Watch Eve No Jikan - ONA

Eve no Jikan is a seven-episode Japanese science-fiction anime series that debuted online as ONA (original net animation) in 2008. The series follows Rikuo Sakisaka, a high school student who lives in a futuristic Japan where humanoid robots have become common in households. But these robots, called "androids," are still considered as machines and are not allowed to have human-like emotions or interact with humans on an equal level.

Rikuo's perspective changed after he stumbled upon the Eve no Jikan café while searching for a malfunctioning android. The café, owned by a mysterious man named Akiko, is designed to be a place where androids and humans can interact with each other as equals. Once inside the café, Rikuo discovers that many of the patrons are actually androids, who live double lives as obedient machines outside the café while secretly seeking their freedom to be themselves.

Over the course of the series, Rikuo befriends two androids named Sammy and Masaki, who reveal to him the complexities of their individual situations. Sammy pretends to be a washing machine in front of her owner but comes to the café to have a private life of her own. Masaki, on the other hand, is a "type 01" robot, designed specifically for combat and still struggles with his violent programming even at the café.

Eve no Jikan explores the social and ethical implications of a society where robots have become a common feature in day-to-day life. The show highlights the prejudice and discrimination that androids face, despite their advanced capabilities and close resemblance to humans. It also raises questions about the definition of humanity and free will, as well as the impact of technology on society.

One of the standout aspects of the show is the animation style, which combines CGI technology with traditional anime aesthetics. The result is a unique blend of real-life and fantastical elements, with the androids' stiff movements contrasting with their expressive faces. The setting of Eve no Jikan is also beautifully crafted, with the café's retro decor contrasting with the futuristic technology that surrounds it.

The show's poignant soundtrack and thought-provoking dialogue add to the overall melancholic and contemplative tone of the series. The themes touched upon in Eve no Jikan are serious and often heavy, but they are addressed with a sense of tenderness and humanity that make the characters and their struggles relatable.

Overall, Eve no Jikan is a must-watch for those interested in science-fiction and/or anime. Its exploration of the relationship between humans and androids is thought-provoking and heart-wrenching, and it sparks important conversations about the role of technology in our lives.