The upcoming original anime series, Apocalypse Hotel, has unveiled its cast, staff, and a confirmed April 2025 premiere, sparking excitement among anime enthusiasts. This unique series, produced by CyberAgent and animated by Cygames Pictures, promises a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre.
A Hotel Standing Alone
Set in a future where humanity has vanished and nature has reclaimed the Earth, Apocalypse Hotel unfolds within the walls of a solitary hotel in Tokyo’s Ginza district. The GinzarĆ hotel, a relic of a bygone era, continues to operate despite the absence of human guests. The story centers around Yachiyo, a hotel management robot, and her fellow robotic staff as they diligently maintain the hotel while awaiting the return of its owners and guests. The premise offers a blend of the serene and the desolate, with the hotel acting as a beacon of order amidst the encroaching wilderness.
The Enigmatic Plot
The series’ narrative explores the lives of these robots, who diligently keep the hotel running despite the lack of any human presence. It’s a world where the familiar hustle and bustle of hotel life is juxtaposed against the eerie silence of a world devoid of people. The central mystery lies in the reason for humanity’s disappearance and the robots’ unwavering dedication to their roles. This unique scenario presents a rich backdrop for character development and a compelling exploration of themes like purpose and perseverance.
Meet the Staff
The team behind Apocalypse Hotel brings together notable talents from the anime industry.
- Director: Kana Shundo, known for her episode direction in Saga of Tanya the Evil, Princess Connect! Re:Dive, and Luminous Witches, takes the helm, promising a visually compelling experience.
- Character Designer: Izumi Takemoto, the manga creator of Teke Teke My Heart and Garden Shimai, is responsible for the original character designs, bringing a distinct charm and expressiveness to the robotic cast.
- Animation Character Designer: Natsuki Yokoyama will adapt Takemoto’s original designs for animation.
- Series Script: Shigeru Murakoshi, whose credits include Ninja Kamui, Zombie Land Saga, and I Parry Everything, will be in charge of series composition, ensuring a captivating narrative.
- Music Composer: Yoshiaki Fujisawa, acclaimed for his work on Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, will craft the musical landscape of the anime.
- Art Director: Kohei Honda will oversee the visual aesthetics, creating the post-apocalyptic world of the series.
- Color Setting: Miyuki Sunako is in charge of defining the palette for the show.
- 3D Director: Yoshinori Nakano will manage the 3D aspects of the animation.
- Director of Photography: Masaharu Okazaki will manage the cinematography.
- Editing: Yumi Jinguji is in charge of putting the show together.
- Sound Director: Satoki Iida will oversee the sound design of the anime.
- Sound Production: dugout is handling the sound production.
- Music Production Cooperation: SCOOP MUSIC is cooperating on the music production.
A Cast of Robots
The cast of Apocalypse Hotel features the following actors:
- Saho Shirasu will voice Yachiyo, the protagonist and hotel manager robot. Shirasu expressed her excitement for the role, having been drawn to the character from the audition material.
Music to Set the Tone
The series will feature two theme songs both performed by the singer-songwriter aiko. The opening theme is titled “skirt” while the ending theme song is “capsule“. The ending theme is featured in the latest promotional video released by the production team, offering a glimpse into the showâs unique blend of melancholic beauty and post-apocalyptic quiet.
Production Details
Apocalypse Hotel is an original anime project by CyberAgent and its subsidiary studio, Cygames Pictures. The anime was first announced on August 28, 2024, with a teaser visual and trailer. Cygames Pictures is known for its work on popular titles like Zombie Land Saga and Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, which have garnered a loyal following, so the new anime is highly anticipated.
A Unique Perspective
This series stands out for its original premise and the use of robots as the main characters, exploring themes of purpose and loneliness in a unique setting. It presents a story of a hotel operating in a world devoid of humans, raising questions about the meaning of service and the persistence of routines in the face of complete societal collapse.
Release and Anticipation
Apocalypse Hotel is slated to premiere on Nippon TV in April 2025. The series is already generating considerable buzz thanks to its unique premise, talented staff, and the beautiful visuals showcased in the promotional materials. The first key visual of the show depicts the main character, Yachiyo, waiting for a miracle on the quiet Earth, further emphasizing the show’s focus on hope and solitude.
The announcement of the anime, along with the release of the trailer and key visual, has fueled anticipation among anime fans for its release. The series’ intriguing setting and unique characters are sure to make it a must-watch anime of the year. With a release window now set for April 2025, fans can look forward to embarking on this post-apocalyptic adventure soon.
