Watch Geneshaft

Geneshaft is an anime television series created by studio Gonzo and directed by Kazuki Akane. The show debuted in 2001 on the Japanese satellite television network WOWOW, and ran for a total of 13 episodes. Set in the distant future, Earth has become uninhabitable due to climate change and pollution. Humanity now resides on a giant space station called "Orbit," which orbits the Earth. The population is heavily regulated, and reproduction is strictly controlled through genetic engineering, with all children being born from artificial wombs. However, this society is not without conflict, as a mysterious alien force known as the "Orphan" threatens to destroy humanity.

The story follows a team of genetically modified teenagers who are drafted by the government to pilot "shafts," giant mecha which are the only weapons capable of fighting the Orphan. The team is led by Mika Seido, a confident and headstrong girl who is unsure of her place in society. Her co-pilot is Hiroto Amagi, a stoic and mysterious boy who has a deep connection to the Orphan.

The supporting cast includes a diverse group of genetically engineered individuals, each with their own unique abilities and personalities. There's the shy and timid Remi, the tough and blunt Dolce, the flirtatious and outgoing Mir Lotus, and the serious and calculating Mario Musicanova. Their relationships are complex, with tensions often running high between the members of the team.

As the series progresses, the team is forced to confront the truth behind the Orphan and their own identities. The story delves deep into themes of identity, individualism, and the consequences of playing god with genetics.

One of the standout features of Geneshaft is its animation style, which mixes traditional 2D animation with computer-generated graphics. The result is a unique look that sets it apart from other anime of its time. The mecha designs are particularly impressive, with each shaft having a distinct look and feel.

The voice acting is also top-notch, with each actor perfectly capturing the nuances of their character. Kumiko Higa brings a lot of energy and personality to the role of Mika, while Takahiro Sakurai gives Hiroto an air of mystery and intrigue. Houko Kuwashima is also fantastic as Remi, portraying the character's shyness and vulnerability with subtlety and nuance.

All in all, Geneshaft is a fantastic anime that is worth watching for fans of science fiction, mecha, and action. It's a well-crafted story with compelling characters, stunning animation, and a memorable soundtrack. While it may have flown under the radar compared to other anime of its time, it's definitely worth checking out for those who haven't seen it yet.