Here we have another show I wanted to finish. How to describe this one…I’ll try my best as we take a look at Mankind (or Humanity) has Declined, Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita.
I challenge Arca J to watch episodes 4, 5, and especially 11 and 12.
Alternative Title: Humanity Has Declined
Number of episodes: 12 + several specials
G-Rating: 8/10
Plot summary:The show is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the human civilization has regressed and mankind keeps decreasing in numbers. The story follows an unnamed girl who acts as a mediator between humanity and the “fairies” who are small dwarf-like creatures attracted by sweets and happy things, but also have the habit to cause trouble to her with their powers in their endless search for amusement.
Let’s see how I can explain this one. It’s a comedic look at a post apocalyptic future that is random, insane and yet still makes sense at the same time. How insane is it, you might ask? Two examples: bleeding mechanical bread and evil living roasted chickens who want to destroy all humans, which I strongly believe is an unintentional reference to The “Chicken From Outer Space Trilogy” from Courage The Cowardly Dog. And this is just the first two episodes.
Wikipedia labeled Absurdism as one of the show’s main genres and it isn’t far from the truth. The reason is because many of the episodes, despite having a hidden “moral” behind them, involve the characters in nonsensical and humorous situations where there is little to no purpose in whatever they’re doing. However, hidden behind all this nonsense is a kind of interesting study of human behavior, civilization and society’s progress (A great example of this is The “Cast Away” episode.). I can somewhat compare this show to one of the most popular Absurdist anime in history, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Despite having a great conclusion in the movie…I don’t think a definitive conclusion was reached, just A conclusion. In shows like this, there will obviously be satirical references to politics, the economy and mainstream anime. The references are subtle but can be recognized.
Ladies and gentlemen, Earth’s future civilization after our endangerment. We will not be replaced by mutant insects or anthropomorphic/evolved apes but “little people” who operate based on emotions…and whose mouths never close.
It’s this randomness and style of comedy that I enjoy. I don’t ALWAYS need a solid narrative and linear plot structure to enjoy what I watch. A show can be as random as they come and still rule. I don’t know if it’s due to the random madness or the fact I enjoy “talk show” anime (More on this in a future post) but I dug this one quite a bit.
Besides the absurdist greatness, the world itself is another marvel to behold. for you see, unlike so many post apocalyptic media we’ve seen where it’s all brown, gray and depressing, this post apocalyptic world is quite cheerful…despite several agnostic and nihilistic filled episodes. It is quite a sight to behold, I must say.
The OP and the DANCE are quite addicting, the ED is also relaxing. The main soundtrack is alright.
“Oh my gotto”
Characters:
Watashi/I/Yo/Ik/Ami/Je: Yet another highlight is our nameless protagonist who is identified in the first person and her mostly grim outlook on life and reactions to everyone and everything around her, mostly through inner monologue and sometimes directly toward the people. She tries really hard to have SOME optimism in her existence as a mediator between humans and fairies, but as time goes on, it keeps on dwindling. It’s this reverse progress, along with some flashback episodes that bring joy to my face and label “Serena Sharapova” as one of my favorite characters of 2012.
Assistant: A mute boy who lets his actions speak for him and BOY do they ever. Assistant somehow makes me laugh just by seeing his expressionless face. Just his face. He doesn’t do anything and I’m already laughing.
Y: An evil genius whose plan for world domination was one of the most devilishly clever in a very long time. She, along with one more person needs to be paid A GREAT DEAL OF ATTENTION TO!
Curly:”……………………….” No comment. It must be seen to be believed.
As for yuri…it’s there…you just have to wait quite a bit. If you’re impatient, 11 and 12.
Sadly, “Serena Sharapova” and Y don’t go to the beach.
In conclusion, While this show is obviously not for everyone, if you enjoy profound randomness with a large dose of bizarre humor, then look no further than the Decline of Humanity. Who knows, this could very well be the future of Earth after we’re gone.
The Yuri Empire 
well yea that series was really so strange funny whoa & etc so many way really wonder where these faires came from?
besides too much one of favs of this year besides like a s2 of it indeed me like this series
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A 2nd season would be most delightful.
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i’ve finished this series. Between the reverse chronological storytelling and nonsensical plotlines, I’m completely lost — just how watching anime should be like ^_^”
I’ve studied the “fairy density manual” thoroghly, and have come to the deduction that:
100f = you fall from 20 story building, you realize you’re Chuck Norris and roundhouse kick the building into a futon XD
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A very well summarized reaction after watching this show. This show causes people to both lose and gain brain cells at the same time and that’s why it’s one of my favorites this year.
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I don’t know about light novel version,but this anime is the proof that Tanaka Romeo is no shit when he write SFW….I mean regular stuffs.
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I’ll take your word for it.
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