Zou no Senaka: Tabidatsu Hi

象の背中 -旅立つ日- / The Day I Depart
Zou no Senaka: Tabidatsu Hi
Genres: Drama, Seinen, Slice of Life
Demographics: Seinen
Producers: Pony Canyon
Rating: 6.02 / 10
Rank: #10064
Popularity: #15750
Users Listed: 737
Users Scored: 317
NSFW: No
Last Updated: 01/04/2022
Aired: October 26, 2007 (Fall)
Type: ova
Source: novel
Age Rating: G
Episodes: 2

Synopsis:

This series explores the quiet dignity of facing mortality through the lens of a man diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, given a prognosis of approximately six months. The narrative centers on his final period of life – a journey of introspection and acceptance as he navigates his remaining time. Rather than grand spectacle, the story focuses on intimate moments: relationships, regrets, and the choices made when confronting the inevitable.

Set against a subtly observed backdrop, the anime examines themes of legacy, connection, and what it truly means to live fully in the face of death. It’s a character-driven exploration, prioritizing emotional resonance over plot-driven action. The work invites reflection on the universal experience of impermanence and the unique ways individuals confront their own endings, drawing unexpected parallels with the natural world.

Staff:

  • Akimoto, Yasushi (Producer, Original Creator, Screenplay)
  • Shiroi, Aya (Animation Director, Character Design)

External Links:

Related Anime/Manga:

  • Zoku Zou no Senaka: Baton Touch (anime - Sequel)