Now it might seem uncanny to impose, but what happens when an entity with the innocence and naivety indistinguishable from a child collides with a reality defined only by human suffering? Takopi’s Original Sin explores this question and multiple unsettling “what-if” ponders with poignancy that leaves you both empty and moved from the experience. It’s susceptible to presume that anyone might perceive this show as lighthearted; the endearing, and soft art direction practically begs you to. However beneath that gentle facade lies the most realistic portrayal of abandonment, guilt and pain that I personally have ever seen. This is a show not for the faintest of hearts, nonetheless its handling of risky grim themes and symbolism generates a gorgeous memorable masterpiece, hence its placement.

The premise of the show appears simple: Takopi, a cheerful pink octopus-like extraterrestrial, descends from a utopian-like world untouched by any grief onto Earth, so that he is able to complete his well-intentioned mission to spread happiness across the universe. Though instead he is confronted with a sentimental domain that he has never once encountered before;the brutal realities of emotional scarred children, already shaped by domestic violence, parental neglect and bullying. Throughout the series Takopi attempts to “save” these children utilizing an aid, in the form of a toolkit of whimsical gadgets, that he naively believes could erase any emotional suffering. Although without realising it, these benevolent yet miscalculated attempts are what becomes the heart of his sin; that being underestimating the complexities of human pain, for a cheap method to fix deeper wounds.

If this series piques your interests, be prepared for befouled traumatic moments that will leave you speechless. The series is only available on Crunchyroll.