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Summary:
As their plane from Washington D.C. flies over Tokyo, Akira notices the still-smoldering ruins on the ground from where the missile attack occurred. There are other holes in the ground as well, but those are from the previous missile attack known as Careless Monday. When the plane lands, Saki checks her messages and realizes that she’s not going to be able to make her prospective employee interview. In fact, the airport is extremely crowded because the missile attack also caused a plane to crash, killing all aboard except for a six-year-old boy and girl. Saki is surprised to hear that people died this time since there were no victims due to the Careless Monday incident. Akira questions why that was, but the conversation get interrupted by Saki’s cell phone ringing. Her friends are coming to pick her up, however they’re stuck in traffic for the time being.
Akira’s own phone also rings with a call from Juiz who reports that he’s entered the range of the Selecao System. She wants him to carry out the duty of the Haves, but Akira doesn’t know what she means by that. Juiz continues to not reveal anything about his memory, but she does remind him that he has 8,262,307,719 yen at his disposal, and Akira eventually realizes that she can grant any request he has. He thus asks her to find him a way to get out of the airport quickly, past the lines in front of Immigration, and true to her word, Juiz arranges for an official to escort Akira and Saki out. What Akira doesn’t realize is that a person with a similar cell phone as his is able to see all the purchases he makes with his account, including the 100,000 yen bribe to the immigration official. Regardless, he and Saki are able to leave the airport without any trouble, and everyone thinks that they’re celebrities.
Saki then asks Akira out for some tea, so he decides to admit that he doesn’t know his own identity. Akira wants to figure that out first by going to the address on his passport, so he parts ways with Saki and runs off. Saki is disappointed, but a short while later, Akira returns because he has no idea where the place is. The two thus take the monorail together, and Saki realizes that Akira’s address is near one of the holes created by a Careless Monday missile, meaning that his home might be gone. Since they’re on the topic, Akira asks about the Careless Monday attack, so Saki explains that there have been eleven total missiles including the one from yesterday. The first ten came on November 22nd of the previous year, and no one knows exactly why the attack happened or where it came from. A short while later, the person with the same cell phone as Akira tracks him down to the train station, but it’s Akira who actually approaches this man because he noticed their cell phone similarities. Not letting on that he knows anything, the man claims that he’s with the police and checks Akira’s ID before letting Akira go.
By late afternoon, Akira and Saki are waiting together for a ferry so that Akira can head off on his own. When Akira asks Saki about herself, she reveals that she’s about to graduate from college and look for a job with her sister’s husband’s company. She lost her parents in an accident, but her sister and her sister’s husband working allowed her to go to college. Akira thinks that having a family is nice, and he’s reminded of a scene from his own past with his mother. With the ferry now at the dock, Akira gets on board and seems ready to part ways with Saki again, but this time he offers his hand out to her. She takes it at the last minute and joins him on the boat. As the two ride the ferry, Akira asks about Saki’s experience in New York, so she shows him the photos she took. A photo of the Brooklyn Bridge reminds Akira of a Meg Ryan movie, and he comments on how his memories of movies are quite clear.
One of the other photos is of the Freedom Tower, and the two talk about 9/11 and how Saki feels that they shouldn’t forget about it. Since the ferry is now passing by the smoldering ruins of the missile attack, Akira takes a picture of the two of them together in front of it. Meanwhile, the detective named Kondou from earlier looks over all of Akira’s purchases, including a brainwash program. He has his own problems to deal with though in the form of some debt collectors, so he calls Juiz and orders the two killed. They are shot in the head right in front of him, but because there’s a civilian witness, Kondou has to order that man killed as well. After being charged almost 1.5 million yen for that, his own balance is now only 7,034 yen, but he’s not that concerned because he’s after Akira and his duty.
Thoughts:
That was certainly an interesting way to end the episode. It’s scary how quick and efficient Juiz is at fulfilling requests (unreal even), and it looks like we have our first major antagonist with Kondou. I’m not convinced that he’s evil though and am more suspicious of the motives of the mysterious organization that has someone/something like Juiz at their disposal. The way they’re charged for each request is interesting as well. I had read previously that Akira had a ton of money at his disposal, and it’s starting to make sense why he might need that much. In fact, the way Kondou went “bang” reminds me of how Akira is doing the same thing in the ED, and that in turn makes me wonder if he can ask Juiz to shoot down a missile.
I was also surprised that 9/11 and the Freedom Tower stuff came up. I probably shouldn’t have been given the terrorism parallels in the plot, but I just wasn’t expecting them to explore what may still be a touchy subject. It makes me curious about if the director or writers are trying to emphasize any particular theme with that or if this is their way of honoring the victims or something. On a less serious note, this series is also doing pretty well in developing the romance elements. I’m enjoying seeing Akira and Saki’s interactions as they get closer, and both ferry scenes were cute – the one where the ferry is pulling away from the dock had some rather nice accompanying music as well.
So far, Eden of the East has been a really good series in pretty much all respects. I think my main complaint right now is that the show doesn’t have previews for the next episode, but that’s more my impatience speaking.
Hahaha! I definitely agree about the terrorism parallels, no thanks on those.
Aleluia. I was so waiting for the second episode. Runs to watch it XDXD
I personally loved the inclusion of the 9/11 attack and the Freedom Towers. It’s like a story that’s easy to relate to (somewhat) but at the same time adds a bit of unrealistic bits. I’m wondering how long this series is going to be since there a plenty others with those cellphones (well youd think there would be). So far this is going to be one of my fav shows.
I really enjoy this anime so I hope you blog it all the way through Omni! I’m annoyed at the lack of previews too so you’re not the only one.
http://heysayanime.kokidokom.net
In my opinion 9/11 is already a history book case. Sure, even today those events are still affecting some people, but I think that for most of us, it isn’t anymore. It’s just another date to honor the people who were there. It’s been almost 8 years already, and tons of documentary, movies and books related to it.
Anyway, the episode itself started to reveal interesting bits of information. I get the feeling that this show will use much of the Chekhov’s gun. Can’t wait to see the rest.
Agreed, I really wish there were previews for the next episode. But, knowing there’ll only be eleven EPs, I guess they just like keeping us hanging :))
The whole Juiz thing was brilliant, and it’s a bit of a twist to know that Akira seems to have had his memory erased voluntarily =)) Thanks for blogging about it, and can’t wait for the next one.
So… Where do I buy one of those phones?
True! This show has been intriguing ever since the preview came out. Now, watching episode 1…I am totally getting into the story!
DeathPhone (TM)?
This series (and my corresponding unhealthy addiction) feels like proof that made-for-tv anime really can be leagues above the typical and all too common manga-inspired shows.
Also, in my humble foreigner’s opinion, I think Japanese culture is very used to dealing with sore subjects of a certain world war in all forms of media. I don’t think they’re being insensitive. I think references to actual events of terrorism come across quite well.
Give me more. I’m in love.
From the first part of the first episode, when Saki was looking at the images on her cellphone and talking to herself about the prince crap. I think, Akira is gonna die.. I hope not =O.
@Tayuya T_T Don’t say that T_T We had enough drama with Clannad to last us for years. No more deaths
What I found funny today was the reference to Leopold XD
The end of this episode kinda reminds me of Mirai Nikki and Death Note. Well, the ED is beginning to be more clear.
I was wondering, what player do you use for anime? I use MPC but your screenshots seem to be much clearer.
I can see this easily becoming my favorite series this season.
Also, thanks for the description of the ED scenes. I only paid attention to the music and the insane usage of white/paper the 1st and 2nd times, but after reading your description I rewatched it for the paper animation and understood it.
cool episode yet again. I’m sad that this anime doesn’t show preview too D:
Akira/Saki is indeed very cutee <3
Literally, Money = Power. No wonder that guy is after Akira.
I really like this anime’s animation.
good stuff
haha, i didn’t realize until he killed the third guy that it was actually someone in the police car doing the shooting, and not some power that was being channeled through his finger. ughh
it’s like Mirai Nikki
Absolutely loved everything about this episode and the development with Juiz. The part where Akira actually confronted Kondo(?) took me by surprise.
I love this show! 🙂
This show is only about 13 episodes, if you go and check on the fansub wiki.
Bang!
It didnt work…
This episode was unreal. Man who cares if 9/11 is still a touchy subject. People should learn to move on.
Just had a random thought. There are 12 numbers but 11 missiles, what if akira was suppose to be responsible for the 12th missile? Thats why that cop guy wants to “take” his place. Just a thought
9/11 IS a history book case, read any book on terrorism prior to 9/11 and they all unanimously agreed back then an attack of that magnitude was literally unthinkable (many thought it was just plain impossible) but of course that single event changed the consensus now.
@hallyo: That’s exactly what I thought too. I think Akira wants to defeat the missile attackers instead though, which may be why he gave himself a mind wipe.
Hmm, Bourne series + Mirai Nikki + Death Note + Honey & Clover = Eden of the East
Bare in mind that the anime is produced for a Japanese audience, who are likely to have a different perspective on 9/11. American is often portrayed in a bad light in Japanese productions, hence Saki mentioning the possibility that Careless Monday was the result of an American missile strike. That said I suspect the missile strikes have more to do with this ongoing Selecao game or whatever it is, it may well have been ongoing for some time and Akira is one of the latest “players”.
9/11 was a false flag attack. Also, the “Freedom Tower” has been renamed “One World Trade Center”. Global governance hurrah!
If you notice, Akira said his memory was only deleted for things that were directly related to him, so if it weren’t obvious from the storytelling style, that is more confirmation for me that he had something to do with the ‘careless monday’ attacks.
Also, it worries me somewhat that in the very first scene of the anime, he appears to be aiming his gun at Saki. They just never showed any direct angles. It would be a pretty intense twist- but I can’t for the life of me connect Saki logically with any business that would cause her to be on the receiving end of Akira’s very real gun. Still, that’s a mystery I expect to be completely resolved within .. 2 months. maybe 2.5 : )
i read that they have summary previews on the juiz website. yeah but moving pictures previews should be better and less spoiler-ish i think.
btw did anyone study the selecao system in the OP? like the number I is connected to all the other numbers except XII and then number X disappeared and followed by number V. I don’t know what that means but are they meant to be clues?
@magnumslinger: I actually thought it was more of Bourne series + eagle eye (which I am hoping for it NOT to happen considering how bad THAT WAS but seeing how Juiz was used by that guy it may lead to deus ex machina events like that but I will hope for the better) eitherway I didn’t like either movie XD So I am hoping Eden doesn’t follow those movies.
bourne series + (eagle eye – annoying characters and crappy plot) = eden of the east?
The series looks awesome. I haven’t been excited about a series in a long time! Will definitely watch this when my semester is over.
This is easily my favorite series of the season, i was going to orignally wait till all the episodes were out but i cant wait.
Im geussing based on the “numbers” is that Akira was supposed to launch the 12th missile, or found something out about juiz or etc and wiped his mind.. but i really dont know.
i loved the ending and i wish there were previews.
I love this anime, and I was so upset when I got to the end of the episode. I found it interesting that the anime involves America so much, I’ve never watch an anime that’s included America like this one does. I love the characters and the animation, and I’m antsy, waiting for more.
@ Birdy. I agree, it already does a way better job illustrating the United States than the majority of other animes, i.e we aren’t all blond haired and blue eyed. Im thinking that the shadow organization will have ties to certain corporations in Japan and the US based off of what little evidence we have so far.
I just wish it was still called Freedom Tower 🙁 OneWTC is kinda lame. But this anime makes me dream 😛
Totally love this anime <3
& Akira and Saki <3
That scene where he takes the photo of the criss-crossing spotlight at the exact moment that made it look like the two pillars of light post 9/11…that was impressive.
@ sipher27
I’m with you…
I don’t know you guys, I’m not an american, but I can forget 9/11 tha teasily, I just can’t. I was at my office back then when the first plane crashed, then I was a witness to the 2nd plane, and the fall of both towers. I’ll remember that for the rest of my life.
This is definitely my favorite show so far. I can’t wait for the next episode.
bang.