The open road calls, even after civilization’s collapse. Sakae Saito’s popular manga series, “Touring After the Apocalypse” (終末ツーリング, Shūmatsu Tsūringu), is set to premiere as a TV anime series in 2025. This announcement promises to bring the serene yet melancholic journey of two young women through a desolate Japan to vibrant animated life.
From Manga to Anime: A Journey Begins
“Touring After the Apocalypse” has captivated readers with its unique blend of post-apocalyptic setting and slice-of-life charm. Since its debut in ASCII Media Works’ Dengeki Maoh magazine in September 2020, the manga has garnered a dedicated following. Now, Nexus, the studio behind “The Eminence in Shadow,” will adapt Saito’s work for television.
The Story So Far
The manga follows the adventures of Youko and Airi, two girls who navigate the ruins of Japan on a tandem off-road motorcycle, a Serow. With no traffic jams or bothersome traffic lights, they explore famous landscapes, camp in cities reclaimed by nature, and photograph their journey through this ruined world. Despite the backdrop of societal collapse, the series focuses on the simple joys of exploration, friendship, and finding beauty in unexpected places. Yen Press, which publishes the official English version, describes the story: “All alone after the end of days, two girls bike through the empty ruins of Japan—and they’re not about to let the collapse of civilization get in the way of sightseeing! From the hot springs of Hakone to the massive Tokyo Big Sight, they’ve got the run of the country’s most popular tourist spots all to themselves, so why not make the most of it?”
Nexus Takes the Wheel
Nexus, known for its work on series like “The Eminence in Shadow,” will be responsible for bringing the post-apocalyptic world of “Touring After the Apocalypse” to life. The studio’s experience in crafting visually appealing and engaging animation is sure to resonate with fans of the manga.
Meet the Main Characters and Their Voice Actresses
The anime adaptation has revealed its lead voice actresses:
- Youko, one of the two main characters, will be voiced by Konomi Inagaki.
- Airi, the other protagonist, will be voiced by Miyu Tomita.
Inagaki and Tomita are scheduled to appear at the Aniplex booth at AnimeJapan 2025 for a stage event.
The Creative Minds Behind the Anime
While Nexus is handling the animation, the original creator, Sakae Saito, is actively involved in the anime’s production. Saito has expressed excitement about seeing their manga visualized and has been impressed by the dedication and skill of the director and production staff.
Author’s Insight
Saito stated, “World’s End Touring is being made into an anime! I am very honored. It’s all thanks to everyone who always supports me, so thank you so much. I’m involved in supervising the production, excited to see how this manga, which I drew freely without even thinking about it becoming an anime, will be visualized, but I am always amazed by the professional work of the director and the production staff. Although I am the original author, I am also a fan of anime, motorcycles, and post-apocalypse, so I am really looking forward to the anime World’s End Touring!”
Manga Details
Written and illustrated by Sakae Saito, “Touring After the Apocalypse” began its serialization journey in September 2020 in ASCII Media Works’ Dengeki Maoh magazine. The manga chapters have been compiled into six tankōbon volumes as of June 2024. Yen Press has licensed the series for English publication.
Manga Volumes
As of now, six volumes have been released:
- Volume 1: April 26, 2021
- Volume 2: September 27, 2021
- Volume 3: May 27, 2022
- Volume 4: February 27, 2023
- Volume 5: October 26, 2023
- Volume 6: June 26, 2024
Volume 7 of the manga is scheduled to be released on March 27, 2025.
Why “Touring After the Apocalypse” Resonates
The manga’s appeal lies in its juxtaposition of a bleak setting with heartwarming interactions and a sense of wonder. Youko and Airi’s journey is not about survival or fighting against overwhelming odds; it’s about appreciating the small things and finding joy in a world that has lost its structure. This emphasis on slice-of-life elements within a post-apocalyptic context sets it apart from other series in the genre. The peaceful, almost therapeutic quality of their travels, combined with the stunning visuals of a ruined yet beautiful Japan, has struck a chord with readers seeking a different kind of apocalypse story.
What to Expect from the Anime Adaptation
With Nexus at the helm and the original creator involved, the anime adaptation of “Touring After the Apocalypse” has the potential to be something special. Viewers can anticipate:
- Faithful Adaptation: The anime is expected to stay true to the manga’s original story and spirit, capturing the essence of Youko and Airi’s journey.
- Stunning Visuals: Nexus’s animation expertise should translate into a visually captivating experience, showcasing the beauty and desolation of the post-apocalyptic landscape.
- Heartwarming Interactions: The core of the series lies in the relationship between Youko and Airi. The anime will likely focus on their interactions and the bond they form as they travel together.
- Exploration of Themes: The anime will explore themes of resilience, friendship, and the importance of finding joy even in the darkest of times.
Aniplex’s Announcement
Aniplex made headlines when it announced that it would be releasing information about a “mysterious” new anime at 6 pm on February 24th. It has now been revealed that “End of the World Touring” will be made into a TV anime.
A Special Edition
To commemorate the TV anime adaptation, Youko and Airi will be on the cover of the April issue of Dengeki Maoh, which will go on sale on February 27th. The issue will come with a special sticker with a newly drawn illustration.
In Conclusion
“Touring After the Apocalypse” offers a refreshing take on the post-apocalyptic genre, focusing on the beauty that can still be found even after the world has ended. The anime adaptation promises to bring this unique story to a wider audience, captivating viewers with its stunning visuals, heartwarming characters, and thoughtful exploration of themes. As fans eagerly await its premiere in 2025, anticipation continues to build for this extraordinary journey through the ruins of Japan.
