Watch Heaven's Memo Pad

Heaven's Memo Pad is a 2011 anime series directed by Katsushi Sakurabi. The show is known for its unique mix of genres, blending elements of mystery, drama, comedy, and crime. The protagonist of the show is Narumi Fujishima, a high school student who moves to Tokyo after his parents' divorce. He quickly finds himself drawn into the world of NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training), a group of young people who have chosen to drop out of society.

Narumi's life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Alice, a brilliant detective who lives in a ramshackle apartment above a convenience store. Alice is a reclusive girl who rarely leaves her room, but she has a vast network of information sources and uses her skills to solve crimes that the police cannot.

Narumi becomes Alice's assistant, helping her gather information and solve cases. Along the way, he meets a colorful cast of characters, including Tetsu, a former gang member who runs the convenience store; Ayaka, a maid who has a crush on Narumi; and Hiro, a computer genius who helps Alice with her investigations.

The cases that Alice and Narumi tackle range from small-scale scams to larger criminal organizations. Alice's vast network of connections means that she has access to information that the police do not, and she uses this to her advantage. She is constantly one step ahead of her opponents, and her unique approach to solving crime often involves unconventional methods.

One of the interesting aspects of Heaven's Memo Pad is the way it explores the psychology of the NEETs. Many of the characters in the show have dropped out of society for various reasons, and the show delves into their reasons for doing so. Some are disillusioned with society, while others have suffered from mental health issues. The portrayal of these characters is sympathetic and nuanced, helping the viewers to understand their perspectives.

Another prominent theme in the show is the idea of identity. The characters are constantly struggling to define themselves, both to others and to themselves. Alice, for example, is a complex character who is constantly negotiating her relationships with others. She is both brilliant and fragile, and her interactions with Narumi and the other characters help to reveal different aspects of her personality.

The animation style of the show is distinctive, using a mix of 2D and 3D animation to create a unique visual style. The art style is detailed and colorful, with a slightly dark and moody tone that reflects the show's themes of mystery and crime.

The voice acting in the show is exceptional, with David Matranga delivering a standout performance as Narumi. He brings a depth and nuance to the character, making him relatable and sympathetic. Brittney Karbowski is also outstanding as Alice, delivering a performance that captures the character's intelligence and vulnerability.

Overall, Heaven's Memo Pad is a refreshing and original anime series that offers a unique blend of genres and compelling characters. Its exploration of the NEET subculture and its themes of identity and psychology make it a thought-provoking show that is well worth watching.

Heaven's Memo Pad is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between July 31, 2012 and on Anime Network