First Impressions / Mirai Nikki / Series Introduction

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Whatever else happens, let me make it perfectly clear that I’m not impartial when it comes to Mirai Nikki. The manga is one of the scariest, funniest, juiciest and more ruthless you’ll find in mainstream manga and I absolutely love it. So with that said, Asread has a pretty tough job on their hands to meet expectations.

I was optimistic but anxious in looking forward to this. The promo video from last year was fine for what it was – not a real OVA but a short teaser trailer – but didn’t tell us much about what Asread would do with the material. Their most famous works are Shuffle and the last two seasons of Minami-ke (which some hated, but I liked pretty well). The director is Hosada Naoto, who directed Shuffle but is more known as an animator. Screenwriter Takayama Katsuhiko has a long and solid record adapting manga and light novels. So it was a mixed bag – but really, Esuno Sakae’s manga is so good that all they really have to do is not screw it up. And so far, they haven’t.

It’s tough to review a show like this for me, because I want to view everything through the lens of what I know is going to happen. But I can’t, obviously – I’m going to have to keep spoilers out of my posts and you’re going to have to be considerate in hiding them in your comments. So what does that leave me to talk about? How the manga is translating, for starters, and the merits of the scenes covered in any given week. I think Asread did a pretty darn good job in the premiere at capturing the essence of what makes Future Diary the gem it is. I tend to think of Death Note as a very good pulp fiction that gets bogged down by thinking it’s something profound. Well, Mirai Nikki is a great pulp fiction that has no delusions of grandeur – it revels in the gloriously twitchy and absurdist escapism that it is.

So what do we have here? We have a lonely, socially awkward and physically immature 14 year-old, Yukitero Amano (Togashi Mizusu). Yuki spends his time writing diary entries on his cellphone, throwing darts at his seven dart boards and talking to his imaginary friends – the God-like Deus ex Machina (Wakamoto Norio, as if it could have been anyone else) and his elfin assistant Murumuru (Honda Manami). Except one day Yuki finds out they aren’t so imaginary, as Deus fixes his cellphone to tell the future. What could be better? Yuki knows when pop quizzes are coming, what the answers are, when the bullies are about to ambush him – he rules at life!

You needn’t have read the manga to know things aren’t that simple, and Yuki’s good fortune ends up looking more and more like a curse. Asread gave us a blisteringly-paced first episode, but in the process I think they did a great job giving new viewers a clear picture of what’s happening with the story. Mirai Nikki has two cours, unlike the adaptation of a manga almost as good as this one – Deadman Wonderland, which suffered terribly as a result – so it should be able to tell the manga’s story with a slightly more relaxed pace from here out. And even if you haven’t read the manga, you might know about the legend that is Yuno Gasai (Murata Tomosa). She was teased a little in the opener, but that’s all it was – love her or hate her, you won’t forget her. She’s become a brand name synonymous with the product – like Kleenex or Google. Yuno Gasai has become her own trope, and a verb too. Stay tuned for the next six months and you’ll find out why.

Apart from Wakamoto-dono, Asread has gone for a largely unknown cast here. A few modestly big names will be showing up, but I like the idea of lesser names as Yuki and Yuno – both because I’m sick of hearing the same 11 people in every role in every series and because I want to listen to what Yuki and Yuno sound like, not listen and constantly think of the star doing the voice. Both Togashi as Yuki and Murata as Yuno will take getting used to. Asread has chosen to play up the youth of the main characters – they’re only 14, and it sounds like it. Togashi was fine, and Murata started to grow on me by the end. It’s important with Yuno that the voice match the face, not the personality – and I think she’s off to a good start.

While there are small things I can pick out that I’d do differently – tone down the BGM, for example – on the whole I’m very happy. If this works, anime viewers are in for a hell of a ride – Mirai Nikki is gleefully suspenseful, relentless and trashy, and quite unlike any series we’ve seen in the last few years.

 

ED Sequence

ED: 「Blood teller」 by 飛蘭 (Faylan)
Watch the ED!: Streaming ▼

124 Comments

  2. This show lives to the hype xD The girl scares me though xD

    Lol. Norio Wakamoto is everywhere. He’s not playing many huge roles, yet he able to command so much attention when the characters he voices speak xD

    Alec
    Reply

  3. I saw it mentioned on the animesuki forums, and I have to agree (as a non-manga reader). It felt like I was watching a younger, sexier, Eden of the East. Needless to say, I’m enjoying this a lot, despite only being one episode in. 🙂

    Is this one or two cour? It’d better be two cour, with all the antagonists (I assume the other players are the antagonists). Can’t wait to see how our seemingly unwilling protagonist murders everyone (well, I assume he’s going to unless the anime does something lame and he somehow finds a loop hole that lets him be a pacifist wussy).

    Drew
    Reply

    2. I came to the same conclusion, that this was a lot like Eden of the East with its cell phones, instant logging of events, and a live or die game. But Eden of the East kept its secrets hidden until later, while Mirai Nikki just laid out the whole premise in the first episode.

      Luxorcist
      Reply

  4. I hope the anime is going to be as breath taking as the manga, this is going to be one crazy ride, can’t wait ><

    @Enzo I understand the kanji for 飛蘭 is literally fly orchid, but i thought the official English name for the singer is Faylan

    oliviaven
    Reply

  7. I couldn’t help but laugh initially at Yuki’s voice. It just seemed too perfect and I too, am glad that the cast will be for the most part, covered by ‘lesser names’. I know a lot of the time most shows can be watched just because the cast itself is so phenomenal and hopefully, that’ll still be the case here, but there’s so much more to this show that I’m looking forward to.

    P.S. The production quality = amazing. Yuki’s eyes are just beautiful. <3

    Kiyuri
    Reply

  8. I read through all of that is Mirai Nikki and the two side stories, so i noticed immediatly the fake officer Show Spoiler ▼

    in the crime scene which was awesome for those that read Mosaic. On another note, daaaauummnnn Yuno scared the living crap out of me……..and I LOVED IT!!!!! So far it’s true to the original, but I really hope they don’t screw it up. Also thnx 4 the review, it’s nice to see others opinions of this show 🙂

    Reaper
    Reply

  11. Huge expectations here. I don’t know much about Asread’s work aside from Shuffle, but so far the first episode actually looks pretty good. The manga was such a blast that I don’t think I could ever forgive them if they destroy it. It’s been almost a year since I finished it, I still believe that its a sacred work. It’s just so juicy; it’s horrifying, scary, psychotic, and surprise, funny and even rather touching.

    Click
    Reply

  12. Been waiting for someone to animate this for years… Just like you Enzo, the Mirai Nikki manga holds a special place in my heart. By no means was it perfect, but by daring to venture into thematic territory that few in the mainstream would even begin to consider, and by combining it with your typical shounen romance story, Esuno Sakae has created a delightfully perverse union of love and chaos. Mirai Nikki remains one of the most unique, daring and innovative manga series that I’ve read in years, in spite of any flaws.

    Here’s to hoping that they continue to do things right, and that they fix some of the problems I had with the original manga. (Mainly some continuity issues…)

    Zen
    Reply

  14. Great opening to your post. I’ve also finished the manga and was cringingly regreting that fact while I looked forward to this post thinking that I might’ve spoiled myself to the point of being unable to enjoy the RC commentary. Glad to know thats not the case!
    Can’t wait for the subs to come out. 🙂

    Chloesong
    Reply

    1. Despite being inherently a mystery story so is it obvious when you reread the manga or watch the anime after reading the manga, that the plot was planed out from the start. There are an incredible amounts of foreshadowing in this single episode for future events. It’s not really a spoiler even as the little details only really have a meaning when you already know what happens later. But it does make it more fun then maybe expected to watch this anime for manga fans.

      Znail
      Reply

  16. So, I don’t really get the love for Yuno. I assume you’re all manga readers and she ends up being a psycho. But, based off one episode, meh. 😀 I did, however, re-watch the ending after the ED about 10 times. Murumuru is so cute.

    Drew
    Reply

  17. Rereading the beginning of the manga showed me that this adaptation is almost scarily true to the original. What impressed me most about this episode, though, was how I was still creeped out despite knowing what would happen. They captured the atmosphere really well.

    CarVac
    Reply

  25. Dohohoho, been waiting for this since an adaption was announced. The short teaser last year killed my confidence about the anime but this episode cleared all my doubt, or maybe I’m just happy Gasai Yuno is getting animated…..

    T.K.
    Reply

  26. Dread is infectious. That is why a show like this, which unconsciously finds itself fascinated with dread, happily and quite brainlessly reproduces the sense of dread it has found in other shows. The opposite of dread, calm, is not infectious. As such, it is harder to find a show that glorifies the calmness of life, because the glorification of the good cannot reproduce.

    ALL-SEEING EYE
    Reply

  31. First of all, I WANT THAT PHONE!
    And second, The main guy is so pansy. Why will you not like a hot babe as a girlfriend/stalker that will do anything for love.
    I mean ANYTHING! errrrr.. Ok just forget about the second part.

    Jhacks
    Reply

  32. Another awesome premiere, I really want to read the manga now! Should I, shouldn’t I? Should I, shouldn’t I? Seeing as this is one of the series that already has a fanbase I feel it’s inevitable for spoilers and I hate not being able to read spoilers cause it’s like I’m not getting the most out of the discussion. Ah will see how it goes, it’s going to be painful waiting week to week.

    Yuno’s Yandere and Mirai Nikki for that matter are doing pretty well for my expectations.

    Saya
    Reply

  34. Ha I’m going to love this anime production. Mirai Nikki has been one of the greatest manga I’ve ever read because of the drawing and story line matching each other perfectly. If anyone is on the edge about watching this, I’m going to tell you right now to watch it. Unforunately I don’t think the entire manga will fit into the 26 episodes and they’re going to hopefully have a second season. I’ve already read the entire manga so I bet I know where they’ll cut it off but it’s not good enough. There’s so much more beyond that point.

    Zangkin
    Reply

  37. I hope the protagonist mans up a bit, since it might be a little annoying if he stays scared for over 20 episodes, but that’s my opinion..

    Otherwise can’t wait for the mind-blowing episodes to roll out.

    Pride
    Reply

    1. I agree. The eyes are not very well done in my opinion.

      It just seems like the show is trying too hard. There were many moments where a still frame from the manga would have sufficed and would have had a larger impact.

      Samurai Pumpkin
      Reply

  39. i think the animation quality will drop by next episode or so. most of the animation frames of the 1st episode was taken from the promo vid/mini OAV that was released a few months ago. (which has a high production quality) =( But still, I hope they would maintain the high quality or even increase it… crosses fingers… =) Yuno, ftw! XD

    kyo
    Reply

  43. I am assuming the beginning is something that happens later in the story. As it VERY clearly shows Yuno get murdered. And it also seems to show Amano laying dead from what seems to be drug overdose. Any show with distortion of time and space is bound to have “plot armor” of some kind but why show the two main characters dead in the first 30 seconds.

    bijyu
    Reply

    1. Let’s just say time’s a a lot more complicated in this anime than just “two main characters dead” later…though saying anymore would spoil the whole show, so just sit back and enjoy the insanity that is Gasai Yuno!

      Sekai
      Reply

  49. The whole premise was introduced so fast I nearly had a heart attack. Even though it seems to be a play off of Saw and Death Note, it was epic and humorous enough for me to want to see more.

    VyseLegend
    Reply

    1. After watching Steins;Gate, I admit I’ve gotten into the habit of looking out for tiny details. No, I haven’t read the manga nor do I intend to, but I’m was pretty sure this show wasn’t detail-heavy like S;G.

      I’m not asking for spoilers (and please don’t post any), but is this a series where even something insignificant like the doll on the desk or the way Yuno said the Third’s death was boring are important later? Sorry, I’m just exploding with ideas and can’t hold it in. D:

      Luxorcist
      Reply

      1. Well, the doll has already played it’s role. If you didn’t notice so was the doll of the little helper that he thought was only a fabrication of his own mind, thus quite shocking for him. But the answer to your question is yes. The biggest clue for future events in this episode is something I doubt anyone who haven’t read the manga will recognise.

        Znail
        Reply

  55. I’ve been waiting for this for awhile……too long. 🙂

    I can’t wait until next week. If anyone is wavering between watching this or not, the next episode will truly let you know what you are in for. For better or worse. It should be a hell of a ride.

    7godeohs
    Reply

  58. https://randomc.net/image/Mirai%20Nikki/Mirai%20Nikki%20-%2001%20-%20Large%2035.jpg

    I just ninjad my way through the comments, and found out that I’m not the only one that likes this image. DAMN, I WANT A GIRL LIKE THAT. Even if she is a Yandere, it would be worth dying from her hands.

    I find the omake rather funny. the 3rd got himself killed 2 times before the start of the game. HAHAAAHa, I laughed to death seeing that.

    Also, to anyone that is really good Mirai Nikki fan, and a code geass fan, please read this. My buddy made something nice for fans to enjoy
    http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6751946/1/Ultimate_Paradox

    L002
    Reply

  59. While I could pick out plenty of things I personally didn’t like or would’ve preferred done differently, I’ll be the first to admit how excited I am for Future Diary’s anime. From these screenshots it looks really good – the character designs and colors are excellent, but their expressions are the best of all – and from your review I feel confident that it’ll be true to the source while providing some great new layers like only an animated series can (I loved how Naoki Urasawa’s Monster was brought to life by its voice actors and its hauntingly beautiful music score).

    Ashen
    Reply

  60. And so it begins. I really hope they don’t downplay the Yandere vibe with Yuno, it’s one of the parts I loved the most about the series. They made her look absolutely drop-dead sexy/psycho in that last shot.

    Avenger
    Reply

  61. Eh if not the voices i would have thought it was Gosick’s Grevil de Blois and Madoka’s Kaname Madoka in the shadows…

    Psycho girls looks like a good Yandere. With the game’s rules i doubt Yuki can hang on to his morals

    Zaku Fan
    Reply

  62. we finally get to see the queen of yanderes on screen! too bad that this anime didnt air last season and thus yuno lost in the popularity character battle.
    its pretty fine for now, I just wish yuno looked a bit more attractive.

    amado
    Reply

  63. I absolutely loved the manga! While it was far from perfect, the twists and drama was more than enough for anybody to complain. When I say twists in the story,there are twists within the twists, if you get what I mean. So what I’m saying is that every chapter I read in the manga is unpredictable and gives you a feeling of excitement, fear, and uncertainty.

    I hope the animation turns out well!

    The Story You Don't Know
    Reply

  64. Wanted to get into the manga early on but didn’t.
    Just watched ep1.
    It was great!
    Gave me the Death Note vibes.

    Good, the manga ended with 12 volumes.
    No possible crap ending 😛

    iron2000
    Reply

    1. please don’t get the death note vibes here. I won’t reveal any spoilers, but its more of the code geass vibes here. Light was a jerk, Lelouch was a different story though.

      The manga felt a little too short though, interestingly, the author is starting another manga, Big Order, that’s worth seeing- the characters look identical to the Mirai Nikki.

      L002
      Reply

  68. somehow or rather… “mentally skewered” female characters like yuno gasai or stationery wielding ice queen hitagi senjougahara attracts me the most…

    i must say that girls who are intimidating are superbly attractive

    c2710
    Reply

  70. Mirai Nikki is 1 of the manga’s i read through and through to the end I loved every page of it and when I saw the trailer last year I couldnt keep off my seat. Really looking forward to these eps. Gasai Yuno is full pelt Yandere and Im loving it

    Rob
    Reply

  71. This was by far the most unique anime of the season so far, and I think it will live up to that title for quite a bit. Much like Deadman Wonderland, it’s full of suspense, surprise, and the blood I’m not so used to seeing in my usual cache of anime for the season. Nevertheless, again like Deadman Wonderland, it has me first episode and has been added to the must-watch list this time around!

    Kibakyu
    Reply

  73. Ok, another interesting series I will probably watch in a weekly basis. My first attraction to this series is the short OVA that gives a general feel of the show, now is the real thing and the first episode sure doesn’t disappoint.

    Ghostalker
    Reply

  75. Wow, I´ve read most of the manga and all I can say is Well Done!. The episode has all the thrill that made the manga so intense and adictived, just watching Yuuno going crazy with that look in her face is just priceless. If the studio keeps been fateful to the manga there is no way that this adaptation can go wrong. This are going some entertining 6 months; BTW, for all of you fans of Mirai Nikki out there, the author Sakae Esuno just release his new work Big Order, that promise to be as insane as his last one and I´m sure that the female lead in this new manga must be related to Yuuno somehow, read the chapter an you´ll know what I mean.

    haseo0408
    Reply

  78. Great episode.

    The first thing I thought of when I saw Deus was that he looked like Jigsaw from Saw (the puppet thing, not the old guy) — then it turns out he’s setting up the same type of game. Anyone know if it’s intentional in the character design?

    Love Yuno too.

    Homura
    Reply

  79. Oh Yuno, my sweet, sweet Yuno. I usually hates yandere but Yuno is just too freaking awesome to hate.
    If I were to make a list on anime luckiest bastard in regards of love, Yuki would be there in top ten alongside Kamijou Touma and Negi Springfield for merely getting Yuno.

    ASBA1991
    Reply

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