TV-Series
Description
Masato Yamanobe is a young man living in the distant year 3404, an era when Earth is dying and the remnants of humanity dwell in underground city‑states governed by giant computers. He holds the rank of Class 2 space warrior in Megalopolis Yamato, though his duties are more akin to those of a low‑ranking policeman. His life takes a dramatic turn when he shelters Tamami, a Moopie―an outer‑space creature capable of shapeshifting into any form―who has taken human shape. Because hiding such a being is forbidden by the authorities, Masato and Tamami become fugitives, pursued by his ambitious boss, Rock.

Masato is a straightforward, clean‑cut young man, innocent yet fallible. He is not interested in grand questions of life, politics, or power; his sole desire is to live quietly and peacefully with Tamami. This simple wish places him in the middle of the final struggles of human civilisation. Guided by the mystical Phoenix, the pair escapes across the barren surface of the earth and eventually reaches the isolated dome of Dr. Saruta, a scientist conducting research on artificial life and the revival of extinct creatures. Meanwhile, a final war erupts in the underground city, leading to the extinction of the human race.

Despite his reluctance, Masato is chosen by the Phoenix to become the last surviving human. He is entrusted with the task of overseeing the development of new life on Earth. His selection appears arbitrary and even cruel: he is an ordinary, somewhat selfish young man who never sought such a burden, in contrast to the ambitious Rock or the wise, suffering Dr. Saruta. Yet his innate decency and his deep love for Tamami drive him forward. Throughout his journey, Masato grows from a passive individual focused on personal happiness into a figure who must accept the weight of humanity’s future. He possesses no extraordinary abilities, relying instead on his resourcefulness, loyalty, and quiet determination.

Masato’s key relationships shape his path. Tamami is not only his lover but also the catalyst for his flight from society. Dr. Saruta provides shelter and knowledge, while Rock represents the oppressive system that forces him into exile. The Phoenix acts as a mysterious guide and arbiter of destiny. In some interpretations, Masato’s role is further illuminated by his appearances in other works by the same creator, where he is depicted as a young doctor grappling with terminal illness―a connection that underscores themes of mortality, sacrifice, and the preciousness of life.