Some anime has the power to transform our outlook on life, connecting with us on a deeper level than just through their plots or characters. It's more than having a crush on a character, being swept up in a dramatic fight scene or an emotional moment. I'm talking about the kind of anime that shifts your perspective and changes how you approach your everyday life. When was the last time an anime profoundly affected you that it altered your daily routine? When did a show make such a lasting impression that it stayed with you long after the days, weeks, or months have passed? For me, several anime have had this transformative impact. One standout is "A Place Further Than the Universe" aired over five years ago. It inspired me in a way I hadn’t thought possible, making me feel like I wasn’t just observing the story from a distance but living it myself.
In many anime, the main character often shines with a distinct sense of purpose and charisma. However, in A Place Further Than the Universe, the protagonist Kimari stands out for being refreshingly ordinary. She feels like she's wasting her youth, with a notebook full of dreams and plans she hasn't yet pursued. As a second-year high school student, Kimari has yet to achieve any of her goals, like going on an unplanned trip, skipping school for a day, or making the most of her youth. Realizing this, Kimari decides to take action and finally sets off to follow her plan. However, when faced with the prospect of skipping school for a day to go on a trip, she backs out at the last moment, citing the rainy weather as an excuse. At this point, many of us can relate to her struggle. We all have dreams and goals we want to accomplish, and we imagine how fulfilling it would be to achieve them. Yet, these ambitions often remain unfulfilled as days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. We push our goals aside, making excuses like "It's not the right time" or "I'm too tired today," fearing regret if we take the plunge.
Kimari's turning point comes when she meets Shirase Kobuchizawa, a first-year student with an unwavering determination to fulfil her dream of travelling to Antarctica to honour her late mother. Shirase’s resolve and willingness to pursue her dreams despite the odds inspire Kimari to overcome her inertia and start reaching for her own goals. This encounter serves as a catalyst for Kimari to finally pursue her dreams, reflecting how sometimes a single moment or person can push us to take that crucial first step.
In the second episode, the girls attempt to sneak into a late-night meeting for the Antarctic expedition, only to get caught after a lively chase. Rather than feeling tense, this scene brims with an exhilarating sense of freedom and spontaneity. Kimari, in particular, is swept up in the moment, feeling as though anything is possible—even if it means facing consequences later. These kinds of impulsive adventures often become the highlights of our lives, memorable not because of their perfection but because they embody a spirit of daring and joy. The thrill of this chase makes me want to set off on an impromptu adventure myself. As Kimari works on gathering funds for the trip, she encounters Miyake Hinata, a sixteen-year-old second-year student who had previously shown interest in their Antarctic plans after an airdrop. With Hinata joining the group, the trio is complete.
The third episode introduces Shiraishi Yuzuki, a celebrity who gazes at the sky and muses, "I could just die right now." Yuzuki’s celebrity status intersects with the girls' dreams when it’s announced that the civilian Antarctic expedition team will include female high school students and a news crew, featuring Yuzuki who will document the trip and conditions at Syowa Station. However, Yuzuki hesitates about going to Antarctica. It’s revealed that she longs for genuine friendships rather than just maintaining her public image. This highlights the emotional struggles faced by celebrities, showing that behind the glitz, their lives can be lonely and challenging. Yuzuki’s classmates are more interested in showing off on social media than forming real connections. As the episode concludes with Yuzuki's line, "I could just die right now," the sentiment has shifted from one of frustration to a realization of her true desires.
In the fourth episode, the humour takes centre stage with a light-hearted family betrayal that adds a touch of comedy to the story. The girls meet with Captain Todo Gin, who outlines the plans for their journey to Antarctica. Kimari, who once dreaded the idea of an unplanned adventure, is now excited and ready for a well-organized trip. This shift in Kimari’s attitude underscores a key lesson: the first step is often the hardest, but taking that leap can lead to newfound enthusiasm and unexpected joys. It’s a reminder that stepping out of our comfort zones might reveal passions and opportunities we never anticipated.
The fifth episode delves into the emotional dynamics of Kimari's friendships. As Kimari and Shirase prepare for their journey, their school and classmates celebrate their upcoming adventure. However, Kimari's best friend, Megu-chan, feels overshadowed and left out. Her jealousy and hurt led her to spread rumours about Kimari and Shirase. Eventually, Megu-chan realizes that her insecurities stem from her own inability to let go and accept change. She has been clinging to Kimari, resenting her growth and new friendships, which leaves Megu-chan feeling abandoned. This emotional turmoil not only affects Megu-chan but also impacts Kimari, highlighting the complexities of friendships and the pain that can come with growing apart.
This makes me realize that sometimes we become so focused on impressing others that we neglect our own personal growth. While we might feel a sense of superiority in their eyes, it can weaken us in the long run. When someone who once looked up to us starts making progress, it’s easy to feel left behind or inadequate. Balancing personal development with maintaining meaningful connections can be challenging, but it's an essential part of navigating life. It’s also a reminder that gaining something often means losing something else. Kimari gained new friends but lost Megu-chan. Yet, as we move through life, we encounter different people and create memories with them, which we can cherish and reflect upon later.
In Episode 6, the journey to Antarctica takes a brief detour as the girls make a stopover in Singapore. Hinata starts acting strangely, searching for something, and it turns out that she has lost her passport. Without it, they can't continue their trip, leading to a tense situation. Yuzuki looked for ways to renew the passport, but the process would take two days. Hinata, not wanting to hold her friends back, suggests they continue without her. However, Shirase emotionally convinces her that they should all go together, emphasizing how much their friendship has deepened. Shirase’s journey transforms from "I want to go to Antarctica" to "I want all of us to go to Antarctica together." The tension turns humorous when they discover that the passport had been in Shirase’s bag all along, leading to a playful punishment where both of them must eat durian.
What makes this episode special is Kimari's reflection while watching the boats and the colourful cityscape of Singapore. She observes that life continues, no matter where they are. Even as they head off to Antarctica, the city remains the same. People go to school, work their jobs, and spend time with friends. Kimari realizes that every single day is meaningful; there is no such thing as a "nothing" day. The episode beautifully captures the scenic views of Singapore and the local experiences, including trying the famous Merlion, Hainanese chicken rice, and durian ice cream.
In Episode 7, the girls finally set sail, and the ship's captain reminisces with Shirase about her mother and her relentless curiosity and determination to reach Antarctica. This episode serves as a heartfelt tribute to Shirase's mother and the memories she left behind.
Episode 8 shows the girls enduring the tough realities of life at sea—seasickness, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion. Despite the discomfort, they find solace in experiencing this tough journey together, which strengthens their bond. Anyone who has travelled with friends knows that things rarely go as planned. Unexpected challenges arise, and while you may have moments you aren't fond of, these shared experiences forge stronger connections. They become the memories you'll laugh about years later, even if they were tough at the time. This is the beauty of A Place Further Than the Universe: it resonates on a deeply human level, reminding us that the journey is just as meaningful as the destination.
This isn't an incredibly deep show, but it serves as a tender reminder of aspects that many of us can find within ourselves. When it ended, I felt a bittersweet void, not wanting to move on to any other anime. Instead, I just wanted to sit with the experience, to let it sink in and truly reflect on what it had given me. In a world where we are constantly moving from one thing to the next, it's easy to forget to hold on to what we find truly special. This show reminded me of that—a reflection on how we’re losing something precious in the modern world of abundance.
Surprisingly, I found myself deeply inspired by the constructive story of four girls doing something extraordinary with their lives. It reminded me of the things I may have once known but had forgotten. It reminded me to look at the world through an optimistic lens, to value the bonds I've formed with my friends, and to realize that I can turn "someday" into "today." The emphasis isn't on cute girls doing cute things, but rather on characters who happen to be cute girls, travelling together, overcoming obstacles, and growing as people in the process—in a very charming way. More specifically, it's about four teenagers who feel unfulfilled in life and come together with a crazy plan to go to Antarctica. It may seem simple, but the story goes to great lengths to ground and justify their journey. It's a story about doing something everyone thinks is impossible.
If you're looking for an anime with huge stakes, high drama, or a lot of emotional baggage, this isn't the show for you. It has a moe art style, and while it's not a show for everyone, no show can possibly appeal to everyone who watches it. However, it could be your gateway into the world of moe anime—a gentle, heartfelt experience that resonates in its own quiet way.
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