The YOLternative project, a new media mix initiative, has officially launched, offering a unique blend of “chill vibes and cool guys” through anime shorts, music, and more. The project’s first offering, a short anime featuring the group “Follow We,” is now streaming with English subtitles on the official YOLternative YouTube channel.
A New Chill Vibe in Anime
YOLternative is a media-mix project centered around the theme of “chill x music.” It introduces viewers to the lives of six members of Follow We, a live-streaming group consisting of both humans and AI-powered androids. The story unfolds in their shared residence, named “Acacia,” located on the outskirts of the city of Echo, where humans and AI co-exist, sometimes with the androids being treated as disposable tools. The anime shorts aim to capture the everyday joys and healing moments that this group experiences, providing a relaxing and slightly special experience for viewers.
The World of Echo and Follow We
The story is set in the city of Echo, where humans and AI-powered androids live side-by-side, although not always harmoniously. The city is dominated by powerful corporations and is a place of bustling activity, with bright neon lights illuminating even the nighttime. However, the daily life of the Follow We team provides a contrast to the fast-paced city life. They reside in the “Acacia” share house, embracing a slower and more relaxed lifestyle.
Follow We members are:
- Leo Narita: A self-centered, amnesiac artist.
- Okita: A singer with a tendency to be overly attached to his grandmother.
- Reyla Shoshi: Described as being completely like a dog.
- Cale Inusaki:
- Crow Hattori:
- Shion Kuzukiya:
These characters, brought to life by a talented cast of voice actors, offer a diverse range of personalities and quirks that contribute to the series’ charm.
Multi-Platform Entertainment
The YOLternative project will not be limited to just anime shorts. The creators plan to use multiple formats such as manga, music, and social media to fully immerse viewers in the world of Follow We. The creative brand “Acacia,” known for their work on many other projects, is producing the YOLternative series, guaranteeing high-quality animation and storytelling. The project aims to provide a diverse and engaging experience across various platforms. The official website and social media channels launched in October 2024, building anticipation for the anime short release.
Where to Watch
The English-subtitled anime shorts are available on the official YOLternative YouTube channel. The project encourages viewers to spend their off-time with the characters, experiencing their everyday stories and the “chill” atmosphere they bring.
Future Developments
The project plans to introduce new initiatives based on the AI themes present in the story. This indicates the project’s dedication to expand the narrative and explore the relationship between humans and AI in the fictional world of Echo.
Production Team
The animation is produced by the creative brand “Acacia,” which has a history of producing other notable works. The project director is Sarah Nelkin. The character designs are done by the artist Aoneko, known for their art in other projects.
Voice Cast
The voice cast for the anime includes:
- Tōsei Izuki as Leo Narita
- Masaya Miyazaki as Okita
- kayto as Reyla Shoshi
- Yu Kanda as Cale Inusaki
- Shōhei Komatsu as Crow Hattori
- Junta Terashima as Shion Kuzukiya
These talented voice actors bring the unique personalities of each character to life, enhancing the viewing experience.
A Unique Approach
The YOLternative project is not just another anime release; it’s a carefully crafted multi-platform experience designed to offer viewers a “chill” and engaging alternative. The combination of slice-of-life anime, music, and a diverse cast of characters sets it apart from many other contemporary projects. The use of a share house as the main setting creates an intimate and relatable environment for the characters and their stories to unfold. The focus on the characters’ daily lives aims to provide viewers with a comforting and relaxed experience, making it ideal for unwinding after a long day.
