Contents
Introduction
Whether you're a fan or not, there's no denying that isekai has become a dominant force in today's anime and manga landscape. Seasonal shows are now heavily saturated with various adaptations of isekai light novels and manga. It's the prevailing trend. However, imagine blending fantasy, sci-fi, and isekai into a wild mashup of genres. That's precisely what Sasaki and Peeps does – a series that seamlessly combines multiple genres and manages to make it work.
Authored by Buncololi and brought to life through the illustrations of Kantoku, this Japanese light novel series has made its mark since its inception as a web novel in December 2018. With the recent anime adaptation by Silver Link premiering in January 2024, Sasaki and Peeps continues to captivate audiences with its unconventional narrative and diverse themes.
From Ordinary to Extraordinary
Sasaki meets Peeps for the first time.
Sasaki and Peeps provides viewers with a closer look into the life of Sasaki, a middle-aged corporate employee who is tired of the daily grind. His desire for companionship leads him to adopt a seemingly normal pet bird, only to discover that Peeps, his feathered companion, is a legendary mage from another world. Peeps then seeks Sasaki's assistance in adjusting to modern life, as well as a serving of his favorite dish, Wagyu beef chateaubriand.
Peeps surfing the internet using the golem he made using magic.
Wondering just how wild Sasaki and Peeps can get? Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of genre shifts right from the first episode. The 48-minute premiere masterfully introduces the series, skillfully juggling Sasaki's corporate life with an enchanting world similar to most isekai shows. At first glance, we assumed it was a standard isekai story about a middle-aged corporate worker whose life takes a miraculous turn thanks to his magical pet bird. This bird transports him to another dimension, where he trades modern Earth products in a fantasy medieval setting for a hefty profit. Just as we thought that the story would take this path, Sasaki unexpectedly becomes involved with psychics, which leads to his enlistment into their ranks, even though he had been using magic.
Peeps teaches Sasaki how to use magic.
The use of spells, swords, and magic provides a sense of discovery and wonder, while the humor and relatable themes keep the viewer interested. Sasaki's realistic approach to life, as evidenced by his investment decision after getting his first salary, sets a distinct and hilarious tone. Of course, casting Tomakazu Sugita as Sasaki adds to the show's appeal, especially since Sasaki's experiences are similar to Kyon, Sugita's iconic role in the Haruhi Suzumiya series. It's a shame they haven't used his comedic skills that much though, given his standout performance as Gintoki Sakata in Gintama. However, the show does have an underlying joke, because the first episode features an all-Sasaki ensemble.
A Colorful Cast of Characters
At the core of Sasaki and Peeps is its charming ensemble, each of whom plays an important role in weaving the intricate story. While the title characters, Sasaki and Peeps (Pii-chan), do not receive much development, their dynamic and exchanges provide an interesting focus point. The supporting characters, whether aware or unaware of Sasaki's supernatural ties, add depth and complexity to the entire plot.
The cast of Sasaki and Peeps.
The ensemble of characters in Sasaki and Peeps is a blend of all things supernatural. There's Peeps, a bird who used to be the legendary mage "Sage of the Stars." The setting includes a fantasy world reminiscent of medieval Europe, connections to a royal family, a thriving trading business fueled by merchandise from modern-day Japan, and even a personal restaurant where they can indulge in Wagyu beef whenever they want. While this might suffice for a typical isekai series, the story takes an unexpected turn with shenanigans in modern-day Japan. Sasaki finds himself recruited into a psychic organization, encountering more psychic users, and even crossing paths with magical girls along the way.
Sasaki gets recruited into Japan’s secret organization for psychics thanks to Hoshizaki, a teenage water-bending psychic user.
The inclusion of psychic abilities among humans in the story introduces a diverse cast of characters, ranging from corporate workers to magical girls, forming a vibrant ensemble. The character-driven storytelling keeps the audience engaged in the evolving events, adding to the show's overall appeal.
Sasaki and Peeps indulge themselves with delicious food at their own restaurant, as seen in the light novel.
The bond between Sasaki and Peeps is critical in bringing these disparate aspects together. The fact that Sasaki sees Peeps primarily as an adorable pet preserves the purity of their relationship. They are linked by a shared passion for a leisurely lifestyle filled with delicious cuisine.
Not Exactly A Typical Isekai
Sasaki and Peeps is a real mishmash. Despite featuring the isekaied wizard Peeps, it deviates from the typical isekai narrative because Sasaki still maintains his own life in his own world. He simply adds excursions into another universe to his current routine. The subtitle, "That Time I Got Dragged into a Psychic Battle in Modern Times While Trying to Enjoy a Relaxing Life in Another World ~Looks like Magical Girls Are on Deck ~," implies a tale involving psychics and magical girls. Notably, Sasaki does not spend much time in the other world because he is dealing with his own issues in his own world.
Yep, it really is the series’ subtitle.
Sasaki and Peeps may not be a masterpiece, but its ability to transition between genres without losing coherence is admirable. The show's blend of isekai, humor, and business manga elements provides a one-of-a-kind experience. Despite several jarring transitions between genres, the series remains one of the season's standouts.
The initial impressions, highlighted by the first episode, set the stage for a promising journey. The combination of everyday life, magic, and entrepreneurial endeavors introduces a harmonious blend that keeps viewers invested. The exploration of themes such as happiness and societal norms adds depth to the series, promising a diverse and exciting storyline in episodes to come.
Sasaki and Peeps: A Must-Watch for Isekai Lovers
TVアニメ「佐々木とピーちゃん」ノンクレジットオープニング映像／ 「FLY」 MADKID
Sasaki and Peeps - Official Trailer | English Sub
Sasaki and Peeps - Official Trailer 2 | English Sub
There is undeniably a sense of "isekai fatigue" in the anime community due to the plethora of isekai-related releases each season. Another tale of a Japanese boy becoming a hero in a different world and amassing a harem may not be appealing anymore. But what about a unique approach: an anime about a businessman using his expertise to build his trading enterprise in the isekai realm, thereby contributing to peace in that land? With its novel premise, intriguing characters, and flawless genre-blending, this series captivates audiences and solidifies its status as a must-see. Begin your journey with Sasaki and Peeps by purchasing the light novels available on ZenPlus, shipped to you straight from Japan!
What do you think?
Will anyone learn about Sasaki’s secret?
What’s the reason behind Peep’s new life as a pet bird?
Will Sasaki and Peeps ever achieve a leisurely life that they’ve dreamed of when all they are encounter are problems in both worlds?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)! We’d love to hear from you!
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You can watch Sasaki and Peeps on Muse Asia, Bilibili, Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime.
About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
