A Place Further than the Universe
| Industry | Animation |
|---|---|
| Products | Anime television productions |
} is an original Japanese anime television production created by Madhouse. The series is helmed by director Atsuko Ishizuka, scripted by Jukki Hanada, and features character illustrations by Takahiro Yoshimatsu. It was broadcast in Japan from January through March 2018.
Plot
Mari Tamaki, a second-year high school student, aspires to fully embrace her youth but often feels hesitant. She encounters Shirase Kobuchizawa, who has been saving money to visit Antarctica, where her mother vanished three years earlier. Alongside Hinata Miyake and Yuzuki Shiraishi, they set out on an expedition to Antarctica.
Main characters
- A curious high school student from Tatebayashi, Gunma, frequently nicknamed . Feeling that she isn’t truly living life to the fullest, she yearns for excitement. After returning a lost one million yen, she meets Shirase and decides to join the journey to Antarctica, seeking new experiences.[1]
- A reserved senior at Kimari’s school and daughter of an Antarctic expedition member who disappeared. Despite being teased as the "Antarctic Empress," Shirase is determined to find her mother in Antarctica. She forms a team with Kimari, Hinata, and Yuzuki to pursue the voyage.[1]
- A bright young woman working part-time at a convenience store near Kimari’s school. Having left high school to prepare for university entrance exams, she joins the trip seeking meaningful experience before resuming studies. Initially jealous of Kimari and Shirase’s relationship, she grows to appreciate their candidness and friendship.[1]
- A first-year high school student from Hokkaido, calm and composed. As a child actress who moved frequently, she lacked childhood friends. Initially reluctant to join beyond streaming online, she eventually embraces the adventure after encouragement. She overcomes jealousy and develops strong connections with the group.[1]
Civilian Antarctic observation team
- Leader of the civilian Antarctic expedition "Antarctica Challenge" and participant in a prior civilian mission.
- Deputy leader of "Antarctica Challenge" under Gin, also experienced from the earlier expedition.
- Chief cook of the observation team, known as the Antarctic chef, with veteran status from previous expeditions.
- Captain of the observation vessel Penguin Manju Go, appointed by Gin. Former captain of an Antarctic observation unit within the SDF.
- Officer responsible for communications.
- Architect for the station facilities.
- Geologist assigned to the team.
- Astronomer on board.
- Microbiologist part of the crew.
Other characters
- Kimari's childhood friend who initially disapproves of her Antarctic plans but later reconciles and becomes inspired to explore the Arctic herself.
- Kimari's sister and member of the school committee, supportive yet worried about Kimari's expedition.
- Manager and mother of Shiraishi Yuzuki.
- Shirase’s mother who went missing during an Antarctic expedition three years ago.
Anime
The 13-episode original anime produced by Madhouse was revealed by Kadokawa at Anime Expo 2017. Directed by Atsuko Ishizuka, with scripts penned by Jukki Hanada and character designs by Takahiro Yoshimatsu, it aired in Japan from January 2 to March 27, 2018, with simultaneous streaming on Crunchyroll. The soundtrack was composed by Yoshiaki Fujisawa. The opening theme track is "The Girls Are Alright!" performed by Saya, while the ending theme features vocals from Inori Minase, Kana Hanazawa, Yuka Iguchi, and Saori Hayami. On November 18, 2022, Anime Limited announced a collector’s edition Blu-ray including an English dub produced by Studio Nano, which premiered at Anime NYC on November 19, 2022.
Manga
The manga version, illustrated by Meme Yoimachi, was serialized in Monthly Comic Alive, a publication by Media Factory, from December 27, 2017, until February 27, 2019. This adaptation was later collected into three separate volumes.
Stage play
A stage play adaptation was revealed on January 24, 2023, and was performed at the Shibuya Cultural Center Owada between May 17 and May 21, 2023. The production was directed and co-written by Hideo Tsuchida alongside Tomoharu Suzuki. The cast included Marina Horiuchi portraying Mari Tamaki, Haruna Ishii as Shirase Kobuchizawa, Miyu Kishi in the role of Hinata Miyake, and Saki Kitazawa playing Yuzuki Shiraishi. Hana Taguchi appeared as Mari’s childhood friend Megumi Takahashi, while Reina Seiji took on the role of Mari’s sister Rin Tamaki.
Reception
The Verge acknowledged the anime as one of the standout titles of 2018, calling it "genuine." It also earned the #8 spot in The New York Times’ International Show of the Year rankings, praised for its "funny and moving coming-of-age story" that resonates across cultures. Otaku USA praised its well-developed characters, humor, and sharp comedic timing.
In 2019, Crunchyroll featured the series among their "Top 25 Anime of the 2010s," describing it as a "heartfelt series about chasing dreams and living a life full of adventure." Additionally, IGN included it in their list of the decade’s best anime.