8.9/10
Takopi’s Original Sin (Japanese: タコピーの原罪, Takopī no Genzai) is a Japanese web manga series written and illustrated by Taizan 5. It ran on Shōnen Jump+ from December 2021 to March 2022 and was collected in two volumes. Despite its short run, the manga quickly became a cultural phenomenon for its raw portrayal of childhood trauma, abuse, and moral complexity wrapped in a tragic sci-fi framework.
In 2025, the series was adapted into a six-episode ONA (original net animation) by Enishiya and TBS Television, streaming globally on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Crunchyroll. Its mix of cute alien mascot aesthetics with deeply disturbing human themes has made Takopi’s Original Sin one of the most unique and haunting works in modern manga and anime.
Takopi’s Original Sin – Official Trailer
What is Takopi’s Original Sin About?
The story begins when Takopi, an octopus-like alien from the Happy Planet, crash-lands on Earth. Its sole mission is to spread happiness using “Happy Gadgets.” Unfortunately, Takopi encounters Shizuka Kuze, a 9-year-old girl who is bullied at school and neglected at home. Takopi’s attempts to help Shizuka end in tragedy when she commits suicide using one of its gadgets. Horrified, Takopi rewinds time to save her, but its interventions spiral into murder, cover-ups, and moral collapse.
The series explores how trauma, abuse, and neglect shape children’s lives. Beneath the sci-fi premise lies a raw look at generational pain, broken families, and the desperate search for love and acceptance.
Is Takopi’s Original Sin Worth Reading/Watching?
Yes — but with caution. Takopi’s Original Sin is not a light read/watch. It is brutal, emotional, and deeply unsettling.
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For Readers: The manga is tightly written in just 16 chapters, making it a short but unforgettable experience.
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For Viewers: The 2025 ONA faithfully adapts the manga while enhancing its intensity through haunting visuals and music.
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Why It Stands Out: The contrast between Takopi’s innocent goal of spreading happiness and the grim reality of children trapped in cycles of abuse creates a uniquely heartbreaking story.
If you are looking for emotional impact and psychological depth, this is a must-read/watch. If you are sensitive to depictions of child abuse, suicide, and violence, proceed with care.
Why Should I Read/Watch Takopi’s Original Sin?
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It’s one of the most powerful short manga ever published, proving a story doesn’t need dozens of volumes to leave a mark.
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It examines childhood trauma and systemic neglect with painful honesty.
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It uses sci-fi elements (time travel, alien gadgets) as metaphors for guilt, responsibility, and the limits of “quick fixes” to human suffering.
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The ONA’s animation and music add further emotional weight to the already heavy narrative.
Characters
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Takopi (Nueinukf): An alien from the Happy Planet. Naïve and well-meaning, but its actions lead to devastating consequences.
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Shizuka Kuze: A bullied girl who suffers abuse at home. Her desperation pushes her into dark choices.
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Marina Kirarazaka: Shizuka’s bully, later revealed to be a victim of abuse herself, twisted by her mother’s cruelty.
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Naoki Azuma: A classmate caught in the spiral of lies and guilt, pressured by family expectations.
Manga and Anime Order
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Manga:
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Published December 10, 2021 – March 25, 2022
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Collected into 2 volumes / 16 chapters
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Official English release by Viz Media (2023)
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Anime (ONA):
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Released June 28 – August 2, 2025
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6 episodes streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and Ani-One Asia
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Opening: Happy Lucky Chappy by Ano
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Ending: Glass no Sen by Tele
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Reception
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Won the Excellence Prize at the 51st Japan Cartoonists Association Awards (2022).
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Ranked third in Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2023 list for male readers.
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Sold over 1.2 million copies in circulation by mid-2022.
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The ONA adaptation has been praised for capturing the manga’s disturbing atmosphere while reaching a broader global audience.
Takopi’s Original Sin FAQ
Q: Is Takopi’s Original Sin disturbing?
A: Yes. It deals with child abuse, suicide, murder, and psychological trauma. It is not intended for young or sensitive audiences.
Q: How long is the manga?
A: Only 16 chapters across 2 volumes, making it a short but impactful read.
Q: How faithful is the anime adaptation?
A: The 2025 ONA closely follows the manga, keeping its dark tone intact while adding atmospheric visuals and sound.
Q: What is Takopi’s “original sin”?
A: Takopi’s “sin” is bringing its Happy Gadgets to Earth, which leads to unintended deaths, suffering, and irreversible consequences despite its innocent intentions.
Q: Does the story have a happy ending?
A: Not in the traditional sense — the ending resets the timeline, giving the children a second chance, but Takopi sacrifices itself. It’s bittersweet rather than joyful.
Conclusion
Takopi’s Original Sin is a rare work of emotional devastation that lingers long after reading or watching. By mixing sci-fi innocence with raw human tragedy, Taizan 5 created a short but unforgettable series that continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
With its 2025 anime adaptation, the story has reached new audiences, cementing its place as one of the most hauntingly powerful works of the decade. For those prepared for a heavy, emotional experience, Takopi’s Original Sin is essential viewing and reading.
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