UlasanAnime.com – Back in 1995-1996, Akiyuki Shinbo directed a project titled Soreyuke! Uchuusenkan Yamamoto Yohko, an adaptation of science fiction novels for teenagers by Takashi Shouji. This project resulted in two OAV series, and in 1997, a 26-episode TV series was aired that retold the expanded novel story.
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Perhaps due to how television shows and movies were perceived in the 90s, Yamamoto Yohko did not make a significant impact. Akiyuki Shinbo’s distinctive directorial style can be somewhat hit-or-miss with audiences, and the Yamamoto Yohko TV series is an early example of this style. You can see this in shows like Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei, where its two-dimensional look aligns well with Shinbo’s comedic timing. This is likely why Pani Poni Dash was more successful with fans, while Soul Taker received critical acclaim but a colder reception. Yamamoto Yohko shared a more three-dimensional feel, possibly to stretch the animation budget.
The purpose here is to remind or introduce you to this actually above-average but rarely-heard-of anime series. Yamamoto Yohko is now twelve years old, but only its faded color palette and depictions of arcades hint at its age. The direction is sublime and resourceful, and the OAV episodes are fun, energetic, and charming.
The TV series, in my opinion, suffers from being 26 episodes long, but it delivers a solid story about a character similar to Haruhi Suzumiya, minus the romantic or Kyon-like angle. Perhaps that’s where the magic is missing, or maybe it’s just the difference between 90s TV shows and today’s productions.
Regardless, it’s a fairly timeless TV anime and worth watching beyond mere sentimentality. It’s smart, humorous, keeps you surprised, and the voice acting is top-notch. The series even features time travelers, aliens, and ESP-like computers.
It is even licensed, at least the two OAV series are. The TV series is in a state of limbo; RightStuf had an option but did not exercise it due to subpar sales. The US release was in 2001, available on both DVD and VHS. You might be able to find the DVD very cheaply now, if at all.
