by It wasn’t a “work anime”… An unpredictable original anime
2025 is almost here. This year saw a wide variety of programs broadcast, many of which garnered attention for their storylines and buzz. Some anime even surprised viewers with unexpected plot twists right from the first episode.
Speaking of anime that surprised viewers right from the first episode, one that couldn’t be left out is the original anime “Zenshu,” produced by animation production company MAPPA and aired in January 2025.
The title “Zenshu” is an anime industry term, and the teaser trailer combined modern and otherworldly themes, leading some to speculate that it would be a “work anime” set in the world of anime production. However, upon its actual broadcast, it turns out to be an alternate-world reincarnation story in which up-and-coming anime director Natsuko Hirose (voiced by Anna Nagase) faints after eating a rotten lunch and wakes up in the world of the anime films she’s been obsessed with since childhood.
The story also featured giants reminiscent of the “God Warrior” from “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,” which shocked viewers in many ways. Many viewers were also surprised by the sudden change in the happy atmosphere from the middle of the story onwards, as the story turned serious and headed towards destruction.
Although the final episode had a happy ending, the unexpected setting and storyline drew comments such as “It was interesting because it was hard to predict what would happen” and “The contrast in the plot really stirred my emotions.”The story is about an anime director, Natsuko Hirose (voiced by Anna Nagase ), who eats a rotten lunch and passes out, only to wake up in the world of the anime films she’s been obsessed with since childhood… It’s an alternate world reincarnation story.
The story also features giants reminiscent of the “God Warrior” from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, shocking viewers in many ways. Many viewers were also surprised by the sudden change from the happy atmosphere of the previous halfway point to a serious story of destruction. While the final episode had a happy ending, the unexpected setting and storyline have been met with comments such as, “It was interesting because I couldn’t predict what would happen,” and “The contrast in the plot really stirred my emotions.”
“Unexpected developments” from the first episode. The touching ending that the high school girls reach.
The original anime series “Turkey!”, co-created by “BAKKEN RECORD” and “Pony Canyon,” aired in the summer of 2025 and surprised many viewers. Pre-broadcast information suggested the story centered on five high school girls in a bowling club, leading many viewers to believe it was a “youth club activity” story. However, at the end of the first episode, the bowling ball suddenly glows, sending the girls back in time to the Sengoku period.
This unexpected ending left many viewers in awe, and many were immediately drawn in by the unusual combination of “bowling” and “time travel to the Sengoku period.” Despite this unconventional plot, the series reaches a moving conclusion in which the high school girls risk their lives bowling to save the sisters they met in the Sengoku period.
The final five minutes of the final episode revealed an unexpected truth, leaving many viewers in tears, saying things like, “I cried when the truth was revealed in the final letter,” and “It was the best final episode! It was a show with such impact that I’ll never forget it.”
