The lead staff and cast for the adaptation were revealed with a new trailer
Friendships can spark between the unlikeliest of lifeforms. After the announcement a few weeks ago, the first trailer for the upcoming Takopi’s Original Sin anime adaptation, based on TAIZAN 5’s manga, was released today at Jump Festa 2025. The trailer revealed the returning voices from the manga trailers, the lead staff members and a 2025 premiere.
Takopi’s Original Sin Teaser Trailer
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Shinya Iino (Dr. STONE) directs and writes the series composition for the Takopi’s Original Sin anime at ENISHIYA with Keita Nagahara (Suzume unit director, Violet Evergarden key animator) drawing the character designs.
The two volumes of Takopi’s Original Sin have over 1.4 million copies in print, and the English version is available via VIZ Media and Shueisha’s MANGA Plus service. VIZ describes the series as such:
Cute little alien Takopi lands on Earth. What is his mission? To be taken to our leader? No. To spread happiness throughout the universe!
The first person Takopi meets is depressed fourth grader Shizuka. (Or is it…?) Takopi is determined to do whatever it takes to make Shizuka smile again. But his misguided attempts to help her by using his advanced technology to turn back time only result in mayhem and death.
What is the truth Takopi can’t remember? And what must the pink alien octopus with a heart of gold sacrifice to truly help Shizuka and her friends…?
Story of Takopi’s Original Sin
Takopi’s Original Sin (Takopii no Genzai) is a gripping and emotionally intense manga series by Taizan 5. It was serialized in Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ from December 2021 to March 2022. While no official anime adaptation has been announced as of now, the story has garnered significant attention for its dark themes, complex characters, and thought-provoking narrative.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around Takopi, a cheerful alien from the Happy Planet, who arrives on Earth with the mission of spreading happiness. Equipped with an arsenal of “happy gadgets,” Takopi is determined to help humanity, starting with Shizuka, a young girl he meets.
However, Takopi’s naïve optimism clashes with the harsh realities of Shizuka’s life. She is a deeply troubled girl who faces severe bullying at school and neglect at home. Despite Takopi’s well-meaning intentions, his attempts to help Shizuka often lead to unintended and tragic consequences.
The story delves into heavy themes such as bullying, abuse, and mental health, exploring the emotional struggles of its young characters in a raw and unflinching manner.
Main Characters
- Takopi:
- A squid-like alien from the Happy Planet, characterized by his innocent and overly optimistic demeanor.
- While his “happy gadgets” are designed to bring joy, they often create chaos due to his lack of understanding of human emotions and consequences.
- Shizuka:
- A lonely and bullied girl who struggles with her emotions and the neglect she faces at home.
- Her interactions with Takopi form the emotional core of the story, highlighting the complexity of her pain and her longing for genuine happiness.
- Marino:
- Shizuka’s classmate and one of her primary bullies.
- Marino’s behavior stems from her own insecurities and a toxic environment, adding layers to her character.
- Azuma:
- Another classmate entangled in the web of bullying and interpersonal conflicts.
- His role is pivotal in shaping the story’s events and emotional impact.
Key Themes
1. The Pursuit of Happiness
The story examines what happiness truly means and whether it can be achieved through external means or must come from within. Takopi’s gadgets serve as a metaphor for the limitations of superficial solutions to deep-seated problems.
2. The Complexity of Human Emotions
Takopi’s inability to fully understand human emotions highlights the complexity of feelings like pain, guilt, and empathy. The story emphasizes the importance of addressing these emotions rather than masking them.
3. The Impact of Trauma
Each character’s actions and struggles are deeply rooted in their personal traumas, offering a nuanced look at how pain manifests differently in individuals.
4. Consequences of Actions
The narrative explores the unintended consequences of even the most well-intentioned actions, showing that good intentions alone are not always enough.
Tone and Style
The series juxtaposes Takopi’s childlike innocence with the grim realities of human suffering. While its premise may initially seem lighthearted, the story quickly reveals its dark and thought-provoking nature. The artwork effectively conveys the emotional weight of the characters’ experiences, with stark contrasts between the whimsical designs of Takopi and the raw depiction of human struggles.
Reception
Takopi’s Original Sin has been praised for its bold storytelling, emotional depth, and ability to tackle difficult subjects. It has sparked discussions about mental health, societal pressures, and the importance of empathy.
While its dark tone may not be for everyone, those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives have found the series deeply impactful.
Potential Anime Adaptation
Fans have expressed strong interest in seeing Takopi’s Original Sin adapted into an anime. If adapted, it would likely follow the manga’s concise yet powerful storytelling, making for an emotionally resonant and visually striking series.
Conclusion
Takopi’s Original Sin is a hauntingly beautiful tale that challenges readers to reflect on the complexities of happiness, trauma, and human connection. Its blend of dark themes with a seemingly innocent premise makes it a standout work that leaves a lasting impression.