URVAN
URVAN, a collaboration between Toei Animation and Nagasaki International University, immerses viewers in a cyberpunk-infused tale set in the vibrant city of Sasebo, nestled within Nagasaki prefecture. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Avestan term 'urvan (spirit)' dating back to the seventh century B.C., the anime sheds light on the cultural significance of 'Obon' or 'Urabone' in Japanese tradition, a solemn ritual honoring ancestral spirits during August. Transporting audiences to Sasebo-city, Nagasaki, this series weaves a spellbinding narrative blending mysticism with cyberpunk aesthetics, revolving around the essence of Obon—where the realms of the extraordinary and the mundane converge. As the narrative unfolds, the ordinary landscapes of Sasebo undergo a cyberpunk metamorphosis, serving as the backdrop for the enigmatic journey of a mysterious duo navigating this surreal urban landscape.