Many of us grew up enchanted by the adventures of Doraemon. As school days ended, we eagerly raced home, disputing over the remote control with parents, all for the chance to witness the touching relationship between Nobita and his robotic companion. For Nobita, Doraemon was much more than just a friend; he served as a lifeline and an unwavering source of support.
However, a troubling question arises: What if Doraemon were too late to save Nobita, leading him to take his own life? This haunting thought emerged in my mind while watching the first episode of the newly released anime, Takopi’s Original Sin. Let’s delve deeper into this unsettling scenario.
1. Exploring the Plot of Takopi’s Original Sin
Takopi’s Original Sin is set in 2016 and follows Nnu-Anu-Kf, an alien from the Happy Planet who crash-lands on Earth with the noble intent of distributing happiness. Upon evading capture by authorities, he meets Shizuka, a nine-year-old girl who endures relentless bullying from her classmate, Marina. Shizuka, saddled with her mother’s profession as an escort, faces life’s challenges largely alone except for her loyal dog, Chappy.
In a chance encounter, Takopi, who resembles an octopus, captures Shizuka’s attention, and she affectionately names him Takopi. Determined to improve her life, Takopi utilizes his planet’s Happy Gadgets to bring joy to Shizuka. Initially, it appears that her troubles may be easing.
However, the narrative takes a dark turn when Marina purposely provokes Chappy, leading to the dog’s apprehension by animal control. In her deepest despair, Shizuka resorts to one of Takopi’s gadgets and attempts to end her life. Realizing the weight of the catastrophe that has unfolded, Takopi employs another of his gadgets to time travel, seeking to alter the trajectory of Shizuka’s life.
2. The Connection Between Takopi’s Original Sin and Doraemon
The storyline of Doraemon is well-known to fans around the globe. Nobita Nobi is a kind-hearted boy grappling with poor academics and persistent bullying.
Sent from the 22nd century by his great-great-grandson, Sewashi Nobi, the blue robotic cat Doraemon is tasked with looking after Nobita to ensure a brighter future for his descendants. Thanks to a four-dimensional pocket teeming with gadgets, Doraemon aids Nobita in navigating life’s challenges.
- Both Takopi and Doraemon share a mission of spreading happiness. Takopi aims to enhance Shizuka’s life, akin to Doraemon’s goal of improving Nobita’s existence.
- They possess a variety of gadgets designed to assist their respective protagonists.
- Nobita and Shizuka exhibit similar attributes; both are academically challenged, unlucky, physically fragile, and victims of bullying.
Despite the parallels, this comparison takes a dark turn, leaving many fans of Doraemon feeling bewildered and pained.
3. Understanding Why Takopi’s Original Sin is a Darker Adaptation of Doraemon
While Doraemon’s gadgets are crafted to alleviate Nobita’s struggles, Takopi’s gadgets, despite their optimistic intentions, exacerbate Shizuka’s dire situation. For instance, after enduring bullying from Marina, Shizuka tragically misuses Takopi’s magical ribbon, meant for mending friendships, leading her to take her own life.
Haunted by guilt following Shizuka’s tragic demise, Takopi struggles to comprehend the complexities of her life that drove her to such despair. In a moment of resolve, he utilizes the happy camera—a device capable of rewinding time—to follow Shizuka’s earlier moments, seeking to uncover the depths of her sadness and alleviate it.
Though Takopi embodies innocence and kindness, he encounters a harsh reality filled with sadness, bullying, trauma, and the concept of suicide—realities that are entirely foreign to him.
4. A Hypothetical Scenario: Doraemon and Takopi’s Original Sin with the Same Narrative
In contemplating the profundity of Takopi’s story, one might ponder: “What if Nobita, much like Shizuka, succumbed to despair and Doraemon was unable to rescue him?”
Nobita shares a resilient bond with his friends Gian, Suneo, and Shizuka. While Gian and Suneo may bully him, they ultimately remain by his side during adversity. However, if Doraemon had not arrived in time or if Nobita were to take his own life during a vulnerable teenage period, the narrative would shift profoundly.
This scenario would effectively end Nobita’s lineage, preventing the birth of Sewashi Nobi, which might result in Doraemon being tasked with care for a completely different child.
In stark contrast, the unfolding events of Takopi’s Original Sin occur in the present, making it unclear how Takopi’s actions will shape Shizuka’s future. In Doraemon’s universe, however, there exists a clear connection; Nobita’s grandson foresaw their past, prompting him to send Doraemon to alter Nobita’s fate.
5. Insights into Takopi’s Original Sin
Takopi’s Original Sin is a Japanese web manga crafted by Taizan 5, published on Shonen Jump+ from December 2021 to March 2022.
The story follows Nnu-Anu-Kf, an alien who crash-lands on Earth in his quest to spread happiness among the populace. After avoiding government capture, he encounters Shizuka, a girl burdened by relentless bullying from her classmate, Marina, and only finds comfort with her beloved dog, Chappy. Enchanted by Takopi’s octopus-like appearance, she names him accordingly.
Driven by compassion, Takopi attempts to utilize his Happy Gadgets to assist Shizuka. Unfortunately, following an incident where Chappy bites Marina after provocation, Shizuka resorts to one of Takopi’s gadgets as a means to escape her pain. Acknowledging the gravity of what has unfolded, Takopi desperately attempts to manipulate time in hopes of rescuing Shizuka from her pain.
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