Every month in the Cozy Anime Corner, I bring you a series that embodies calm vibes, low stakes, and characters you’ll wish were real-life friends. ZatsuTabi -That’s Journey- perfectly fits the bill, offering an intimate glimpse into the less-traveled corners of Japan. Without leaving your home, you’ll experience a world rich with delicious food, rejuvenating baths, and stunning golden sunsets, leaving you feeling wonderfully warm and inspired.
Join Chika and her companions as they journey, explore, and uncover delightful experiences they might never have found otherwise!
An Opening Bursting with Adventure
The opening song, “Tabi Shiyo! Don’t you?” by harmoe, sets an immediate tone of adventure. Sparkling music accompanies quick, vivid scenes of charming souvenirs, bustling train station eateries, and the familiar ticket machines. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting Japan, a wave of nostalgia is sure to wash over you. The lively tune perfectly captures the spirit of Chika’s spontaneous trips.
This vibrant opening introduces us to Chika and the cheerful faces of her friends: Koyomi, Yui, Fuyune, and Riri. They run together, symbolizing a bright future filled with discovering new places and embarking on their own personal journeys of self-discovery.
The Heart of the Story
Chika Suzugamori, an aspiring manga artist, finds herself struggling for inspiration for her next big story. One day, after watching a talk show segment about traveling across Japan, she playfully posts a poll on social media, asking her followers where she should go for inspiration.
Responding to the crowdsourced suggestions, Chika sets off on her first impromptu trip and quickly falls in love with the simple joys of travel. Soon, she’s joined by both old and new friends. Together, they savor the finest local cuisine and discover the most serene hot springs for ultimate rest and relaxation. You’ll feel as if you’re soaking in the same warmth, exploring alongside them with open minds and open hearts.
The Coziest Character: Fuyune Kojiya
Fuyune Kojiya is a creative and incredibly laid-back manga artist who becomes Chika’s invaluable guide and mentor as she embarks on her career. Fuyune possesses a magical ability to see wonder in everything around her, making her not only the perfect teacher for Chika but also a truly delightful person to be around. Chika so values Fuyune’s wisdom that she affectionately calls her “Master,” much like a student revering their teacher in a dojo.
While their travels begin as pure fun, Chika soon notices how profoundly inspired Fuyune becomes by the places they visit, prompting her to reflect more deeply on her own work as a manga storyteller. As Chika grapples with the emotions she wishes to evoke in her art, Fuyune gently helps her navigate her feelings. With just a few wise words, Fuyune encourages Chika every step of the way, allowing her to organically discover the story she truly wants to tell. Oh, and the way Fuyune adorably scrunches up her messy long hair when inspiration strikes? It’s simply the cutest!
Reflective Ending Notes
Each episode concludes with a unique ending animation, showcasing photos from that episode’s journey playing as a slideshow on Chika’s phone. It’s an incredibly creative and touching way to revisit the trip and cherish the memories of the places Chika and her friends have experienced. The ending song, “bookmarks” by Sizuk, is mellow and sweet, featuring her gentle voice paired with a beautiful string accompaniment. It’s a soothing melody that is both calming and full of hope.
Choosing to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities like Tokyo, Chika often selects small prefectures and towns that many anime viewers might never have heard of if not for ZatsuTabi. While she frequently travels solo, Chika gradually realizes that she is never truly alone. A solo journey, she muses, isn’t just about oneself, but also about the person you might want to share it with someday.
Don’t be surprised if ZatsuTabi -That’s Journey- leaves you with a serious case of wanderlust and an irresistible urge to experience those serene hot springs for yourself.
Join me again in the Cozy Anime Corner next month for another hand-picked comfort series!