OVA
Description
"Doomed Megalopolis" is a four-episode OVA series set in 1920s Tokyo, blending historical events with supernatural and occult themes. The narrative centers on Kato Yasunori, a powerful onmyoji (a practitioner of Japanese esoteric cosmology) who seeks to resurrect the ancient capital of Heian-kyo (modern-day Kyoto) by harnessing the spiritual energy of Tokyo. Kato’s ultimate goal is to restore the glory of the Heian period, but his methods involve manipulating dark forces and sacrificing innocent lives.

The story begins with Kato summoning the vengeful spirit of Taira no Masakado, a historical figure and legendary samurai who was executed for rebellion. Masakado’s spirit, bound to Kato’s will, becomes a destructive force wreaking havoc across Tokyo. Kato’s plans are complicated by the arrival of Yukari Tatsumiya, a young woman with latent spiritual powers and a connection to Masakado. Yukari becomes a key figure in resisting Kato’s ambitions, as she is revealed to be the reincarnation of Masakado’s daughter, Princess Takiyasha.

As the conflict escalates, Kato’s actions draw the attention of the Japanese government and other spiritual entities. The narrative explores themes of power, revenge, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Kato’s obsession with restoring the past leads to catastrophic consequences, including the destruction of Tokyo through supernatural disasters. The series delves into the moral ambiguity of Kato’s actions, portraying him as both a villain and a tragic figure driven by his vision of a lost golden age.

The supporting cast includes characters like Keiko Tatsumiya, Yukari’s adoptive mother, who becomes entangled in the supernatural conflict, and various government officials and spiritualists who attempt to counter Kato’s plans. The series culminates in a climactic battle between Kato and Yukari, with the fate of Tokyo hanging in the balance. The resolution reflects the cyclical nature of history and the enduring struggle between human ambition and the forces of nature.

"Doomed Megalopolis" combines historical elements with dark fantasy, creating a narrative that is both grounded in Japanese folklore and rich in supernatural intrigue. The series is notable for its exploration of complex characters and its depiction of a city caught between the old world and the new.
Information
Doomed Megalopolis
帝都物語
Capital Story
Type: OVA
Anime Episodes: 4
Movie/Episode length: 47 min.
Date: 09/27/1991 – 08/25/1992
Categories
Genre
ActionHorror
Tags
Magic
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Staff
  • Series Director · Rintaro
  • Director · Kazuyoshi Katayama
  • Director · Masashi Ikeda
  • Director · Koichi Chigira
  • Director · Issei Kume
  • Script · Akinori Endo
  • Script · Rintaro
  • Script · Masayuki
  • Storyboard · Rintaro
  • Storyboard · Masayuki
  • Music · Kazz Toyama
  • Original story · Hiroshi Aramata
  • Character Design · Masayuki
  • Art Director · Hidetoshi Kaneko
  • Art Director · Yoshimitsu Ohashi
  • Animation Director · Takahiro Kishida
  • Animation Director · Masayuki
  • Animation Director · Kouichi Hashimoto
  • Sound Director · Masafumi Mima
  • Director of Photography · Hitoshi Yamaguchi
  • Producer · Naoko Takahashi
  • Producer · Masao Maruyama
Production
  • Production · Toei Video Co., Ltd.
  • Animation Production · Madhouse Studios