A Liminal Space Beckons
The newly premiered anime series, Tasokare Hotel, welcomes viewers to a peculiar establishment, a hotel existing neither in day nor night, but perpetually bathed in a pinkish twilight. This unique setting serves as a limbo, a place where souls adrift between life and death can rest. The hotel, a character in itself, is a space where the recently deceased, or perhaps not quite deceased, grapple with their forgotten identities. This intriguing concept, based on a popular mobile game, sets the stage for a series of mystery and self-discovery.
The Enigmatic Protagonist
At the heart of the narrative is Neko Tsukahara, a high school girl who arrives at the hotel with no recollection of her past or how she got there. Voiced by Rika Momokawa, Neko is characterized as a seemingly unmotivated yet surprisingly proactive individual. She finds herself drawn into the hotel’s enigmatic atmosphere, becoming an impromptu “afterlife detective” of sorts. The initial episodes see her navigating the hotel’s intricacies, interacting with its diverse staff, and assisting other lost souls in rediscovering their memories.
A Cast of Unique Characters
The hotel is staffed by a collection of intriguing personalities. Atori Haruto, voiced by Koudai Sakai, is another main character with a compelling presence. The hotel manager, with his flaming head that changes color like a mood ring, is voiced by Kanehira Yamamoto. Other key staff members include Ruri, a perpetually angry cook voiced by Yuki Nagano, and Menou, voiced by Natsue Sasamoto. The interplay between these characters adds depth to the narrative, hinting at hidden stories and complex relationships. Masaki Osoto, voiced by Yusuke Shirai, is another employee who helps Neko in the hotel.
Unraveling the Mysteries
The series’ core revolves around the guests, who are often depicted with placeholder designs, such as objects replacing their heads that are tied to their memories. As they stay at the hotel, their rooms magically fill with items connected to their pasts. Through these items, they piece together their identities, and their appearances slowly revert to their human form. The animation style is consistent, with detailed character designs and a touch of art nouveau influence, giving the hotel a ’20s style aesthetic. The setting itself is a character, with the hotel interiors appearing to reconfigure when no one is looking, emphasizing the surreal nature of the world.
A Slow Burn Narrative
While the premise offers much promise, the premiere episodes have been described as a bit of a slow burn. The initial “mystery of the week” format has been criticized as somewhat weak, with solutions appearing a bit too easily. The pacing is sedate, and the animation style, while consistent, is not particularly adventurous. However, this is possibly a deliberate choice, given the series’ themes of contemplation and self-discovery within a limbo-like setting.
Themes and Inspirations
Tasokare Hotel draws thematic comparisons to the 2015 anime Death Parade. Both series explore the concept of an afterlife-like setting where characters grapple with their pasts. The series also has elements similar to other mystery shows like The Apothecary Diaries, specifically the quirky detective protagonist. Despite these comparisons, Tasokare Hotel attempts to carve out its unique identity with its emphasis on the surreal and the whimsical, a slightly different tone from its more serious counterparts.
Music and Production
The anime is produced by PRA, with Kosuke Koremizu directing. Yuko Hariba is responsible for the character and costume designs, while the music is composed by Tsujiyo and sugarbeans. The opening theme, “TASOKARE,” is performed by Kayoko Yoshizawa, and the ending theme, “Twilight,” is sung by Rib, with Eve composing the track. The songs add an evocative layer to the series’ overall atmosphere.
Where to Watch
The series began streaming on various platforms on January 3, 2025, before its television debut in Japan on January 8, 2025. International fans can watch Tasokare Hotel on platforms including Prime Video, the It’s Anime YouTube Channel, Tubi, Plex App, Anime Onegai, TVING, bilibili, and Anime Key. These services offer the series in over 100 countries and territories.
Early Reception and Potential
Early reviews of the first three episodes are mixed. While the setting and character designs have been praised, some critics find the plot and pacing lacking, with some also describing the animation style as “sauceless”. The series is described as having potential but not yet having translated the unique game experience into a compelling anime. The initial mysteries are not complex, and the series seems to rely on the strong premise to carry the weight. However, the characters, with their hinted backstories, have been noted to be growing on the audience, and the show is described as “good enough” for a relaxed, weekly viewing. The series also has some positive feedback with viewers on Reddit praising the animation quality and character design.
Looking Ahead
Tasokare Hotel presents an interesting premise, with a unique concept of a hotel existing in limbo, where lost souls search for their past. While the premiere episodes have some drawbacks, the series’ strengths lie in its intriguing setting, character designs, and thematic exploration of memory and identity. The series has potential, and as the mysteries deepen, it may be worth sticking with to see where the show is headed. The audience is hoping that future episodes will become more intricate and bizarre as the story continues to unravel, further developing the show’s unique qualities and themes. With its blend of mystery, supernatural elements, and character-driven narratives, Tasokare Hotel could prove to be a noteworthy addition to the Winter 2025 anime season.
