The anime adaptation of Uoto’s historical manga, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, has released its second trailer, offering a sneak peek at the new ending theme song, “Snake” (“Hebi”), performed by the popular Japanese rock duo Yorushika. This comes as the anime enters its second cour, continuing its broadcast after a successful premiere in October 2024.
A New Chapter for Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
The second trailer not only showcases the new ending theme but also highlights the ongoing story. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is animated by Studio MADHOUSE and is currently being streamed worldwide on Netflix. The series premiered on October 5, 2024, and is slated to run for 25 episodes across two consecutive cours. This means the series is expected to run for a half-year. The anime’s first ending theme, “Aporia,” was also performed by Yorushika.
The Significance of “Snake”
Yorushika’s new song, “Snake”, will be the second ending theme for the anime. The band, consisting of composer n-buna and vocalist suis, is well-known for their evocative music and has previously contributed “Aporia” as the first ending theme for the anime, which was released as a digital single on October 7, 2024. N-buna has commented that they feel a “human passion” within the series, which makes it “explosively interesting.” The title “Aporia” itself refers to a philosophical term signifying uncertainty or doubt. It is a fitting theme for a story that questions established beliefs.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Synopsis
The anime is based on Uoto’s manga, which was serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine from September 2020 to April 2022. The manga received critical acclaim, winning the first prize at the 26th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2022.
The story is set in 15th-century Europe, where the dominant belief is that the Earth is the center of the universe. It follows Rafal, a brilliant young man expected to study theology, the most important field of the time. However, Rafal’s commitment to reason leads him to the radical conclusion that the Earth revolves around the sun, a concept considered heresy at the time.
This discovery puts Rafal at odds with the powerful Inquisition. Years later, two members of the Watch Guild, Oczy and Gras, stumble upon a hidden chest containing Rafal’s heretical texts, posing a question of whether they will try to change their fate or face similar persecution.
The anime explores themes of intellectual curiosity, the struggle between faith and reason, and the pursuit of truth in the face of oppression.
Production Team and Voice Cast
The anime adaptation is directed by Kenichi Shimizu, who also directed Parasyte: The Maxim. The series composition is handled by Shingo Irie, with character designs by Masanori Shino. Kensuke Ushio is composing the music for the series. The sound director is Kisuke Koizumi, and the editing is done by Kashiko Kimura. The art direction is by Yasutoshi Kawai, with Narumi Konno as the color designer and Akane Fushihara as the photography director.
The main voice cast includes:
- Maaya Sakamoto as Rafal
- Kenjiro Tsuda as Novak
- Sho Hayami as Hubert
- Katsuyuki Konishi as Oczy
- Saya Hitomi as Yolenta
- Yuichi Nakamura as Badeni
- Miyuri Shimabukuro as Draka
- Satoshi Hino as Schmidt
Music of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
The music of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth plays a vital role in setting the tone and enhancing the emotional depth of the story. The opening theme song, “Kaiju” by rock band Sakanaction, perfectly complements the series’ historical and dramatic elements.
Yorushika: A Musical Force
Yorushika, the musical duo behind both ending themes, has become a prominent name in the Japanese music scene. Formed in 2017, the band consists of composer n-buna and vocalist suis. They are known for their unique sound, blending rock with literary and philosophical themes.
Yorushika’s music often explores complex emotions and concepts, making them an ideal choice for an anime that delves into profound questions about knowledge and the human condition. The band has a history of providing music for anime, including:
- “Aporia” – Ending theme for Orb: On the Movements of the Earth (first cour)
- “Snake” – Ending theme for Orb: On the Movements of the Earth (second cour)
- “Sunny” – Opening theme for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
- “Moonbath” – Theme song for Kaina of the Great Snow Sea: Star Sage
- “Setting Sun” – Theme song for The Dangers in My Heart
Their songs often feature thought-provoking lyrics and melodies that resonate with listeners, showcasing their ability to capture complex emotions and ideas.
“Aporia” and the Power of Uncertainty
The first ending theme, “Aporia”, perfectly captures the essence of the anime’s themes. The word “aporia” comes from ancient Greek philosophy and signifies uncertainty or doubt, often stemming from a problem that’s difficult to resolve. n-buna has stated that the song reflects “the desire to know the unknowable”, a feeling that is closely related to the core themes of the anime itself. The lyrics are described as using a balloon as a metaphor for the limitless desire for knowledge.
Streaming and Availability
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is currently available for streaming on Netflix worldwide, with new episodes released weekly. The series premiered with its first two episodes and is now airing its second cour, which includes the new ending theme song, “Snake”. The anime is also available on ABEMA in Japan.
A Must-Watch Anime
With its compelling story, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth has established itself as a must-watch anime. The addition of Yorushika’s music further elevates the experience, adding another layer of depth and emotion to the series. The release of the second trailer and the introduction of the new ending theme “Snake” have heightened anticipation for the second cour. This show is sure to continue to captivate audiences around the world.
Additional Information:
| Feature | Details |
| :—————— | :—————————————————————————————————- |
| Anime Title | Orb: On the Movements of the Earth (チ。―地球の運動について―) |
| Manga Author | Uoto |
| Studio | MADHOUSE |
| Director | Kenichi Shimizu |
| Series Composition| Shingo Irie |
| Character Designer| Masanori Shino |
| Music | Kensuke Ushio |
| Opening Theme | “Kaiju” by Sakanaction |
| Ending Theme 1 | “Aporia” by Yorushika |
| Ending Theme 2 | “Snake” (“Hebi”) by Yorushika |
| Premiere Date | October 5, 2024 |
| Streaming | Netflix, ABEMA |
| Total Episodes | 25 |
| Manga Serialisation | September 2020 to April 2022 in Weekly Big Comic Spirits |
| English Publisher | Seven Seas Entertainment |
