Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26: A Unique Anime Narrative
Prime Video is expanding its collection with new animated offerings, including the intriguing series Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26. This anthology showcases a mix of early works by the talented author and manga artist Tatsuki Fujimoto. Each episode presents a distinct story he crafted from the ages of 17 to 26. One of the stories, titled “The Couple of Chickens That Crowed in the Schoolyard Were Still Kicking,” was penned when Fujimoto was just 17. It captures weighty themes like life, death, and humanity, all wrapped in stunning visuals and sharp humor. The series promises to be a captivating watch.
Opening Shot: A man’s voice breaks through the darkness, stating, “Then I realized I had to protect Ami.” Brief clips flash between moments of desolation, arguments, and a girl fleeing. He reflects on a time when humans and aliens coexisted peacefully. The screen fades to black.
Key Points: Welcome to the surreal world of “The Couple of Chickens Who Crackled in the Schoolyard Still Kicked Out.” Here, Earth looks familiar, yet has a distinctly alien twist. Extraterrestrial beings have invaded human spaces, coexisting with and often preying on humanity, yet this violent backdrop becomes almost unnoticed as we follow blue alien teenager Yohei (Kazuki Ura) hurrying to school.
Yohei encounters a “cute girl,” Moemi Kaneda (Kimiko Saito), a strong green alien in a high school uniform, scissors in hand. They make their way to an alien-filled school, stopping so Yohei can tend to two chickens in the courtyard. Interestingly, these aliens are depicted as humans in chicken costumes from school fairs, making the actual chickens inedible—poultry doesn’t seem appetizing in their world.
The humans, Yuto (Kenshō Ono) and his lively ward, Ami (Shion Sakurai), are learning to navigate a 2019 where shape-shifting aliens have taken over and nearly wiped out humanity’s existence. The aliens find humans delicious, driving humanity nearly to extinction. Tension rises when Yohei enters the courtyard alone, acknowledging that the beings there are not truly chickens. He comforts Hayato and Ami by saying, “I don’t want to eat it,” but looming danger appears as new transfer student Masatoshi Endo (Mitsuo Iwata), who loves chicken, enters the scene. Will Yuto and Ami survive this ordeal?
Which Show Do You Remember?: Given that both works stem from the same author, the series inevitably brings to mind Fujimoto’s acclaimed anime, Chainsaw Man, for its striking visuals, irreverent humor, and the casual violence inherent in both.
Our View: Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 offers a mix of narratives—from a man teaching underwater piano to a mermaid, to a vampire hiring an assassin to end his lengthy life, to a girl plotting revenge against her sister for a humiliating painting. Each story is distinct, tied together by vivid animation, unforgettable characters, and narratives that suggest deeper meanings lurking beneath the surface.
“The Couple of Roosters Crooking in the Schoolyard Were Still Kicking” stands out as a striking tale. Underneath its vibrant animation and humorous moments, there’s a chilling core—these aliens thrive on the remnants and sacrifices of humanity. As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that appearances can be deceiving, with the threat of violence lying just beneath the surface, targeting whatever the aliens deem as food.
Even at just 17, Tatsuki Fujimoto demonstrated a knack for crafting unsettling yet thought-provoking stories about human nature—definitely something worth observing as his abilities evolved over the years. Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 is now accessible on Prime Video.
Gender and Skin: While some episodes may feature nudity and increased violence, this particular episode does not. Viewer discretion is suggested.
Parting Shot: To avoid revealing too much, I’ll just mention that the episode loops back to a battle scene, repeating Yuto’s earlier words, urging listeners to “Remember one thing: Before humanity faced extinction, aliens and humans lived alongside each other. Remember, the rattle chickens are still kicking in the schoolyard.”
Sleeper Star: Despite her limited screen time, Moemi is hard to forget, with a combination of her cute outfits and a surprisingly robust demeanor. As an alien, she navigates an interesting balance between genders and species, making her presence quite unique.
Most Pilot-like Line: There’s a bit of exposition present, with a notable line stating, “I recently heard a rumor that humans are extinct. The aliens don’t know that humans live in this very schoolyard.”
Our Call: If you’re a fan of anime, Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 is certainly worth your time. Every frame is a visual treat, showcasing the dedication of a team that wholeheartedly believes in Fujimoto’s vision, resulting in an anthology that’s both quirky and immersive.
Where to Stream Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26
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