Apocalypse Hotel, the innovative anime series by CygamesPictures, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of comedy and emotional depth. Set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, the series follows the robot staff of the luxurious Gingarou Hotel as they cater to their peculiar interstellar guests. President Nobuhiro Takenaka, Director Kana Shundo, and Screenwriter Shigeru Murakoshi recently shared insights into the creative process behind the series.
Murakoshi revealed that the initial concept came from Takenaka around 2020, envisioning a story about extraterrestrial life forms visiting a robot-run hotel on an Earth devoid of humans. Shundo was drawn to direct the series by the polished synopses of the 12 episodes and Izumi Takemoto’s original character illustrations. The role required overseeing all episodes simultaneously, a challenging yet rewarding experience for the director.
The setting of an android-run hotel in a post-apocalyptic world offered immense potential, according to Takenaka.
Apocalypse Hotel’s emotional journey
The team aimed to balance sadness and joy, making the series interpretative and engaging from multiple perspectives.
The robot characters, despite their mechanical nature, convey profound emotional journeys. Takenaka explained that although the robots are emotionless machines, their diligent efforts to maintain the hotel until the owner’s return endear them to viewers. The series meticulously recreates Ginza’s real-world landmarks, blending them seamlessly with its futuristic narrative.
Shundo noted that the choice of Ginza was intentional, as it’s an area rich in history and tradition, yet always at the cutting edge. As the series continues to unfold, fans can expect more heartwarming and thought-provoking episodes from the talented team at CygamesPictures. Apocalypse Hotel is a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, reflecting the collaborative genius of its creators.
