Product Info

Studio

Science SARU

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Drama

Rated

TV-14

Release Date (NA)

Nov 9, 2022

Release Date (JP)

Sep 14, 2022

Purchase From

From the creators of the beloved hidden gem Tatami Galaxy, Tatami Time Machine Blues is another must-watch, with the same stunning animation, fun characters, and optimistic tone. At only six short episodes, it’s a show you can easily binge on a rainy day.

Time for Time Travel

Like the original series, Tatami Time Machine Blues also plays around with the concept of time, but here, instead of rewinding the clock to show alternate timelines, the characters all jump around within the same timeline. After discovering a time machine, the crew decides to attempt to save our unnamed narrator’s air conditioner remote from its unfortunate demise by spilled soda. Naturally, this doesn’t go exactly as planned, and time travel hijinks ensue from there. 

Because the overall plot is generally more cohesive and stays in the same timeline, the sequel struck me as a bit more chilled out than the original. This is only added to by the lethargic summer atmosphere present throughout, which the creators effortlessly communicate through creative imagery, like the cool blue puffs of air-conditioning traveling through a thin tatami room wall. The characters also mostly stick together, which means more dialogue and less chance for “I” to narrate his internal thoughts. Though some viewers may miss the frenetic pacing and relatable stream-of-consciousness from the narrator like in Galaxy, I personally found that the different tempo was a refreshing change, and the series retained enough of the humor and internalization to make it recognizable and comfortingly familiar.

Creativity on Display

Much like the art in the original, the animation in Tatami Time Machine Blues is beautifully executed, with physical comedy, ingenious use of colors, and a fluidity that makes one sigh with satisfaction. Every frame is well thought out, and the sometimes wacky design choices simply add to the plot and characterization rather than distracting from them. One moment that really emphasizes this is when Ozu, the pesky ne’er-do-well who the main character blames for messing up his life, literally pins the main character to the frame of the screen to tell him that he will never be able to go back in time to achieve the rose-colored campus life that he desires. Another standout moment is the conclusion of the series, which takes place during dusk near a river, when the color-grading, with deep blues and glowing pinks, communicates perfectly the sense of resolution and peace that the characters and the viewers are both experiencing. The music, though it remains mostly in the background, also adds to this atmosphere. In short, the series shines perfectly when it comes to romanticizing one’s life in the midst of a steamy summer. 

The plot, although borrowed from Makoto Ueda’s play and film Summer Time Machine Blues, also has its own sprinklings of creativity. The creators obviously know their characters well, and mold the plot to fit their natural actions. 

All Together Now!

The real highlight of this sequel is watching all our beloved characters interact together in their usual chaotic way. Watching the show just feels like hanging out with your most fun and carefree group of friends — even if they might be a little too carefree at times. Since all the characters were introduced in the previous series, the creators are given more latitude to just show them all together without many side explanations of who they are, which makes for a nice sense of cohesion among the group. This is not to mention, of course, the blooming romance between “I” and Akashi, which provides a satisfying subplot and many cute interactions throughout the series. 

The Final Timeline

For fans of the original, Tatami Time Machine Blues will be more of what you love, and for those who haven’t watched the original — well, you have some catching up to do. Both burst with beauty, fun, and joy and are absolutely worth the watch.

The series is available now on Hulu in the United States, Disney+ outside the states.