Yojouhan Time Machine Blues [Season 1 Episode 1 to 6]

Review: Yojouhan Time Machine Blues – A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Ride Through Time

If you’re a fan of The Tatami Galaxy, the mere mention of Yojouhan Time Machine Blues probably sent shivers down your spine. This spin-off, set in the same universe but with a time-travel twist, has sparked a whirlwind of reactions—nostalgia, confusion, excitement, and even a few raised eyebrows. After diving into the first six episodes and scouring fan discussions, here’s why this anime is both a love letter to old fans and a quirky gateway for newcomers.

The Premise: A Summer of Chaos

The story kicks off on a sweltering August day in Kyoto, where our unnamed protagonist (lovingly referred to as “Watashi”) is desperate to escape the heat. But disaster strikes when his boarding house’s air conditioner remote is destroyed by—who else?—the ever-mischievous Ozu. Enter a time machine, and suddenly, Watashi is racing through the past to fix the remote before it’s doomed. Simple, right? Wrong. Ozu’s meddling turns a straightforward mission into a cosmic mess, blurring the lines between past, present, and future.

Fans of the original series will recognize the rapid-fire dialogue, existential musings, and absurd humor. Newcomers might feel a bit lost at first, but the show’s charm lies in its chaotic energy. As one Reddit user put it: “It’s like The Tatami Galaxy met Back to the Future and decided to throw logic out the window.”

The Characters: Old Faces, New Shenanigans

The return of the original cast is a major highlight. Watashi’s neurotic monologues, Ozu’s gremlin-like antics, and Akashi’s sharp wit are all back, and they’ve lost none of their spark. Fans on MyAnimeList gushed about the reunion:
– “Seeing the squad back together feels like a fever dream. Ozu is still revolting, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
– “Akashi’s blue sailor dress is iconic. If I could sew, I’d make one ASAP.”

However, some viewers noted that the dynamics feel slightly different. In The Tatami Galaxy, Watashi and Ozu were frenemies at best, but here, they’re more like chaotic buddies. One fan joked: “It’s like watching Carnival Phantasm—everyone’s weirdly friendly now.”

The Animation & Style: A Mixed Bag

Science SARU, the studio behind The Night is Short, Walk On Girl, delivers vibrant, stylized visuals. The character designs by Yusuke Nakamura are as eccentric as ever, with exaggerated expressions that amplify the comedy. That said, the absence of Masaaki Yuasa’s direction is noticeable. Some fans pointed out that the animation lacks the surreal, fluid quality of the original:
– “It’s still gorgeous, but it doesn’t have Yuasa’s signature ‘what the heck am I watching’ vibe.”
– “The art is endearing, but the pacing feels slower. Easier to follow, though!”

On the flip side, the soundtrack—featuring ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION—hits all the right nostalgic notes. One fan admitted: “Hearing AKFG again made me tear up. Time flies too fast.”

Fan Reactions: Love, Confusion, and Everything In Between

The discussions around Yojouhan Time Machine Blues are as varied as the show itself. Here’s a quick rundown of what fans are saying:

The Positives:
– “The humor is ridiculous in the best way. Ozu finding the time machine might be the funniest thing I’ve seen all year.”
– “It’s refreshing to see a spin-off that doesn’t just rehash the original. The time-travel angle adds a fresh layer.”

The Criticisms:
– “I’m confused—is this a sequel, reboot, or alternate universe? The timeline feels messy.”
– “The pacing drags at times. I miss the breakneck speed of Tatami Galaxy.”

And then there are the memes:
– “RIP the AC remote. Gone too soon.”
– “The time machine is just a Doraemon reference, right?”

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you loved The Tatami Galaxy, this is a no-brainer. It’s not a direct sequel, but it captures the spirit of the original while carving its own path. For newcomers, it’s a fun, if slightly confusing, ride—though watching the original first is highly recommended.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “It’s like reuniting with old friends who’ve gotten even weirder. And I’m here for it.”

So grab your remote (or time machine), settle in, and enjoy the chaos. Because in the world of Yojouhan Time Machine Blues, nothing ever goes as planned—and that’s the best part.

Rating: 4.5/5
“A nostalgic blast with just enough new tricks to keep you hooked.”

What do you think of Yojouhan Time Machine Blues? Drop your thoughts in the comments!