Introduction
Hello, fellow anime fans from all over the world!
Have you ever heard of the upcoming anime series “Plus-Sized Elf” ？
The title alone might have already sparked your curiosity. What kind of story could it be?
A tale of an elf struggling with diet? Or perhaps, a heartwarming journey of self-acceptance?
In this blog post, I’ll be taking you on a closer look at “Plus-Sized Elf” from a Japanese perspective.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Synopsis of the anime
- Character introductions
- Points of interest
- Evaluation in Japan
Let’s explore the charm of this unique anime together!
description of works
“Plus-Sized Elf” is a Japanese manga created by Synecdoche, featuring a story about an elf woman from another world who becomes obsessed with modern Japanese fast food, leading to weight gain.
She attempts to diet with the help of a male massage therapist.
The manga began serialization in 2016, has undergone several publisher changes, and continues to be published. An anime adaptation is also scheduled for release in 2024.
Synopsis
At the “Smiley Boar” massage parlor in town, Tomoatsu Naoe, a masseur, finds himself assigned to a peculiar client one day.
This woman, disguised with a knit cap and sunglasses, turns out to be an elf from another world, her ears oddly bulging under her cap.
Tasked with aiding the plump elf Erufuda in her weight loss journey, Tomoatsu becomes entangled in the comedic troubles of otherworldly beings nestled in Japan.
Captivated by fried potatoes, will Erufuda manage to slim down? Dive into the hilarious beginnings of a diet comedy with a chubby elf!
Character introductions
Tomoatsu Naoe (直江 友厚, Naoe Tomoatsu)
An osteopath who works at Smiley Boar, a relaxation clinic.
He is in charge of setting treatments and meal plans for his patients.
Elfuda (絵留札, Erufuda)
An otherworldly elf who became fat from eating too many French fries in the human
world and is seeking help losing weight in order to fit through the portal back home.
Although she accomplishes her goal at first, her weight keeps fluctuating with each visit between worlds.
Kuroeda (黒枝)
A dark elf who works at a convenience store.
She is troubled by her big butt caused by long hours of standing and no exercise.
Olga (男鹿, Oga)
An ogre who gained a beer belly from excessive drinking in the human world because of a fondness for alcohol.
Normally, she is a fierce warrior who is tall, muscular, and fights with brute force without using weapons.
Highlights
The highlights of “Plus-Sized Elf” include
- Humor from Cultural Exchange: This series depicts an elf from another world grappling with modern Japanese food culture. Her innocent fascination with food and the resulting weight gain create a comedic yet relatable story.
- Dietary Struggles: The main character, the elf Erufuda, tries various diets, and her mix of failures and successes resonates with readers. The series tactfully addresses modern societal pressures regarding weight and body image through a fantastical lens.
- Diverse Characters: In addition to the elf, various other characters from different worlds appear, enriching the story with their unique backgrounds and adding depth through their diverse troubles and situations.
- Blend of the Ordinary and the Extraordinary: The setting in a regular massage parlor combined with visitors from another world creates fresh and unique storytelling.
These elements make “Plus-Sized Elf” more than just a comedy, offering a deep look at social themes and providing readers with food for thought about human relations and self-acceptance while delivering laughs.
style and theme
“Plus-Sized Elf” is known for its style that centers around comedic interactions in everyday life, flavored with cross-cultural exchanges.
The main themes of the series include:
- Cross-Cultural Understanding and Adaptation: The story showcases an elf from another world grappling with modern Japanese food culture, depicting the clashes, misunderstandings, and eventual understanding between different cultures.
- Self-Acceptance and Health: The main character, the elf, struggles with dieting, symbolizing the balance between societal pressures about appearance and self-acceptance. This theme explores the internal and external expectations regarding weight and body image that many people face.
- The Blend of the Mundane and the Extraordinary: The setting in an ordinary massage parlor, combined with interactions with visitors from another world, explores how extraordinary events can provide new perspectives on everyday life.
Thus, “Plus-Sized Elf” is more than just a diet comedy; it offers deep insights into cultural, social, and personal issues.
Domestic Evaluation of “Plus-Sized Elf” in Japan
As of November 14, 2023, the anime “Plus-Sized Elf” has not yet aired, so its domestic evaluation in Japan has not yet been established.
However, from various sources, it can be seen that there is a high level of expectation and attention for the work.
1. Popularity of the Original Manga
- The original manga is serialized in the monthly manga magazine “Manga Time Kirara MAX” published by Houbunsha.
- As of November 2023, four volumes of the tankōbon have been released, with a cumulative circulation of over 300,000 copies.
- It has received favorable reviews from readers, who have praised the unique characters, the comical story development, and the empathy for the protagonist who struggles with dieting.
2. Expectations for the Anime Production Team
- The anime is being produced by ufotable.
- ufotable is known for producing numerous high-quality anime works, such as “Fate/Zero” and “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.”
- There is high anticipation among fans of the original work that the high quality of ufotable will further enhance the charm of the original work.
3. Media Coverage
- Since the announcement of the anime adaptation, it has been featured in various media outlets, including anime magazines and web media.
- The work’s themes and character settings have been introduced, and its popularity is growing.
4. Social Media Reactions
- Active fan voices about the work are being posted on social media such as Twitter and Instagram.
- In addition to fans of the original work, expectations and comments are also being received from people who newly learned about the work through the anime adaptation.
From this information, it is highly likely that the anime “Plus-Sized Elf” will receive a high evaluation in Japan.
Staff and Cast
Anime Production Details
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Cast | |
| Erufuda | Ayasa Ito |
| Naoyuki | Takaaki Ishii |
| Kuroeda | Reina Hasegawa |
| Oga | Ayaka Fukuhara |
| Staff | |
| Original Work | “Synecdoche” by Akita Shoten from Young Champion Comics / Original Planning by Shine Partners |
| Director | Toshikatsu Tokoro |
| Character Design | Katsuyuki Sato |
| Series Composition | Yuki Takahashi |
| Color Design | Yukiko Arihashi |
| Art Director | Shinobu Takahashi |
| Director of Photography | Yoshikazu Miyagawa |
| Editor | Keisuke Yanagi |
| Sound Director | Takayuki Yamaguchi |
| Music | Chel Watanabe |
| Animation Production | Elias |
Conclusion
What did you think?
In this blog post, I introduced the highly anticipated anime “Plus-Sized Elf,” scheduled to air in July 2024, approach.
With its unique characters, comical story, and themes that resonate with modern society, this work is sure to be a hit.
I can’t wait for it to start airing!
Let’s share our thoughts after watching the anime!
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