Adapted from Award-Winning Manga, Check Out the Synopsis and Facts of the Anime 'THE CONCIERGE' with a Theme of the Animal World

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Rachel Carisa Oswandi

Anime that aired at the Tokyo International Film Festival 2023, THE CONCIERGE is now showing in Indonesian theaters on October 25, 2023. Directed by Itazu Yoshimi, this anime presents visually stunning animation that pleases the eyes of the audience. In addition, the story is also very interesting, especially for animal-themed film lovers.

For KLovers who enjoy animated films like SING (2016), THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS (2016), ZOOTOPIA (2016), they will definitely enjoy this anime. The concept is somewhat similar to HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA (2012), but with the backdrop of a luxury department store. Unlike HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA which is filled with scary monsters, in THE CONCIERGE, the audience will be introduced to customers from various animals, including the rarest ones.

THE CONCIERGE highlights the story of the main character who works as a shop attendant with the task of serving various requests from store visitors. Although the animation in this anime appears charming and gentle, the main character will face various conflicts that can make the audience touched and angry. Is this anime worth watching on the big screen later? Let's evaluate it ourselves through the synopsis and some facts below!

1. Synopsis

The Concierge (imdb.com)

Akino is a new concierge at Hokkyoku's General Store, a supermarket where the customers are animals. Under the strict supervision of the manager and senior concierge, Akino is busy fulfilling the customers' various needs and dealing with challenges in order to become a fully skilled concierge.

One rule that Akino must face while working is not to refuse any customer's request. Among all the different types of animals who are customers, there are also rare animals that need special treatment. 

2. Voice Actors

Aiko The Concierge (The Concierge/CRUNCHYROLL)

Behind the characters in this anime produced by Production I.G., there are professional voice actors who have experience in various other anime. Aiko, the main character, is voiced by Natsumi Kawaida, who has been a voice actor in the anime JUJUTSU KAISEN and LOVE LIVE!. Additionally, it is also voiced by several other voice actors listed from MyAnimeList, as follows:

Jun Fukuyama as the Maître d' of the restaurant shop
Y?ichi Nakamura as Tokiwa, a salesman
Kenjiro Tsuda as Wally
Danshun Tatekawa as Laughing Owl (Husband)
Sumi Shimamoto as Laughing Owl (Wife)
Minako Kotobuki as Sea Mink (Daughter)
Hiroshi Yanaka as Sea Mink (Father)
Hiroki Nanami as Male Peafowl
Marika Kano as Female Peafowl
Miyu Irino as Japanese Wolf
Kana Hanazawa as Female Japanese Wolf
Ayumu Murase as Barbary Lion
Emiri Suyama as Female Barbary Lion
Kyoko Hikami as Caribbean Monk Seal
Risa Shimizu as Paradise Parrot
Sumire Morohoshi as Cat

3. Leading Studio Production

The Concierge (The Concierge/CRUNCHYROLL)

THE CONCIERGE is produced by Production I.G. studio, which has been established for over 30 years. In addition to THE CONCIERGE, the studio, headed by George Wada, has produced popular anime such as HAIKYUU!!, KUROKO NO BASKET, AO HARU RIDE, and many more.

4. Adapted from Award-Winning Manga

The Concierge (The Concierge/CRUNCHYROLL)

It is not surprising that this anime is one of the fastest to be aired on Indonesian screens, considering that it usually takes up to 3 months after airing in Japan. This anime is an adaptation of the manga by Tsuchika Nishimura titled HOKKYOKU HYAKKATEN NO CONCIERGE-SAN.

According to Anime News Network, Nishimura launched this manga in Shogakukan's Big Comic Z?kan magazine in November 2016, and completed it in 2020 with two volumes. This manga won the Excellence Award at the 25th Japan Media Arts Festival by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in 2022.

According to the official website of the award, Nishimura's manga received the award because it depicts animals, including those that are extinct, coming to department stores as customers to criticize human overconsumption. Nishimura's art style portrays animals with strong identities, as if they have unique human personalities, with cute visualizations. The story then evokes warm feelings and inspires empathy towards environmental issues caused by overconsumption.

5. Watch the Trailer Here

(kpl/rcl)