Watch Plastic Memories

Plastic Memories is a heartwarming Japanese anime series produced by Aniplex that aired in 2015. The show presents a unique and thought-provoking concept of androids known as Giftias that have a lifespan of just nine years. The main characters, Tsukasa Mizugaki, and Isla, work for the Terminal Service, a company that is responsible for retrieving Giftias before their lifespan ends.

The protagonist, Tsukasa Mizugaki, is a new employee at Terminal Service who is tasked with the job of retrieving Giftias alongside Isla, a female Giftia who has only about a month left before her expiry date. Tsukasa is upbeat and optimistic, while Isla is quiet and reserved, creating an interesting dynamic between the two. Yasuaki Takumi does a fantastic job of voicing the character of Tsukasa, with his expressive tone, and Sora Amamiya give a stunning performance as Isla, who is deeply conflicted over her upcoming expiration.

Throughout the series, Tsukasa and Isla retrieve various Giftias while also dealing with emotional themes such as love, loss, and acceptance. Chinatsu Akasaki voices Michiru, a fellow co-worker and friend of Tsukasa, and the three characters develop a close bond over the course of the show. Michiru offers a sense of lightheartedness, balancing out the more dramatic moments of the storyline.

The show's animation style is stunning, with beautifully detailed backgrounds and fluid animation that captures every movement and emotion of the characters. The design for the Giftias is also incredibly creative, with each one having their own unique features and looks, that makes them all stand out from each other.

Plastic Memories explores a world where society has become reliant on these artificial beings, yet it provides an opportunity to examine their humanity. The show is able to tug at the heartstrings with its focus on how integral the Giftias were to their owners and how important it was for them to have had that experience, despite knowing that it would be temporary. In this sense, the show is a bittersweet reflection on the fleeting nature of existence, reminding us that we must cherish and appreciate the time we have with those we love.

Overall, Plastic Memories is an emotional rollercoaster, balancing the narrative’s lightheartedness with its more somber moments. The series manages to deal with themes that should bring viewers to tears, yet it knows how to present these themes in a manner that is not only engaging and thought-provoking but also touching.

In conclusion, Plastic Memories is an amazing piece of anime that deserves attention, both for its touching storytelling and incredible animation. It's well-voiced characters and the overall depth and scope of its narrative make it a memorable experience for those who enjoy emotional dramas. It is a show that sticks with you long after you finish watching it, leaving an indelible impression on your heart.

Plastic Memories is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between April 5, 2015 and on Aniplex