Situated somewhere between the realm of dreams and memories lies Hokkyoku Department Store, a truly special place catering to a fascinating clientele. Directed by Yoshimi Itazu and based on Tsuchika Nishimura’s manga, the anime adaptation of The Concierge introduces us to this whimsical world. Here, extinct creatures from the past roam the halls as honored customers, their every need attended to by the diligent staff.
We meet Akino, a new concierge just starting her duties at Hokkyoku. Having stumbled upon the store as a child, she now aims to showcase the same level of care and enthusiasm as those who helped her. But each animal brings its own unique requests, and Akino must rely on resourcefulness and rapport to succeed. From securing discontinued fragrances to planning once-in-a-lifetime proposals, no task is too big or small for this concierge-in-training.
Under the watchful eye of her no-nonsense manager, Todo, Akino navigates clients that are both pleasant and persistently problematic. In just seventy-seven minutes, The Concierge invites us into a place where customer service is an art form and even the loveliest of illusions conceal hard truths. But for now, let’s enjoy the wonders within Hokkyoku’s welcoming walls alongside Akino and her extraordinary menagerie of patrons.
Meet the Menagerie at Hokkyoku Department Store
Stepping into the illustrious halls of Hokkyoku Department Store, one encounters an eclectic cast of characters, both human and animal. At the center is Akino, our earnest yet accident-prone concierge. Starting her first day on the job, she aims to aid each customer with the utmost care. But this new position places her under constant scrutiny, especially from the watchful eye of manager Todo. With his bolting appearance and severe remarks, he ensures Akino learns quickly—or else.
Offering support and smiles is Eruru the store president. Though petite in size, his leadership helps steer the shop smoothly. But don’t call this great auk a penguin! He takes pride in gliding across the smooth floors, a wink to his species’ past. Alongside respected colleagues like Chef Noppo, Eruru fosters a welcoming environment for all.
Indeed, no client goes wanting for assistance in this establishment. An array of extinct creatures wander these halls seeking goods or companionship, from a lone Japanese wolf to a film star seal. Each brings unique personalities and histories, whether playful or privately poignant. A father searches for his daughter’s approval, while a devoted couple hopes to cement their bond. Through it all, Akino strives to provide ideal solutions from the concierge’s vast repertoire.
Behind these vibrant roles lie renowned vocals, with legends of stage and screen lending their talents. But who voices whom remains a delightful mystery; the true identities are unknown even to English speakers. Their combined efforts imbue this menagerie with heart, ensuring each character, however brief a moment, comes to a memorable life.
So whether scurrying staffer or distinguished customer, the denizens of Hokkyoku Department Store hold surprises around every aisle. Their intersecting realities make each visit a discovery, as Akino juggles personal touches with professional polish.
A Menagerie Brought to Life
The animals of Hokkyoku Department Store come alive through The Concierge’s captivating animation. Director Yoshimi Itazu carries over a stylistic influence from past projects but elevates the visuals in new ways. Character designs remain delightfully simple on the surface yet hide layers of personality. And the store itself practically pops off the screen, its intricate backgrounds overflowing with visual riches.
Itazu draws from his background in expressive comedy shorts. Just as with pigtails, characters take exaggerated forms that heighten humor. Akino’s box-like shoes and scraggly manager, Todo, elicit easy grins. But non-human clients find vivid life too, whether a dignified wolf or a playful seal family. Subtle nuances, from slumped shoulders to wagging tails, breathe soul into each.
Movement truly brings the menagerie to life. Fluid motions capture characters’ unique natures, be it a penguin’s gliding gait or a monkey’s limber acrobatics. Akino herself conveys a wealth of frazzled emotion in her frantic rescues. Even static scenes engage through composition. Foreground and background layers showcase the store’s grandeur, while symmetrical shots lend a calming sense of order.
Perhaps most stunning are the sumptuous environments. Polished floors and ornate signage pull you into this fanciful world. Wrinkled textures and pastel tones lend a cozy air throughout. Backgrounds pack fine details that could be missed in a blink. One spotting a new flourish with each rewatch. The spectacular whole transports viewers, letting imaginations wander endless aisles.
Under Itazu’s visionary direction, simple designs took on heart and history. Animation breathes souls into each character, human or animal. Thanks to mastery across forms, The Concierge brings its menagerie to vivid life for all to enjoy.
Life at the Department Store
Stepping into Hokkyoku, you’ll find more than quality goods; there’s constant comedy too. Between zany customers and Akino’s rough start, laughs are guaranteed. It’s clear from the get-go that this won’t be your standard store experience.
Case in point: one otter seeks a discontinued scent to remind him of past love. Akino insists she’ll find it, raising the stakes. Then there’s the peacocks, ruffled when our heroine just breathes near them. Their elaborate displays elicit chuckles as Akino worries about what else she might offend.
Of course, her missteps are hilarious. Watching this newbie concierge clash with the space reminds us all of early job mishaps. She barrels through halls with the grace of a baby deer, toppling customers and managers alike. But as in life, even the meekest rebound, winning favor with earnest effort.
That manager, though—Todo takes strictness to new levels. Popping from the decor like a twisted jack-in-the-box, he hounds poor Akino at a moment’s notice. His jagged features perfectly suit rigid rules and foul moods. It’s absurd to see him spring from potted plants, yet his frequent critiques induce rolling eyes or grins.
Interactions between humans and beasts bring gentle absurdity too. A penguin president demands no “penguin” label, sliding joyously on polished floors like his natural ice. Meanwhile, a lost wolf notes his kind’s disappearance with quiet dignity. These glimpses into mystical minds add whimsy and wonder to everyday events.
Life inside Hokkyoku overflows with surprises, both silly and poignant. Even challenges lift our spirits, thanks to the humor curated here. So grab a trolley and stroll this magical department; you’re sure to find entertainment around every corner, and maybe a new furry friend too.
Perspectives on our World
Woven into this tale of assistance is also commentary on our own world. See, almost every client hails from species long vanished—victims of humanity’s destructive path. From mighty wolves to now-fabled great auks, their fleeting remarks stir reflection.
As Akino helps each unique patron, her pride in service grows. Yet encounters also reveal deeper meanings. One wolf’s lonely cry reminds us that disappearance need not be a distant fiction. Another customer’s demands make our rookie realize some problems extend beyond her control. Through her experiences, Akino’s idealism takes shape and reveals hard truths beneath fantastical storefronts.
This bright fantasy simultaneously offers a stark, sobering mirror. The establishment housed not animals alone, but remnants of entire worlds dismantled. Every patron represented not just individual lives but families and traditions lost to our unchecked ways. Their fleeting forms lent the proceedings a hue of bittersweetness—joyous yet tinged with the pain of what once was and may never be again.
With deftness and care, the film transforms this notion into its thesis. Relating extinction’s universal ties, from decimated species to our planet’s fading wonders. Yet for all its didactic tones, it avoids preachy missteps. Rather, it extends thoughtful lament and hope that we might view Earth’s residents, humans and creatures alike, as interconnected parts of a greater whole.
So alongside whimsy and comedy, deeper perspectives emerge. On consumption’s impacts and ensuring all voices find care. Its closing message is poignant: that in better understanding our shared world, perhaps its beauty may yet endure.
Flitting Between Customers
This film follows a unique structure, flitting between vignettes focusing on various customers in the Concierge department store. While there isn’t a strong overarching plot, this approach allows the story to creatively explore Akino’s work in service.
Through each short scene, we see a different animal visitor, whether seeking gifts, connection, or help overcoming loss. Akino endeavors to meet their diverse needs, encountering amusing dilemmas that highlight the realities of customer service. From tactfully resolving disputes to tracking down obscure items, she strives to ensure satisfaction.
This back-and-forth lets viewers experience Akino’s job through a range of lively scenarios. Rather than relying on a drawn-out narrative, it keeps scenes nimble while imparting relatable lessons. As concierge, she wears many hats, and we share in her fast-paced challenges.
Impressively, the 70-minute runtime feels brisk rather than short. Clever pacing allows plenty of character moments without lingering too long on any one issue. It gallops between tales at a watchable clip, keeping engagement high all the while.
Though light in plot, this structure effectively showcases the multifaceted nature of Akino’s work. In under an hour and a half, we gain meaningful insight, delivered with humor and heart. Both entertaining and thoughtful, The Concierge makes the most of its brief span.
Final Impressions
All told, The Concierge delivers an enjoyable time. While following Akino’s adventures, it explores the ins and outs of customer service through whimsical shorts. From iffy deals to endearing moments, you get a taste of it all.
Breezing at a crisp hour and a-half, there’s never a dull moment. Clever cuts keep things zipping along as our heroine dashes between clients. Subtle stylistic choices additionally give each character personality. Yet for all the hustle, the film finds room for hearty laughs and scenes that give pause.
Don’t go expecting high stakes; this film isn’t about that. Rather, it shines light on everyday bits we may overlook, like bringing joy to others. Akino faces frustrations recognizable to many workers with sincerity that’s inspiring. Her efforts, however fumbled, stem from care and community spirit.
When realities about extinction softly emerge, an additional layer of poignance is felt. But the mood stays bright, never dwelling in darkness. Even so, you leave thinking about connections between mankind and nature.
All in all, The Concierge is as pleasant an afternoon as its store patrons enjoy. Full of heart and craft, it proves that sometimes light is what we need most. For an entertaining glimpse of service with soul, give it a viewing; I think you’ll become fond of Akino and her world.
The Review
The Concierge
The Concierge proves that sometimes the simplest stories can have the most resonance. With charm and flashes of wit, it brings viewers into a vibrant world enriched by the rapport between staff and customers. Akino's journey captures both the triumphs and hardships of her work with sincerity, imparting quiet lessons about compassion through her perseverance. Technically superb with a lively spirit, this film is a joyful watch that leaves lasting impressions long after through its blend of whimsy and wisdom.
PROS
- Charming characters and visual style
- Fun exploration of customer service themes
- Heartwarming story about helping others
- Subtle messages about conservation and humanity's impact
- The breezy 70-minute runtime keeps it engaging.
CONS
- The plot takes secondary focus to vignettes.
- There is not much depth or complexity to the story
- Targeted at younger audiences
