Is Erased Worth Watching? – A Complete Review

Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi or BokuMachi)  is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kei Sanbe.

The story revolves around Satoru Fujinuma who has the unique ability to rewind a few minutes in time. The series revolves around how he uses this special power which alters the course of his life.

An anime adaptation by A-1 Pictures aired from January 8, 2016, to March 25, 2016.

1. Quick Review

Satoru Fujinama is a dull and detached 29-year-old manga artist. Fujinama has the unique ability to turn back time by several minutes and uses this power in the face of an imminent tragedy. Soon, Fujinama starts taking advantage of this supernatural ability which he calls “Revival,” to save many lives.

The story follows Satoru as he must use his power to travel back to the past when he is wrongfully accused of the murder of someone close to him. Instead of a few minutes, he ends up going back to the year 1988, 18 years in the past.

Things take an unpredictable turn when Satoru realizes that there is more than what meets the eye when it comes to this murder. It turns out that the murder may be a part of something much bigger. He decides that this is his chance to do some good by making things right.

Erased follows Satoru in his mission to understand what happened 18 years ago and change the tragic future that awaits those he cares about. The series is a gem in terms of character development and smooth transition between the past and present. The characters are full of life and the show emphasizes the harsh realities of life.

2. Info Card

3. Is it worth watching?

Erased is like a breath of fresh air from your run-of-the-mill isekai, ecchi, or comedy concepts. The show gives you an original down to earth perspective by shining light on real-world problems. The artwork in the show is instrumental in creating the emotional and entertaining moments that draw you towards it.

The series has some beautiful animation and direction which adds to the suspense of the plot and leaves you glued to your seat with anticipation for what’s to come.

I. Plot

The story follows the life of Satoru Fujinuma, a young man who, for unknown reasons, possesses an ability known as “Revival”, which sends him back in time.  He uses this power to prevent a life-ending moment from occurring.

The plot takes an unimagined path when Fujinama’s mother is murdered. Satoru’s ability suddenly sends him back eighteen years into the past where he learns about several events that have taken place which connect to his mother’s murder. Satoru must uncover these secrets so that he may change the course of his life.

The series has a very interesting concept and lots of philosophy. The art and animation styles are perfectly matched for a mystery genre. The highlights of the show are the realistic main characters and the great choice of soundtracks.

II. Characters

Satoru Fujinama

Satoru Fujinuma is the main protagonist of the series.

He is a 29-year-old unsuccessful manga artist who works part-time as a deliveryman at Oasi Pizza. Satoru is an introvert and often pretends to get along with people to maintain healthy relationships since he was a kid because he always had trouble understanding someone’s emotions. He possesses the unique ability of “Revival” which he uses to travel back in time and save many lives.

Sachiko Fujinuma

She is Satoru’s mother and a former news announcer.

She is very observant and knows a lot about the cold cases of serial kidnapping in her town. However, she remains silent to ensure the safety of her child. Sachiko is described as a kind, caring, and wonderful mother who would do anything for her son. When she is murdered, Satoru would do anything to uncover the truth about her murder and change the future so that they can be together again.

Airi Katagiri

Airi Katagiri is a high school student and Satoru Fujinuma’s co-worker at Oasi Pizza.

She is one of the few characters who trust Satoru even when he is wrongfully accused of murder. Airi is seen as an optimistic and reliable girl who helps the main character in numerous situations. She believes that it is important to express your hopes and desires out loud so that one day they may become a reality.

III. Setting

The plot of Erased is primarily set in Japan. Satoru, the protagonist, lives in Tokyo, the capital city of Japan when the story begins. As the story progresses, he travels back in time to 1988, where the setting changes to the city where he spent his childhood, Hokkaido. 

IV. Theme Songs

The Opening theme songs are “Re:Re:” by Asian Kung-Fu Generation (ep 2-12) and ending theme songs are “Re:Re:” by Asian Kung-Fu Generation (ep 1) and “Sore wa Chiisana Hikari no Youna” by Sayuri (ep 2-12)

The theme songs used in Erased sets the mood for the show and with its music, brings about the corresponding tones of loneliness, isolation, and happiness that were portrayed throughout the series.

4. Grade: 4 out of 5

5. Final Thoughts

Erased is a psychological mystery anime that sheds light on reality and the enigmatic concept of time travel. The series comes with a captivating and unique story. As a viewer, you become attached to the characters as you see the lengths they go through to change their fate.The magnetic concept is complemented by excellent animation and artwork, bringing the story to life. Erased is the perfect companion for someone interested in mystery or crime-related shows.