In the sprawling, delightfully bizarre world of “CITY The Animation,” every corner holds the promise of an unexpected encounter or a laugh-out-loud moment. As fans immerse themselves in the unique blend of slice-of-life comedy and surrealism, Episode 12 stands out as a pivotal installment, deftly weaving together ongoing character arcs with the series’ signature absurdist humor while leading into the highly anticipated finale.
What is CITY The Animation?
“CITY The Animation” is an anime television series that brings to life Keiichi Arawi’s popular manga of the same name. Produced by the renowned Kyoto Animation, it debuted on July 7, 2025, marking the studio’s first non-sequel anime in six years and its second adaptation of Arawi’s work after the beloved “Nichijou.” The series is celebrated for its distinctive art style, faithful adaptation, and a comedic tone often described as a “spiritual successor” to “Nichijou.”
The narrative centers on Midori Nagumo, a perpetually penniless and reckless college student, as she navigates an ordinary city filled with anything but ordinary people. Along with her best friend Niikura, an aspiring photographer, and the airheaded Wako Izumi, Midori’s daily life is a constant source of chaotic and whimsical adventures. The trio eventually finds themselves living together, forming the “Mont Blanc Trio,” as they encounter a diverse cast of eccentric characters and engage in a series of interconnected, often surreal, storylines within the aptly named “City.”
Exploring the Penultimate Chaos: Episode 12 Highlights
Episode 12 serves as the penultimate episode of the series, setting the stage for the season’s conclusion. It encapsulates the core essence of “CITY The Animation,” blending its characteristic comedic vignettes with surprisingly poignant moments, particularly concerning character farewells.
Everyday Joy and Unexpected Twists
The episode commences with a segment affirming Wako Izumi’s delightful decision to embrace fun every single day, right from the moment she wakes up. This sets a tone for how several adult characters in the “CITY” universe seek and find meaning in their mundane routines. The narrative then unfolds through various interconnected comedic skits and ongoing plot threads that fans have come to anticipate.
Key events in Episode 12 include:
- The Photography Competition Follow-up: The episode revisits the photography competition that Nagumo, Niikura, and Wako had entered in a previous installment, bringing a resolution or further development to their creative endeavors.
- Wishing on Shooting Stars: The core trio—Nagumo, Niikura, and Wako—share a moment of whimsical fantasy as they wish upon shooting stars, a classic slice-of-life trope imbued with the series’ unique charm.
- The Bizarre Horse Race: In one of its most absurd segments, the episode features Nagumo and a significant portion of the town becoming engrossed in a radio broadcast of a horse race. The event quickly devolves into chaos with unexpected disqualifications, re-qualifications, and the revelation that one of the participants is, bafflingly, a gazelle, leading to further comical pandemonium.
- Niikura’s Confrontation: Niikura finds herself in a recurring battle, repeatedly punching a mysterious, unnamed “weird creature.” This ongoing gag serves as a metaphor for life’s persistent struggles, delivered with the show’s signature deadpan humor.
Ecchan’s Poignant Farewell
Perhaps the most emotionally resonant storyline in Episode 12 revolves around Ecchan and the impending departure of her family to England at the end of summer. This long-running subplot reaches a subtle yet heartfelt conclusion in this episode. Ecchan takes a “last pass” around her neighborhood, quietly observing and cherishing the familiar sights and spots one final time. In a particularly touching moment, she has a farewell interaction with her best friend Matsuri. Unable to explicitly express her goodbyes, Ecchan resorts to a playful, yet melancholic, pretense: she claims to possess the ability to erase memories and “erases” Matsuri’s memories of her. Matsuri, understanding the underlying sentiment, plays along with the bit. However, when Matsuri turns to invite Ecchan for dinner, her friend has already vanished, leaving a quiet, poignant sense of departure. This subtle portrayal of friendship and separation is highlighted as one of the episode’s most significant and moving elements.
The episode also features appearances from other prominent characters such as Chief Makabe, Mr. Adatara, and the Editor-in-Chief, further integrating the diverse cast into the unfolding events.
The Animation and Humor
Throughout Episode 12, Kyoto Animation continues to showcase its high production quality, particularly in the detailed animation that enhances both the comedic timing and the quieter, more reflective scenes. The “fight” sequences, even in their absurdity, are animated with a dynamic flair, while character expressions effectively convey the underlying humor and emotion. The shift in musical score for certain segments, such as those involving Niikura and Nagumo, also adds to the varied atmosphere of the episode.
Looking Ahead to the Finale
As the penultimate episode, Episode 12 successfully maintains the anarchic spirit of “CITY The Animation” while also providing significant emotional beats. It balances the expected rapid-fire gags and surreal situations with a thoughtful exploration of everyday life’s joys and sorrows. The resolution of Ecchan’s storyline, in particular, demonstrates the series’ capacity for depth amidst its prevailing comedic tone. With these developments, Episode 12 leaves viewers eagerly anticipating how the series will bring its unique narrative to a close in the upcoming final episode.
