The Tatami Time Machine Blues
The Tatami Time Machine Blues
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The Tatami Time Machine Blues

"There is nothing less worth talking about than a love that has been fulfilled."

7.8
Yr 2022
Status Ended
Animation Comedy Drama Sci-Fi & Fantasy
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Series Brief

Overview

It is August 12th. After the remote control to his boarding house's only air conditioning unit is inadvertently destroyed by spilled cola, "I" devises a plan to return to yesterday in a time machine to recover the remote before it breaks. However, his prankster friend Ozu cannot resist playing with past events, even if it means bringing the universe to the brink of destruction. Now "I" finds himself racing through time to avoid disaster.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 70 /100

Critical reception for The Tatami Time Machine Blues is divided, with praise for its eccentric tone counterbalanced by frustration over its narrative execution. Fans of the franchise appreciated how effectively the series captured the wonderfully bizarre mood of its predecessor, offering a fun follow-up that remains accessible to newcomers without strictly requiring knowledge of the original show.

However, other reviewers were far less enthusiastic about the overarching plot. Critics noted that while the anime begins with a strong imaginative spark, the central time-travel narrative eventually grows convoluted and tiring, resulting in an ending that feels underwhelming.

“If you watched and liked The Tatami Galaxy, you’re going to like this one, as well.”

“It does a good job at capturing the weird aspect of the series.”

“The time travel storyline also manages to become both tiring and convoluted as it meanders its way to an unsatisfying ending.”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Hulu
US
Disney Plus
CA • UK
Why fans love it

The Tatami Time Machine Blues functions as an intricate puzzle box of consequence and causality. By centering the narrative on the trivial destruction of an air conditioner remote, the show pivots between mundane college life and the existential weight of temporal chaos. It approaches the sci-fi genre with a lighthearted touch, prioritizing character quirks over dense exposition to keep the stakes feeling both high and hilariously localized.

Shintaro Asanuma anchors a cast that balances rapid-fire dialogue with the deliberate pacing of a psychological drama. Based on the original novel, the animation style mirrors the frantic energy of the plot as the characters collide with their own past mistakes. It captures a specific brand of frustration where the desire to fix a small, sweltering error inadvertently threatens the stability of the entire universe. Those interested in character-driven stories will find a rare combination of grounded human comedy and high-concept logistical disaster.

Signal Match

Similarity

Where The Tatami Time Machine Blues overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

based on novel or book anime psychological
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
September 14, 2022
Status
Ended
Origin
JP
TMDB Votes
28