki correctly guesses that Rikuo is worried about Sammy. He suggests that he wouldn’t know about such concerns, however, as he does not have a robot of his own. When Rikuo asks why, Masaki doesn’t answer. However, this makes him remember an event that happened to him as a child. When Akiko walks into the cafe, Rikuo takes the chance to ask her about what had happened earlier. Akiko simply reminds him of the rules of the cafe in response, however, and the two are then interrupted by the very active Chie. A man named Setoro meanwhile confronts Masaki about his concerns about the rules and the inside of the cafe. This conversation doesn’t last long, as he leaves soon after. Masaki attempts to follow him out, but he finds that the exit to the cafe will not open. Nagi explains that the door will not open immediately, as privacy is respected at the cafe. This doesn’t stop him from continuing to run out after a short while, however.

Sammy enters the cafe to order a usual drink, expressing her worries to Nagi. This is unknown to Rikuo, however, as he had lost his glasses earlier. While Rikuo discusses the secrets that Sammy is keeping from him with Akiko, Shimei brings up that everyone has some secrets that they will keep from others. This makes Rikuo realize that Sammy may have been doing this for his sake. Rikuo finally realizes that Nagi has been holding his glasses as well, but when he gets them back, he is shocked to find that Sammy is right in front of him. Sammy is just as shocked, running out in panic after Rikuo confirms her identity. Rikuo is of course unable to chase after her, and Nagi forces him to sit down with her afterwards. Nagi brings up that she is unsure of when Sammy first started coming to the cafe, recalling all of things she had eventually started talking to her about. Sammy had spoken about various things, including Rikuo, but it seemed like she was worried about something.

Masaki relays his negative results of his chase to Rikuo over the phone that night, and when Rikuo suggests that he will probably return to the cafe again, Masaki expresses his wish to accompany him. Rikuo takes the chance to mention how good the coffee has recently been to Sammy afterwards, but he finds it odd when she gives her usual response. Unknown to him, Sammy has put a smile on her face. Setoro reports his findings to a woman named Dr. Ashimori in the meantime, as she observes her tracking of robot movement throughout the city.

Preview: Koji and Rina.

Impression:

The Three Laws of Robotics, frequently used in popular science fiction, state that:

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2. A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

I assume that these rules will be referenced and used frequently throughout the series.

So, even though there will be a ridiculous amount of first impression posts that I have to start in just a few hours, I just had to make time for this. The second episode of Eve no Jikan was just as good as the first, if not even better. Most of the characters involved with the Eve cafe were properly introduced in this episode, and judging from the preview for the next episode, I suspect that each of them will have their own major part by the end. Getting to hear even more of the large cast of notable seiyu was really great, with even actresses such as Yukana surprising me with the types of voices they are projecting. It’s really great to see that the staff isn’t just typecasting for this series. The stylish animation was just as appealing as it was during the first episode as well, and I especially love the way camera zooms are still being imitated.

As for the story itself, it obviously focused on Sammy who the episode is titled after. It was interesting to see how different (and cute) she looked in the cafe when compared to her usual appearance as Rikuo’s house. The scene where Rikuo saw her was so excellently done, and it had me rolling around my chair in excitement. I’m sure this will be the main development throughout the series, so we probably won’t have a conclusion until the end of it all. There is also the issue with Setoro that was presented in this episode, who Masaki was trying to learn more about. It is still unclear, at least to me, what his objectives are. As he had reported to Dr. Ashimori by the end, who seems like an antagonist, it could easily be considered that he is a spy. It’s too early to tell if this show plans on throwing twists at us though, so I really don’t want to assume anything major yet. Masaki also seems to have had something dealing with robots happen to him in his childhood, though we only got a small hint of this in the episode (I couldn’t even cap it). Now I can’t wait to see the third act. That is, whenever it decides to show up…

Are you enjoying the time of EVE?

Summary:

In a future Japan, humans have become very dependent on robots. One boy named Rikuo looks through his phone in the morning with the help of his own family’s robot named Sammy, almost asking a question after seeing something peculiar in her movement logs. He decides not to, however, only allowing Sammy to then prepare breakfast for him. When he asks for his family’s status, he is told that his father and mother have both already left for work. His sister Naoko soon enters the room after sleeping late from a hangover, and Rikuo is forced to have Sammy make breakfast for her despite her wish not to. When Naoko turns on the TV, there are several programs talking about the controversiality of robots and mechanized living in the present. When a program comes up about a group called “Dori-kei”, people who are obsessed with robots, Naoko warns Rikuo to be careful as well. Rikuo is troubled about his sister’s statement, and when he looks back through his phone, he sees the message he saw previously: “Are you enjoying the time of EVE?”

When Rikuo reaches school, he is approached by his friend Masaki who saw his sister the previous night. Finding that Sammy had picked Naoko up, Masaki again mentions his belief that Rikuo trusts robots too much. This makes Rikuo bring up the various laws they have, however; the first one being that robots may not hurt humans in any way. Rikuo then shows Masaki the logs in his cellphone, but Masaki does not see anything interesting about them. Rikuo asks for Masaki to accompany him throughout the city, mentioning that his family’s android has been acting strange recently. Because of this, he has been following her movement logs to various places. The boys are confused when they seemingly come across an ordinary door in the city, but when an android enters past them, they decide to follow. Inside, the boys are fascinated to find a cafe inside. The surrounding signs suggest the time of EVE, as well as indiscrimination between robots.

When a girl named Nagi sees the boys enter the cafe, she quickly invites them to sit. Rikuo and Masaki are confused as to why robots would enter a cafe, but they are further shocked to see that the android from earlier does not have a ring above his head. This makes Masaki mention that the area they are in is in the “grey zone” of the current android laws. When Nagi stops by to take the boys’ orders, she reminds them to follow the rules of the shop. This would be the act of non discrimination between human and robot. The boys realize that this is the reason there are no rings above the android’s head, but they start to worry when they believe that everyone around the cafe is moving according to these rules as well. The boys are not given much time to worry about this, however, as they are quickly greeted by an energetic girl named Akiko.

Shortly after introducing herself and several others in the store, Akiko is questioned about Sammy’s entering earlier. Nagi appears to warn the boys about the rules, as they said the word “android”, but Akiko helps to bring everyone back to good terms shortly after. The boys take the chance to question why Akiko is at such a place, and when Masaki mentions the rare fact that his family does not have an android in the current society, she states that she actually does know of occurrences like this. Akiko states that she sees everyone as family to her, but despite how much they seem alike, humans and robots are completely different on the inside. Despite this, Akiko came to the cafe with her want to learn more about others and the world.

At school the next day, Rikuo brings up Akiko’s wishes to Masaki. Pointing out how poorly and indifferently most people usually treat androids, Masaki wonders if it wouldn’t be better to use robots in this way. However, Rikuo wonders if Akiko was simply kind. Rikuo is suddenly surprised to see Akiko pass by him, however, and further shocked to see that she is actually an android. Rikuo is soon picked up by his own android, and when she introduces a new coffee to him at home, he wonders why she bought a new kind on her own. Sammy simply states that she thought it would make Rikuo happy, then making Rikuo think about the previous beliefs that robots and humans are similar. As he continues to stand in shock about his new realizations, Naoko mentions that he seems a bit like a Dori-kei.

Preview: Sammy.

Impression:

I wasn’t originally planning on covering this, and the post is quite a bit late, but I just knew I would have to say something after seeing how well presented this animation was. Eve no Jikan is a six part ONA, as the first episode can be streamed on the official website. I believe it will be converted to a movie release at some point as well. It was directed by Yasuhiro Yoshiura (Mizu no Kotoba, Pale Cocoon), and for those unfamiliar with his work, he is often compared to Makoto Shinkai (Byousoku 5 Centimeter) in terms of how well his short animations look. Eve no Jikan certainly did look amazing, and it’s series like this that make me remember that animation is a form of art. Digital painting has always fascinated me, and the backgrounds done in this form were astonishing to look at in this act. The way compositions were presented was brilliant, as well as the camera-like imitation they used in the animation. It’s rare to come across an anime that really makes me feel like I am actually in an area with the characters, but this was definitely one of them. Becoming absorbed in this way reminded me of what made me start to love animation so much in the first place.

Eve no Jikan also has a very strong cast, including talents such as Jun Fukuyama, Rei Tanaka, Rina Satou, and Yukana among other popular seiyu. Not that well known seiyu are needed to make an animation successful, but it didn’t hurt in my eyes (ears?). The story wasn’t the most original in the world, involving humans living with androids, but it didn’t make the story any less interesting. In fact, I think this is a very interesting theme to play on – especially coming from Japan where machines have started playing a huge role in people’s lives. The protagonist realizing empathy for the once seemingly lifeless androids really made for interesting drama, and when Akiko was revealed to be an android at the end, I started jumping in my chair.

I’ll have to thank hikago for reminding me to watch this series. Pireze also provides a nice sub for non-Japanese speakers and those wanting to access the episode in other forms rather than the stream. I definitely can’t wait to see the next act, though I’m not sure how consistently I will be able to post on all of the parts (I’m really bad with OVA scheduling and the such). Seeing how much I loved this though, I will probably end up talking about them on my own time anyways.