Takopii no Genzai [Season 1 Episode 1]

Takopii no Genzai Episode 1: When a Happy Alien Crashes Into a World of Pain

Let’s cut to the chase: If you went into Takopii no Genzai Episode 1 thinking it’d be a cute, fluffy story about a squid-like alien spreading joy on Earth—you were blindsided. And you’re not alone. Fans on MyAnimeList are losing their minds over how quickly this 38-minute debut swerves from “wholesome space buddy” vibes to “holy crap, that was a hard watch!” (as one user put it). But that jarring shift? It’s exactly why this episode works. It’s a gut punch wrapped in a pastel-colored bow, and it’s impossible to look away.

First, let’s talk about Takopi—our wide-eyed, optimistic protagonist from the planet Happian. He’s here to spread happiness, armed with silly gadgets (like a ribbon that’s supposed to make people smile) and a catchphrase that’s equal parts endearing and naive: “Tarapia tapioco!” At first glance, he’s Doraemon with tentacles—until you realize he’s way more clueless. When Shizuka, the lonely fourth grader he befriends, uses his ribbon to try to take her own life, Takopi doesn’t panic. He just tilts his head and says, “Das not how to use the ribbon!” (as a fan hilariously noted). That innocence isn’t just cute—it’s a weapon. It makes the dark moments hit harder because Takopi can’t fathom why someone wouldn’t want to be happy.

Shizuka is the heart of the episode, and her pain is raw. She’s bullied relentlessly by Marina, a classmate who’s just as broken (her mom’s a mess, too—adults in this show are garbage). The bullying isn’t just name-calling: Marina and her friends pour milk on Shizuka’s desk, call her a “slut,” and even destroy her notebook. It’s the kind of cruelty that feels too real—like the stuff you might have seen in elementary school, but amplified to 11. And when Shizuka finally snaps? The scene is haunting. She climbs a tree with Takopi’s ribbon, and for a second, you think maybe Takopi’s gadget will save her. But no—this isn’t a fairy tale. The show doesn’t shy away from the darkness, and that’s why fans are calling it a “masterpiece” (even as they admit they’re “gonna be bawling my eyes out” this season).

What makes this episode stand out is how it balances light and dark. The animation is bright and colorful—Takopi’s iridescent tentacles and Shizuka’s pastel school uniform feel like they belong in a kids’ show. But the music? It’s a masterclass in tone. The upbeat OP by Ano lulls you into a false sense of security, while the somber piano score during Shizuka’s lowest moments twists your heart. Fans are raving about the OST: “It was even better than reading the manga,” one user wrote. “The OSTs add something extra. It was really touching.”

Then there’s the dog—Shizuka’s only real friend before Takopi. Fans are obsessed (and terrified for its safety). “The dog is lovely but I’m really worried now that it’s going to die,” one user admitted. Another begged for spoilers: “Can someone please spoil if the dog dies? Violence towards animals is my trigger.” It’s a small detail, but it shows how deeply the episode connects. We care about this dog because Shizuka cares about it—and that’s the magic of Takopii no Genzai: it makes you feel everything.

But let’s not forget the bullies. Marina, the ringleader, isn’t just a one-note villain. The episode hints at her own pain—her mom’s neglect, her dad’s absence—and suddenly, she’s not just a “psycho” (as one fan called her). She’s a kid lashing out because she doesn’t know how else to cope. “Both kids are screwed up because of their piece of sht parents,” another user pointed out. It’s a reminder that bullying isn’t just about “mean kids”—it’s about cycles of hurt, passed down from adults who should know better.

By the end of the episode, you’re left with a mix of emotions: sadness, anger, and a weird kind of hope. Takopi is still determined to make Shizuka happy, even after everything. “Takopi will bring happiness to all,” one fan declared, and you want to believe them. But the show doesn’t promise a happy ending. As another user warned: “Do not watch if ur weak to this type of stuff.”

So, should you watch Takopii no Genzai Episode 1? If you’re okay with feeling things—really feeling things—then yes. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a masterpiece. It’s a story about friendship, loss, and the messy, complicated truth about happiness. And in a season of generic isekais and slice-of-life comedies, it’s a breath of fresh (if painful) air.

Just don’t say we didn’t warn you. You’re gonna need tissues. A lot of tissues.