Plastic Memories Manga
Plastic Memories (Manga)
Genre: Romance / Comedy Drama / Sci-Fi
Japanese Title: プラスティック・メモリーズ Say to good-bye (Purasutikku Memorīzu Say to good-bye)
Year of Release: 2015 – 2016 (3 volumes)
Writer: Naotaka Hayashi
Original Publisher: ASCII Media Works
TV: Plastic Memories Anime Series 2015 (13 episodes)
Anime Movies: –
Setting
“Plastic Memories” is set in a futuristic metropolis that draws heavy inspiration from Singapore. In this advanced urban landscape, humans coexist with sophisticated androids known as Giftia. These androids are designed to possess remarkably human-like emotions and memories, blurring the lines between artificial and organic life. The narrative is deeply intertwined with the operations of SAI Corp, the preeminent company responsible for the development and production of these advanced androids.
Plot
The story follows Tsukasa Mizugaki, an eighteen-year-old who, after an unfortunate setback with his college entrance exams, finds employment at SAI Corp’s Terminal Service. His primary responsibility within this division is to retrieve Giftias that are approaching the end of their predetermined operational lifespans. A critical aspect of the Giftia’s existence is that they are programmed to function for a maximum of approximately nine years before their memories begin to degrade, necessitating their retrieval and subsequent dismantling or reprogramming. Tsukasa is partnered with Isla, a Giftia, and as they work together, he develops a profound emotional bond with her. Unbeknownst to him initially, Isla herself is rapidly nearing her expiration date. The series beautifully explores the universal themes of love, the inevitability of loss, and the profound significance of cherished memories, as Tsukasa and Isla navigate the complexities of their relationship against the backdrop of their poignant professional duties.
Main Characters
- Tsukasa Mizugaki: The 18-year-old male protagonist. He is employed at Terminal Service One and becomes Isla’s partner. He develops a deep and meaningful relationship with her, which forms the emotional core of the story.
- Isla: A Giftia who serves as Tsukasa’s partner. She possesses a full spectrum of human emotions and memories, but her lifespan is critically nearing its end, adding a layer of poignant urgency to her interactions.
- Chizu Shirohana: An elderly woman who has raised Nina, a Giftia, as if she were her own surrogate granddaughter. Her relationship with Nina highlights the emotional depth that can form between humans and Giftias.
- Nina: A Giftia raised by Chizu. Nina experiences the complex emotional landscape associated with her existence and the impending fate of Giftias.
- Souta Wakanae: A young boy who was raised by Marcia, a Giftia. He initially struggles to comprehend and accept the concept of losing Marcia as her expiration date approaches.
The series masterfully blends elements of comedy, drama, romance, and science fiction, creating a deeply poignant and thought-provoking exploration of human emotions, beautifully reflected through the unique existence of androids.
