ODDTAXI is a new show on Crunchyroll, and on Geek Native’s to review list for Irregular Reconnaissance
It’s an anthropomorphic world and apparently about the mundane Odokawa, a walrus, who drives a taxi. Odokawa has no family, not much in the way of friends, and doesn’t talk much. Makes for an odd concept for a show, right?
But ODDTAXI has darkness; some mysteries bubble away and begin to surface through passengers and those few others Odokawa talk to. Two of those few include Gouriki, a gorilla and an old classmate. There’s also Shirakawa, a nurse at Gouriki’s clinic, who is alpaca.
The first episode is on YouTube for free.
Geek Native had the chance to participate in a round of Q&A with the gorilla Gouriki and the alpaca Shirakawa. At least, with the voice talent Riho Iida who plays Shirakawa (Rin Hoshizora in Love Live! School Idol Project) and Ryouhei Kimura (Bokuto Kotaro in Haikyu!!).
What do you believe is the charm of ODDTAXI?
Ryouhei Kimura: It’s a high-quality suspenseful drama hidden behind unconventional character designs and casting choices. There’s a lot of clever comedy mixed in, too.
Riho Iida: [That’s a difficult question. The message? I don’t know. Do you think there was a message?]
Each character seems disconnected from the others at first, but ultimately they’re all connected. It’s a small world. But I still felt each individual’s desires or resolve—the strength of their will—their humanity.
[I don’t know. The message? What is the message? I don’t know. It feels very human, doesn’t it?]The characters feel like people you could become tomorrow or express thoughts that you’ve had yourself. The vague thoughts we have during our everyday lives are spelled out explicitly in the script and made into an anime. That’s ODDTAXI. We all think, “I want to go viral on SNS,” but we don’t often see depicted why and how that happens. We’d never say it ourselves. ODDTAXI wraps that up nicely. It feels very modern.
[Is that an okay answer?]
It’s about modern humanity.
[Does that sound right? Yes, good.]
Do you have a favourite scene or line of dialogue?
Riho Iida: There are a lot. The script uses a lot of verbal substitutions in its examples and metaphors. In particular, I remember a conversation about the size of something, and a character says it’s as big as an American vitamin capsule. It’s excellent, and I love it.
The most obvious example from the earlier episodes is the “S-S-Springsteen” conversation—I’m having trouble saying it right now. Scenes like those are the first time viewers will notice there’s something different about this series that captures their interest.
I can’t choose just one scene; there are so many fun details to discover. I have so many favorites. It’s like reading a novel. It’s a wordy script.
What do you hope will happen to Goriki in the future?
Ryouhei Kimura: I’m sure he’ll carefully consider his options and attempt to live wisely, but considering who he knows, ultimately he’ll probably be swayed by them.
What do you personally believe is the message of the series?
Riho Iida: [That’s a difficult question. The message? I don’t know. Do you think there was a message?]
Each character seems disconnected from the others at first, but ultimately they’re all connected. It’s a small world. But I still felt each individual’s desires or resolve—the strength of their will—their humanity.
[I don’t know. The message? What is the message? I don’t know. It feels very human, doesn’t it?]The characters feel like people you could become tomorrow or express thoughts that you’ve had yourself. The vague thoughts we have during our everyday lives are spelled out explicitly in the script and made into an anime. That’s ODDTAXI. We all think, “I want to go viral on SNS,” but we don’t often see depicted why and how that happens. We’d never say it ourselves. ODDTAXI wraps that up nicely. It feels very modern.
[Is that an okay answer?]
It’s about modern humanity.
[Does that sound right? Yes, good.]
Goriki and Odokawa have an interesting relationship. How did you feel about their relationship?
Ryouhei Kimura: While it feels like a friendship between adults, there’s also something about their relationship that resembles a friendship between grade school kids. It feels very much like a friendship between two men.
Er, a note from Andrew. I love Riho Iida’s endearing commentary. I think I was supposed to include it and see blogs have, so did.
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