Eden of the East is Production I.G.’s eleven episode, two film series about a young man who takes on the fake identity of Akira Takizawa looking to become “King of Japan”.  He meets Saki Morimi, a woman visiting Washington, D.C. after graduating from college. They search for Akira’s lost memories and come across the knowledge of Akira being chosen as a Selecao; one of twelve people chosen to receive ¥10 billion to save Japan.

Eden of the East is an 2009 mystery anime series, it is produced by Production I.G., and licensed by Funimation. It is currently available on DVD and Blu-Ray in English.

Akira and Saki’s first encounter.

The Premium Edition of Eden of the East: The Complete Series includes all eleven episodes and the two films that follow the series. Eden of the East is fairly short, and including the two films you should be able to burn through the series in it’s entirety within about seven or so hours, so if you have the free time, or want to watch it in small bursts throughout a single week or weekend, then it’s a good time killer.

The Selecao phone used by Akira.

THE GOOD: Eden of the East starts off with a charming boy meets girl story with Akira and Saki, but slowly turns into a dark and twisted game of cat and mouse of sorts. As Akira and Saki search for the former’s missing memories, they learn they he is apart of a dangerous game involving the Selecao and the ¥10 billion, and the fact that they have an involvement in the “Careless Monday” missile attacks in Japan. This leads to rescues, alliances, murder, and more mayhem.

Due to episode count, Eden of the East goes from light hearted fun, to dark and twisted pretty fast.

THE BAD: Eden of the East is a great series and a great option for killing time, but it’s a little short. I somewhat understand Production I.G.’s decision to end the series with two films instead of a second and third season, however.

Akira and Saki together.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Eden of the East has a great light hearted opening start, but as the eleven episodes move forward the series gets dark fast. The two films do a great job of continuing where the series left off giving fans a proper, satisfying finale. Otaku Dome gives Eden of the East Premium Edition an 84 out of 100.