Frieren: Beyond Journey’s Teaser: The Uncredited Opening Theme

If you’re a fan of anime, you’re in for a treat! Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, based on the popular manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, has made its highly-anticipated debut on television screens. In this article, we’ll delve into the uncredited opening theme, the story’s intriguing plot, and why this series is already generating so much buzz.

The Uncredited Opening Theme and Music Video

Before we dive into the heart of the story, let’s talk about the opening theme of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. The anime series kicks off with the captivating track “Yūsha” (Hero) performed by YOASOBI. What makes this even more exciting is that fans can enjoy a credit-less opening sequence and an animated music video, which is a delightful bonus for anime enthusiasts. It’s a testament to the effort and dedication put into the series to provide a comprehensive visual and auditory experience.

A Unique Premiere

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End made history with its premiere by being the first-ever television anime series to grace NTV’s “Kinyō Roadshow,” a Friday evening programming block typically reserved for feature films. This groundbreaking move underlines the high expectations surrounding the series. Subsequent episodes will air in NTV’s new anime timeslot, “FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT,” starting from October 6 at 11 p.m. JST. Excitingly, this anime will run for two consecutive cours, taking us on a journey until March 2024.

The Fascinating Storyline

Viz Media has secured the rights to the manga and offers this intriguing synopsis: The narrative reflects that the adventure has concluded, yet life continues for an elf mage who is just starting to grasp the essence of existence. This mage, known as Frieren, together with her valiant companions, successfully vanquished the Demon King and ushered in an era of peace across the land. However, it is apparent that Frieren’s lifespan far exceeds that of her former comrades. The question arises: how will she acquire a deeper comprehension of the significance of life to those around her? In the aftermath of many decades following their triumph, the commemoration of a friend’s passing compels Frieren to confront her own near-immortality. As a result, she embarks on a journey to fulfill the final wishes of her fellow adventurers, thus commencing a fresh and unforeseen chapter in her own odyssey.

Meet the Cast

Atsumi Tanezaki plays the protagonist and titular character, Frieren. Joining her are a talented cast of voice actors:

• Nobuhiko Okamoto as Himmel
• Hiroki Touchi as Heiter
• Yōji Ueda as Eisen
• Kana Ichinose as Fern
• Chiaki Kobayashi as Stark
• Atsuko Tanaka as Flamme
• Hiroki Yasumoto as Qual

With such a talented ensemble bringing these characters to life, viewers can expect a compelling and immersive experience.

Behind the Scenes

The creative team behind Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is nothing short of impressive. Keiichirō Saitō, known for his work on “Bocchi the Rock!,” takes the director’s chair at Madhouse. Tomohiro Suzuki, renowned for series like “One-Punch Man” and “ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.,” handles the series scripts. The character designs are masterfully crafted by Reiko Nagasawa, while the enchanting music is composed by Evan Call.

The Manga’s Success

Yamada and Abe’s manga has received well-deserved acclaim. It garnered the New Creator Prize at the 25th Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2021 and the 14th Manga Taisho Award in the same year. Notably, it was nominated for Best Shōnen Manga at Kodansha’s 45th and 46th annual Manga Awards. The American Library Association’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) recognized the manga, including it in its top 10 list of 2022 Best Graphic Novels for Adults Reading List.

A Glimpse into the Story

The story of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End begins at the end of an epic journey, as four members of the hero party return home after ten years of travel. Frieren, the mage, Himmel, the hero, Heiter, the priest, and Eisen, the warrior, have achieved the remarkable feat of defeating the demon king and restoring peace to the kingdom. However, as they reminisce and promise to reunite in fifty years, the stark reality sets in. Frieren, an elf with an eternal life span, watches her friends age and pass away, leaving her with the deep regret of not knowing them better.

Before Heiter’s passing, he implores Frieren to take Fern, a gifted young mage, as her disciple. Despite her initial hesitation, Frieren agrees, and together they embark on an aimless journey. It’s during this journey that Frieren discovers a new purpose in life, and her character begins to evolve.

Understanding Frieren

The central character, Frieren, is an enigmatic elf who has lived for over a thousand years and has encountered countless individuals. However, her longevity has led her to distance herself from others. She harbors a belief that it’s not worth getting to know humans, who have such fleeting lifespans. Even the decade-long journey with her friends feels like a mere blip in her extensive life.

As her friends start to pass away, Frieren realizes the depth of her regret in not truly understanding them. This realization is especially poignant during Himmel’s funeral, where Frieren confronts the consequences of her emotional detachment. Despite her seemingly cold demeanor, Frieren is revealed to be quite clumsy and vulnerable. Her past and present companions often find themselves taking care of her, adding a layer of complexity to her character.

World-Building and Magic

The world of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is visually captivating, drawing inspiration from European settings and featuring characters with German names. The series introduces various races, including humans, dwarves, elves, and demons. Notably, Frieren is the sole known elf, and Eisen is the only dwarf introduced thus far. However, the boundaries of power and abilities in this world are not restricted by race. Both humans and elves can be mages, and humans and dwarves can become warriors.

Magic plays a significant role in the world-building of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, with a deep connection between magic and the various races and creatures in this realm. As the story unfolds, the power of magic becomes a central theme, though some viewers may find it could have been explored more comprehensively.

Final Thoughts

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a series that beautifully captures the passage of time. It deftly navigates through decades, highlighting the fleeting nature of life and the cherished moments that define it. The emotional impact of Himmel’s death serves as a poignant marker in the narrative timeline.

While the character designs may appear somewhat flat, this complements the melancholic themes of the story. The series manages to strike a balance between the bittersweet and heartwarming moments, making it a truly engaging experience.

In conclusion, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is off to a promising start, and it keeps getting better with each episode. Frieren’s journey of self-discovery, her changing perspective on human life, and the bonds she forms along the way are elements that draw viewers in. Despite the melancholic undertones, there are plenty of delightful moments to keep you hooked.

So, if you’re in search of an anime that combines fantasy, emotion, and a unique exploration of immortality, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is one to watch.