REVIEW: ‘Astro Note’ Episode 1 Sets The Tone For Quirky Hijinks

Bonds can be broken or forged through the power of food. That is at least what gifted chef Miyasaki Takumi (Soma Saito) learns firsthand in Astro Note Episode 1. The latest original anime series from studio Telecom Animation Film and production company Shochiku will keep viewers on their toes with its quirky vibe. While the first episode serves as an introduction to our main set of characters, there’s no denying that Astro Note will be a fun watch.

Astro Note Episode 1 throws viewers straight into an intergalactic battle. The animation art style here is a throwback to the 80s and 90s. It turns out to be a fascinating stylistic choice once the spaceship in peril plummets to Earth. Once the setting shifts to Japan, the style shifts as well. It is here we meet our protagonist, Takumi. With a job application in hand, he arrives at the Astro Lodge apartment building, hoping to find a job. But first, he must save a lady in peril dangling off the side of the building.

This turns into a meet-cute moment between Takumi and the landlady of the building, Gotokuji Mira (Maaya Uchida). Despite the scene’s awkward perspective and proportion choices from danger to rescue, it is an adorable moment that sets up the possibility of romance later down the road. She leads him inside after her poodle attacks him. While being patched up, he inquires about the interview for the position, leading to confusion and a moment to introduce a wild array of ensemble characters. All of whom point out the ridiculousness of Mira’s original job listing.

Wakabayashi Ren (Rie Kugimiya) is the youngest of the group and arguably the most studious. He is the son of the perpetually nosy and unemployed Wakabayashi Tomohiro (Tomokazu Sugita). Featuring the oddest proportions that almost seem out of this world is Yamashita Shokichi (Shin-ichiro Miki). He is revealed later on as a novelist and a routine walker, much to the poodle’s chagrin. The aggressive and expressive indie idol performer Matsubara Teruko (Ai Furihata) rounds out the cast of oddball characters. Their introduction is sudden and chaotic, but it captures the essence of what Astro Lodge entails. It’s not the worst trial by fire Takumi could have.

Mira apologizes to Takumi, saying that the job is not what she made it out to be. He doesn’t mind as his attention wavers to a bunch of fresh fish waiting to be cooked. He offers to fry them up, which immediately lightens the room. After some mouthwatering flourishes, Takumi prepares a simple yet delicious meal that captures the hearts of Astro Lodge’s occupants. Seeing Mira’s joy over the food immediately sets his own heart aflame. Egged on by Teruko and Tomohiro, Takumi insists he moves in and takes up the job of making the occupants breakfast.

More of the occupants’ personalities are revealed during Takumi’s walkthrough of the apartment with Mira. Even after making a delicious meal, he doesn’t win too many favors when he accidentally steps on Teruko’s toes. But all is forgiven at the welcome party, where Teruko’s background is shown in fantastic home idol glory. From here, Takumi starts to settle into a routine.

The next day, he asks Mira to help recommend a grocery store. Instead, it turns into a mini adventure. Throughout Astro Note Episode 1, Mira reveals her lack of familiarity with various technologies and food items around the complex. On their outing together, Takumi learns that she doesn’t know much about movies. When they return home, he finds the movie he pointed out on their walk together in his unpacked boxes. Gathering up his courage, with his hesitance providing much of the humor in the situation, Takumi readies himself to knock on Mira’s door. But an exchange between her and a male-sounding voice stops him. He hears her mention being a Wido, which immediately crushes his spirit.

Jumping the gun, Takumi deduces she is a widow. That’s not quite the case, though. Inside Mira’s room is an otherworldly set-up. Her poodle is actually something else. A bipedal alien of some sort. He tries to remind her to stay focused on their mission – to find a key. The key is needed for Mira to return to her planet. Without it, there’s no point. With Mira’s mission brought into full focus, and Takumi’s misunderstanding, Astro Note Episode 1 sets the conflicts for future episodes.

Astro Note Episode 1 is humorous as an introduction to an unfamiliar world once it settles into Astro Lodge. The cast of characters is colorful and ridiculous. The distinct character designs infuse each character with personality, giving us an idea of who they are before they even open their mouths. There are a few odd perspective shots that distort proportions in a way that doesn’t seem purposeful, but it’s not enough to fully take away from the antics onscreen.

Astro Note Episode 1 immediately snags attention with its engaging cast of quirky characters. You never quite know what’s going to happen next with this gang, but whatever it is, it will make you laugh out loud.

Astro Note Episode 1 premieres on Crunchyroll on April 5, 2024.