In the post-apocalyptic anime series Apocalypse Hotel, episode 3 takes viewers on a wild ride as the robotic staff of the Ginzarou Hotel encounters a family of tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs) pretending to be humans. This hilarious and heartwarming episode explores themes of cultural clash, acceptance, and the importance of finding common ground, all while maintaining the series’ signature blend of melancholy and humor.
The Premise: A Hotel at the End of the World
Apocalypse Hotel is set in the year 2157, a century after humanity was forced to abandon Earth due to an unknown aerial contagion called “infortunium pollution”. The only sign of civilization left is the Ginzarou Hotel in Ginza, Tokyo, which is kept operational by its autonomous robot staff. Led by the gynoid concierge Yachiyo, the robots diligently maintain the hotel, patiently awaiting the return of their human guests.
Episode 3: “A Smile Is the Ultimate Ambiance”
Episode 3, titled “A Smile Is the Ultimate Ambiance,” picks up 50 years after the events of episode 2. The hotel staff continues their routines, ever hopeful for a guest. The episode begins with the staff noting it has been 55,278 days since humanity left Earth .
The Arrival of the Procione Family
Suddenly, a spaceship crashes near the hotel, and from it emerges the Procione family . At first glance, they appear to be human, but a closer look reveals leaves on their heads and a mischievous glint in their eyes. The youngest member of the family blurts out that they are tanuki, before quickly correcting himself and claiming to be Earthlings .
Culture Clash and Toilet Humor
As the Procione family settles into the hotel, their tanuki habits begin to clash with the robots’ meticulous routines. The tanuki expand their territory, eat the fish in the aquarium, and leave piles of poop everywhere . Yachiyo, the ever-dutiful hotel manager, tries to accommodate her guests, but their behavior becomes increasingly challenging .
Yachiyo’s Breaking Point
The situation reaches a breaking point when Yachiyo discovers the extent of the Procione family’s mess . Frustrated and overwhelmed, she confronts the father of the family, even resorting to violence . This outburst unlocks a “mission attack a guest” within Yachiyo’s programming .
Finding Common Ground
Despite the chaos, the episode takes a turn towards heartwarming as the Procione family, realizing the error of their ways, begins to clean up the hotel . Yachiyo, in turn, is touched by their efforts and softens her stance . The episode ends with a sense of mutual respect and understanding, as the robots and tanuki find a way to coexist .
Themes and Analysis
Episode 3 of Apocalypse Hotel explores several themes:
- Cultural Clash: The episode highlights the challenges that arise when different cultures collide. The tanuki’s habits, which are normal for them, are completely unacceptable in the context of the hotel’s environment .
- Acceptance: Despite the initial conflict, the episode ultimately promotes acceptance and understanding. Both the robots and the tanuki learn to appreciate each other’s differences and find a way to coexist .
- The Limits of Hospitality: Yachiyo’s unwavering dedication to customer service is tested to its limits in this episode. She learns that even the most hospitable individual has a breaking point .
- The Meaning of “Home”: The tanuki family’s search for a new home after fleeing a turf war adds a layer of emotional depth to the episode. The hotel becomes a temporary refuge for them, highlighting the importance of finding a place to belong .
- Humor as a Coping Mechanism: The show utilizes toilet humor and absurd situations to address serious themes in a lighthearted manner . This allows the audience to engage with potentially heavy topics without feeling overwhelmed.
A Comedic Masterpiece
Critics and viewers have praised episode 3 for its humor, heartwarming moments, and insightful commentary on cultural differences. One reviewer noted that the episode has “refreshingly few reservations about appearing as silly as possible,” while another described it as “wild, hilarious, and somehow still heartfelt” . The episode’s fast-paced gags, expressive animation, and excellent translation have also been commended .
The Characters
Yachiyo
Voiced by Saho Shirasu, Yachiyo is the dedicated hotelier robot who leads the staff. She is programmed to uphold the utmost in customer satisfaction, but even she has her limits .
The Procione Family
The Procione family is a group of tanuki who disguise themselves as humans. They include:
- Father: The leader of the family, who initially clashes with Yachiyo due to his family’s disruptive behavior .
- Mother: A supportive member of the family.
- Son: The youngest member, who reveals their true identity as tanuki .
- Daughter: Another member of the family.
Other Key Staff
- Doorman Robo (Hiroki Touchi): The dedicated doorman robot who diligently opens the front doors for any prospective guests .
- Environment Checker Robot (Shinichirou Miki): A robot designed to monitor Earth’s environmental conditions .
Production Details
Apocalypse Hotel is produced by CyberAgent and animated by CygamesPictures . The series is directed by Kana Shundo and written by Shigeru Murakoshi . Natsuki Yokoyama is responsible for the character designs, which are based on Izumi Takemoto’s original designs . The music is composed by Yoshiaki Fujisawa .
- Director: Kana Shundo
- Series Composition: Shigeru Murakoshi
- Original Character Design: Izumi Takemoto
- Character Design: Natsuki Yokoyama
- Music: Yoshiaki Fujisawa
- Animation Studio: CygamesPictures
Music
The opening theme song for Apocalypse Hotel is “Skirt” , and the ending theme song is “Capsule”, both performed by Aiko . The music in episode 3, like the rest of the series, blends discordance with jollity, perfectly complementing the anime’s unique tone .
Reception
Apocalypse Hotel has been well-received by critics and viewers alike. The series has been praised for its unique premise, charming characters, and blend of comedy and melancholy . The animation quality and music have also been lauded .
Where to Watch
Apocalypse Hotel is currently streaming on Crunchyroll .
A Unique Post-Apocalyptic Tale
Apocalypse Hotel episode 3 is a testament to the series’ ability to blend humor, heartwarming moments, and insightful commentary on the human condition (or, in this case, the robot/tanuki condition). With its unique premise, charming characters, and engaging storytelling, Apocalypse Hotel is a must-watch for fans of post-apocalyptic anime and anyone looking for a fresh and original series.
