TV-Series
Description
"Akikan!" is a 12-episode anime series that blends comedy, romance, and light science fiction. The story revolves around Kakeru Daichi, a high school student who accidentally becomes involved in a bizarre experiment involving anthropomorphized soda cans. These cans, known as "Akikan," are ordinary beverage containers transformed into human-like forms when their tabs are pulled. The experiment, conducted by a mysterious organization, aims to determine whether steel or aluminum cans are superior by pitting Akikan against each other in battles.
Kakeru's life takes a turn when he purchases a melon soda can, which transforms into a spirited girl named Melon. As an aluminum Akikan, Melon requires regular doses of carbon dioxide to maintain her human form, which she obtains by drinking soda or through direct contact with Kakeru's breath. The series explores the growing bond between Kakeru and Melon as they navigate their unusual relationship. However, their dynamic is complicated by the arrival of other Akikan, including Yell, a steel can who becomes a rival to Melon. Yell forms a connection with Kakeru's friend, Najimi, further entangling the group's relationships.
The narrative progresses as the Akikan engage in battles to prove the superiority of their respective materials. These confrontations are often comedic and lighthearted, with the series emphasizing the quirky and absurd nature of the premise. Alongside the battles, the story delves into themes of identity, companionship, and the meaning of existence, as the Akikan grapple with their purpose and humanity. The series also introduces additional characters, such as the eccentric scientist Dr. Shidō, who oversees the Akikan experiment, and other Akikan like Ginger Ale and Budweiser, each with distinct personalities and motivations.
While the plot primarily focuses on the interactions between Kakeru, Melon, and the other Akikan, it also incorporates elements of slice-of-life and romantic comedy. The series balances its fantastical premise with moments of everyday humor and heartfelt connections, creating a unique blend of genres. Despite its unconventional concept, "Akikan!" maintains a straightforward and accessible narrative, appealing to viewers seeking a mix of comedy, romance, and light action.
Kakeru's life takes a turn when he purchases a melon soda can, which transforms into a spirited girl named Melon. As an aluminum Akikan, Melon requires regular doses of carbon dioxide to maintain her human form, which she obtains by drinking soda or through direct contact with Kakeru's breath. The series explores the growing bond between Kakeru and Melon as they navigate their unusual relationship. However, their dynamic is complicated by the arrival of other Akikan, including Yell, a steel can who becomes a rival to Melon. Yell forms a connection with Kakeru's friend, Najimi, further entangling the group's relationships.
The narrative progresses as the Akikan engage in battles to prove the superiority of their respective materials. These confrontations are often comedic and lighthearted, with the series emphasizing the quirky and absurd nature of the premise. Alongside the battles, the story delves into themes of identity, companionship, and the meaning of existence, as the Akikan grapple with their purpose and humanity. The series also introduces additional characters, such as the eccentric scientist Dr. Shidō, who oversees the Akikan experiment, and other Akikan like Ginger Ale and Budweiser, each with distinct personalities and motivations.
While the plot primarily focuses on the interactions between Kakeru, Melon, and the other Akikan, it also incorporates elements of slice-of-life and romantic comedy. The series balances its fantastical premise with moments of everyday humor and heartfelt connections, creating a unique blend of genres. Despite its unconventional concept, "Akikan!" maintains a straightforward and accessible narrative, appealing to viewers seeking a mix of comedy, romance, and light action.
Episodes
Staffel 1
1Kan no En
Kakeru Daichi buys a can of melon soda from a vending machine and drinks it,but the empty can suddenly transforms into a girl named Melon. Melon identifies herself as an Akikan, a specialized can created for a competition to determine the superior beverage container. She explains that she requires carbon dioxide obtained through kissing to activate her combat abilities. Kakeru’s cousin and childhood friend, Najimi Osanai, witnesses Melon’s appearance and grows suspicious of the girl’s true nature. A rival Akikan named Elu, accompanied by her master Yell, confronts Melon and demands a fight. Melon initially refuses due to insufficient carbon dioxide, forcing Kakeru to kiss her to recharge her abilities. After the kiss, Melon engages Elu in battle, using her carbonation-based powers to destroy Elu’s physical form. The fight damages Kakeru’s surroundings, revealing the destructive stakes of the competition. Following the battle, Kakeru learns that he and Melon are now officially participants in the Akikan conflict, a fact Yell confirms before leaving. Melon moves into Kakeru’s home, and Najimi resolves to uncover the full truth behind the Akikan project, setting up an immediate conflict between her investigative efforts and the secretive battle now unfolding in Kakeru’s life.
2もう一本!
Kakeru Daichi brings the transformed Akikan Melon to school,hiding her in his bag during class. Melon, a melon soda can that takes the form of a girl, fidgets and nearly exposes herself. Classmate Najimi Tenkuji observes Kakeru’s suspicious movements and, after class, reveals she also possesses an Akikan: a strawberry milk can named Yell. Najimi explains that Akikan are created for a selection battle to determine the most suitable beverage, and each owner must fight with their can. Kakeru refuses to engage in such a fight, but Yell deliberately insults melon soda’s flavor, provoking Melon into attacking. The two Akikan exchange blows in the schoolyard, draining their liquid contents until both collapse. Kakeru and Najimi pour new drinks into their cans to revive them, and Kakeru discovers that the type of liquid affects the Akikan’s personality and loyalty. After the fight, Najimi states her intent to continue challenging Kakeru until she proves strawberry milk’s superiority. Kakeru now faces the reality that he cannot avoid further battles, and the next confrontation will test his understanding of how different beverages alter Melon’s behavior.
3Melon Soda Wave
Daichi Kikuchi brings Melon to school,and she levitates above the classroom, disrupting lessons. The teacher punishes Daichi with pool cleaning duty, and Melon accompanies him to the outdoor pool. While Daichi cleans, a second melon soda Akikan emerges from the water and declares herself the true Melon. This new Akikan attacks the original Melon with high-pressure carbonation jets. Daichi tries to stop the fight but is thrown into the pool. The original Melon retaliates using her own carbonation abilities, creating a steam cloud that obscures visibility. Yell, a representative of the Akikan manufacturer, arrives and explains the second Melon is a prototype that malfunctioned and escaped. The prototype, unable to maintain stability, self-destructs after a brief confrontation with Yell. Daichi and Melon watch the remains dissolve, and Melon asserts her identity as an individual Akikan rather than a copy. Back at home, Daichi receives a notification that the Akikan Selection Battle will begin soon, requiring him to prepare for formal matches.
4ドキドキ! 湯けむり混浴露天風呂
Kaji and Yell arrive at a hot spring inn after receiving free tickets from an unknown sender. Najimi and her Akikan,Budoko, appear as guests, followed by the arrival of Melon and her owner, Gorō. The innkeeper imposes separate bathing hours for men and women, but a miscommunication leads all characters to gather at the outdoor mixed bath simultaneously. Yell and Melon engage in a heated exchange, each accusing the other of improper behavior around Kaji. The confrontation escalates when Yell attempts to prove her superiority as an Akikan by challenging Melon to a contest. Gorō intervenes, reminding both that Akikan battles require official authorization. The group’s attention shifts when the inn’s hot spring water suddenly loses its mineral properties, a problem tied to the presence of rival Akikan. Kaji and Gorō agree to a temporary truce to investigate the source of the disturbance. The investigation reveals that an unauthorized Akikan battle previously occurred nearby, draining the spring’s energy. The innkeeper explains that the spring’s revival depends on the Akikan ceasing their conflict. The episode closes with Yell and Melon reluctantly agreeing to a ceasefire, though both privately vow to settle their rivalry later.
5Mikkabōzu
Kakeru Daijouji announces a three-day abstinence from all juice to prove his independence from Akikan dependency. Embarrassment over his reliance on Melon drives his decision. Melon immediately begins to show signs of energy depletion,as her vitality directly ties to his juice consumption. The other Akikan, including Najimi’s Yell, observe the situation without direct intervention. Kakeru endures repeated temptations, including a classmate offering rare juice flavors and Melon’s own deteriorating condition. His resolve wavers when Melon collapses from exhaustion, forcing him to confront the direct consequence of his abstinence. Najimi explains that an Akikan’s existence depends entirely on her designated drinker’s continued use, making Kakeru’s decision a matter of survival. Kakeru ultimately breaks his fast by drinking from Melon, restoring her strength. In doing so, he acknowledges his permanent bond with her and abandons the notion of severing that connection. A new challenger, Budoko, a grape juice Akikan, arrives and presents a formal rivalry declaration. Budoko’s challenge immediately establishes a new conflict over territorial claims and the hierarchical structure among Akikan.
6Episode 6
At the school cultural festival,Kaji’s class operates a maid café. Najimi assists at the café while managing her responsibilities as an Akikan. A new Akikan, Melon, appears and declares her intention to make Kaji her partner. Melon disrupts the café by using her carbonation-based abilities to interfere with customers and staff. She repeatedly attempts to isolate Kaji, leading to confrontations with Najimi. The class representative, Gorō, attempts to maintain order but fails as Melon’s actions escalate. Najimi’s jealousy manifests in her using her own abilities to counter Melon, causing further chaos in the café. During a break, Kaji tries to reason with Melon, but she interprets his attention as encouragement. Najimi challenges Melon to a competition for Kaji’s acknowledgment. The two Akikan engage in a contest involving serving customers, which escalates into a physical clash. The commotion draws the attention of other Akikan and their masters, resulting in property damage and the temporary closure of the café booth. Melon ultimately refuses to back down and announces she will enroll in Kaji’s school to remain near him. The episode ends with Melon moving into the neighborhood, setting up ongoing rivalry between her and Najimi.
7Episode 7
Rikuto arrives at school to find a new transfer student,Miku, who immediately displays hostility toward Melon. Miku reveals herself as an ice-type Akikan created by the same organization that produced Melon. She challenges Melon to a duel to determine which beverage type is superior. The duel takes place on the school rooftop, where Miku freezes Melon’s carbonated attacks with her cryogenic abilities. Rikuto intervenes, but Miku dismisses him as an inferior master. Melon pushes her limits and lands a counterattack that shatters Miku’s ice barrier. The battle ends when Yell, the carbonated water Akikan, arrives to halt the fight, warning that such conflicts risk exposing Akikan existence. Miku withdraws but vows to settle the rivalry later. Following the confrontation, Rikuto questions his role as Melon’s master, recognizing his lack of combat training leaves her vulnerable. He seeks out a former researcher to learn more about Akikan creation. The episode closes with Miku receiving new orders from her creator, signaling a larger conspiracy involving multiple Akikan types.
8Episode 8
Kajiwara Yell forces the Akikan Select Committee to hold a public relations event at a shopping district,pairing each Akikan with her owner to sell juice. Melon refuses to participate, wanting to spend the day alone with Daichi, but Daichi insists she joins. During the event, Melon spots Daichi talking cheerfully with Najimi and leaves her post. She wanders into a back alley, where Kizushi finds her and mocks her inability to openly express jealousy. Melon retorts by accusing Kizushi of hiding her own feelings for Gorou. Their argument escalates until a stray cat startles them, and they briefly unite to chase it. Meanwhile, Daichi searches for Melon and encounters Najimi, who admits she envies the direct bond between owners and Akikan. Daichi assures her that their own relationship matters independently of the competition. Returning to the group, Melon and Kizushi arrive together, muddy and exhausted, surprising everyone with their sudden cooperation. The event ends without major incident, but later at home, Melon asks Daichi what he discussed with Najimi. When Daichi gives a vague answer, Melon hides her irritation, revealing that her frustration with Daichi’s attention toward others has not subsided. Gorou observes Kizushi’s lingering glance toward Melon and Daichi, hinting at unresolved tensions among the pairs as the next selection battle approaches.
9Kanjuku Mizore
The Akikan Promotion Committee announces the Miss Akikan Contest to determine the strongest and most appealing Akikan. Kakeru Daichi hesitates to enter Melon,but Melon silently insists on participating. Melon, a melon soda Akikan who cannot speak, aims to win to prove her worth to Kakeru. She trains with Kakeru, practicing for the contest’s physical and presentation categories. Other competitors include Yell, who relies on her owner’s coaching, and Budoko, who openly tries to sabotage her rivals. During the competition, Melon struggles with tasks requiring verbal responses and resorts to using a sketchbook to communicate. In the final round, Melon writes a message expressing her gratitude and affection for Kakeru, swaying the judges. Melon wins the Miss Akikan title. Immediately after the victory, the Committee reveals that the winning Akikan will be dismantled for research. Kakeru and Melon face the direct threat of forced separation.
10Shōjo wa Yami ni Shizumu
Daichi finds Najimi in a dazed state outside her home,speaking in fragments about her father. Yell and Melon detect an unusual akikan energy emanating from Najimi, revealing she has been forcibly implanted with a prototype carbonated device. Kizaki and his superior from the Akikan Project arrive to retrieve Najimi, treating her as a test subject. Daichi physically blocks their vehicle, demanding they release her, but the executives override his objections with legal authority. Najimi voluntarily goes with them after a moment of clarity, telling Daichi not to follow. Inside the facility, technicians insert a control chip into Najimi’s neck, transforming her into a black-armored akikan with no visible will of her own. Kizaki orders her to attack Yell during a subsequent confrontation, and Najimi obeys without hesitation. Yell refuses to fight back, taking repeated blows while calling Najimi’s name. Melon intervenes, striking Yell herself to force a reaction from Najimi. Najimi briefly hesitates, her eyes showing recognition, before the chip reasserts control and she resumes her assault. Daichi breaks through the facility’s perimeter alone, determined to reach Najimi before the chip’s programming becomes permanent.
11Shaken! The Strongest Akikan
12A Toast to the Brilliant Future
Cast
- Kakeru Daichi
- MelonSayaka Narita
- Miku
- Hidehiko Otoyo
- Yell
- Misaki MiyashitaRyō Hirohashi
- Najimi Tenkūji
- Yurika Kochikaze
Comment(s)
Staff
- DirectorYūji Himaki
- Script
- Episode DirectorTakahiro KimuraNorio KashimaYūji HimakiMatsuo AsamiYūji YanaseYuji HirakiShizutaka SugaharaNanako Sasaki
- Original creator
- Character DesignRyō Tanaka
- Chief Animation DirectorRyō Tanaka
- Sound DirectorTakeshi Takadera
- Executive producerYoko FurukawaKazuhiko Torishima
- Series Composition
- StoryboardYūji HimakiTakashi YamamotoNorihiko NagahamaYūji YanaseNanako SasakiHisayasu ShibaRoyden B
- MusicNijine
- Original Character DesignHiro Suzuhira
- Art DirectorKatsufumi Hariu
- Animation DirectorWataru AbeRyō TanakaJunichi HashimotoHitoshi MorikawaKeiya NakanoKonomi SakuraiKentarō MatsumotoYūki MorimotoMichiyuki NōjōAkira TakeuchiTsutomu Ōno
- Director of PhotographyYoshiaki Ōkuma
- ProducerMasaya ShinozakiMasashi TakatoriMakoto Ōyoshi
Production
- ProductionPony CanyonShueishaA-Kiseki
- Animation ProductionBrain's Base
Music
Opening
Ep. 1-6
“Miracle Plan ga Dekichatta!" (ミラクル♡プランができちゃった!)”
Ep. 7-12
“Juicy Extacy”
Ending
“Koisora Recycling Featuring Melon Soda" (恋空リサイクリング featuring メロンソーダ)”
“Koisora Recycling Featuring Tsubuiri Grape Juice" (恋空リサイクリング featuring 粒入りグレープジュース)”
“Koisora Recycling Featuring Cola" (恋空リサイクリング featuring コーラ)”
“Koisora Recycling Featuring Energy Drink" (恋空リサイクリング featuring エナジードリンク)”
“Koisora Recycling Featuring Oden Kan" (恋空リサイクリング featuring おでん缶; "Koisora Recycling Featuring Canned Oden")”
“Koisora Recycling Featuring Peach Nectar" (恋空リサイクリング featuring ピーチネクター)”
“Koisora Recycling Featuring Afternoon Kōcha" (恋空リサイクリング featuring Afternoon紅茶; "Koisora Recycling Featuring Afternoon Black Tea")”
“Koisora Recycling Featuring Oshiruko" (恋空リサイクリング featuring お汁粉; "Koisora Recycling Featuring Sweet Red-bean Soup")”
“Koisora Recycling featuring Mikkuchu Jūchu" (恋空リサイクリング featuring みっくちゅじゅーちゅ)”