Touring After the Apocalypse (Japanese: 終末ツーリング, Shūmatsu Tsūringu) is a poignant Japanese manga series by Sakae Saito, which received an anime adaptation that premiered in October 2025. The series follows the journey of two girls, Youko and Airi, as they traverse a desolate, post-apocalyptic Japan on an electrified Yamaha Serow motorcycle, exploring ruined cities and iconic landmarks. While often focusing on their serene sightseeing and the quiet beauty of a world reclaimed by nature, Episode 11 delves into a distinctly supernatural and science fiction narrative, challenging the protagonists’ understanding of their world and humanity’s past.
The Mysterious Call to Yoshimi Hundred Caves
Episode 11 begins with Youko and Airi leaving Nikko, when Airi starts to hear a mysterious, ultrasonic pulse that only she can perceive. Compelled by this enigmatic sound, the duo diverts their journey to the Yoshimi Hundred Caves (Yoshimi Hyakketsu) in Saitama, a real-life historical site known for its numerous artificial holes carved into a hillside. The setting itself, with its eerie, glowing moss-filled caves, carries a distinct supernatural ambiance, reminiscent of the unsettling works of horror mangaka Junji Ito.
While Youko rests in one of the caves, Airi’s experience deepens. She encounters a black cat, and then witnesses a series of strange occurrences: traffic lights suddenly activate, and a nearby car inexplicably launches itself over a bridge, suggesting the presence of an electromagnetic (EM) pulse. These events are preceded by a peculiar spiraling distortion in the sky and zipping lights, hinting at an unseen, powerful force at play.
A Psychedelic Journey and Alien Encounters
The episode takes a dramatic turn when a strange black sphere appears behind Airi. This sphere, likened to “Rover” from the 1960s sci-fi series The Prisoner, pursues and then engulfs her. This abduction initiates a profound, psychedelic experience for Airi, drawing parallels to the iconic “Stargate sequence” from Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.
During this cosmic journey, Airi is transported to a distant solar system and gains an unprecedented insight into Earth’s history. She learns that an alien civilization had visited Earth approximately 1,500 years prior. At that time, the aliens deemed humanity insufficiently advanced for true communication. Upon their return a millennium and a half later, they discovered humanity had gone extinct. This revelation introduces a significant science fiction element, shifting the series’ focus beyond a purely post-apocalyptic travelogue.
Humanity’s Future and the Alien Verdict
The alien encounter culminates in a philosophical assessment of humanity’s potential. Although humanity as a collective is gone, Youko and Airi are observed as “one possibility for humanity’s future”. The aliens convey that they consider human culture to be “still evolving”. A crucial message is imparted to Airi: if Youko can live another hundred years, she will have the opportunity to meet the aliens again. This intriguing proposition, coupled with Youko’s demonstrated resilience to disease and injury throughout their journey, hints at a deeper, perhaps extraordinary, nature within her that could make such longevity feasible.
This episode not only provides a glimpse into the potential cause or aftermath of the apocalypse but also imbues Youko and Airi’s seemingly aimless journey with a newfound purpose. Their continued existence and exploration become symbolic of humanity’s enduring spirit and capacity for evolution, even in a desolate world.
The Significance of Episode 11
Episode 11 of Touring After the Apocalypse stands out for its genre-bending narrative. While the series often balances adventure with slice-of-life elements set against a melancholic backdrop, this episode introduces overt science fiction themes, offering answers to long-unasked questions about the world’s state and the protagonists’ unique circumstances. It transforms their journey from a simple tour into a vital exploration of humanity’s legacy and future. The blend of real-world locations like the Yoshimi Hundred Caves with profound cosmic revelations enriches the series’ lore and provides a deeper context for Youko and Airi’s “touring after the apocalypse.”
