Are you familiar with cyberpunk? It’s highly likely you are, given it’s 2024 and numerous films and video games in this genre have been released. Moreover, four years ago, the hype around Cyberpunk 2077 was inescapable. However, are you aware of the seminal works that established the genre and directed its evolution?
While many can easily cite popular titles like Ghost in the Shell, Akira, and Blade Runner due to their significant fanbases and widespread recognition, there exists a lesser-known work that was pivotal in shaping the genre and is certainly deserving of notice.
We’re discussing the anime Cyber City Oedo 808 by Yoshiaki Kawajiri. Released in VHS format, it comprises only three episodes, each about 40 minutes long. Each episode focuses on one of the three main characters and, while they are not directly connected, none falls short in quality.
Initially, we only had access to the first episode, “Virtual Death,” and for a considerable time, believed it to be the sole installment. Doubts arose upon revisiting the intro, which contained scenes not present in the first episode, but the lack of information at the time left us in the dark. It was only much later, with the internet becoming widely accessible and after encountering titles like Ghost in the Shell and Akira, that we discovered on YouTube the existence of two additional episodes of Cyber City Oedo 808.
The episodes, including the first one, were watched with great pleasure, and left After watching, purely positive emotions. The only thing is that there is not much of me confused is that, judging by the fragments of memory, in the first episode there were Another soundtrack. But we will return to this point a little later. And now I would like to pay attention to the plot, which is definitely worth this attention.
Cyber City Oedo 808 is set in a futuristic city built on the site of what was once Tokyo. The city’s name, Oedo, is not merely a title; it harkens back to the ancient name for Tokyo itself.
From the opening moments of the first episode, it’s clear that we are presented with a dark and serious piece, fully justifying its place in the cyberpunk genre. The setting of an Orbital Prison, the three most dangerous criminals, and a bargain with the police… Such plot elements will become common in future movies and anime (with a notable recent example being the excellent ‘Psycho Pass’, also highly recommended), but ‘Cyber City Oedo 808’ was among the pioneers of this backdrop.
The characters are distinctly different in both looks and personality, sharing only their significant legal troubles, which ultimately lead them to enlist in the police service. As part of the deal, their assistance results in reduced prison sentences.
Considering that each member of the trio is serving multiple life sentences, their future seems bleak. They face a stark choice: endure endless monotony in an orbital prison, or embrace the thrill and danger of performing police duties under Chief Hasegawa’s command.
Should one of the heroes choose to demobilize prematurely, each has been fitted with an adorable yet explosive collar that can be detonated remotely. If a sly cyberprisoner attempts to remove their collar, their fate will be equally grim, a scene that will be depicted in an episode. This echoes the “motivational” system used by the infamous Suicide Squad, where explosives were implanted directly into their necks—equally effective and more economical, ensuring no state resources are wasted on equipment for criminals.
Among the secondary characters, the notable chef Juzo Hasegawa and his assistant Kyoko Jonouchi frequently appear alongside the robot Varsus. The chief of the cyber police is a stern yet just man who can decisively impact the fate of each character if things deviate from his plan. His assistant endeavors to maintain a more amicable rapport with the crew, providing essential information for various missions. Varsus serves as Sengoku’s partner, gathering vital information as tasks progress. Interestingly, such an observer is assigned solely to the most violent hero, who also bears the longest sentence among the others.
The anime boasts not only intriguing characters but also meticulously crafted locations, replete with attention to minute details. Vehicles, robots, and mechanisms are all portrayed with a commendable level of realism, eschewing any oversimplification. When a character hauls a heavy metal beam, the resulting groove in the ground is visible. Injuries are likewise reflected in their appearance. These satisfying details enrich the viewing experience, many of which may initially go unnoticed as they seamlessly blend into the narrative.
While watching Cyber City Oedo 808, I was struck by the sense that this anime has inspired many subsequent works, serving as a muse from which certain elements were derived. Hideo Kojima, in a tweet about the anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, fondly recalled Cyber City Oedo 808, remarking that Studio Trigger’s creation evokes memories of Kawajiri’s legendary work.
Does Cyber City Oedo 808 withstand the test of time? In 2024, as this VHS series turns 34 years old, we can confidently affirm that it does. The last time we viewed it was last year, and it still holds up well against modern entries in the genre.
In July 2022, there was even more reason to revisit it – a remastered Blu-ray edition was released, offering the highest quality visuals. The only downside to this release is the altered audio track, which had its profanity removed and some tracks replaced. While the lack of profanity isn’t too critical and is understandable (though it does add a certain flavor that is quite fitting here), the rationale behind the music replacement is baffling. Just consider the music in the final battle of the first episode. However, this won’t deter another viewing, especially in HD quality. Absolutely not.
The term “Cyberpunk” was first coined by American writer Bruce Bethke in the title of his story, which was published in the November 1983 issue of Amazing Stories.
A little entertainment information.
OEDO stands for Oriental Electric Darwinism Oasis, signifying “a region experiencing an electronic evolution centered on the corporate East,” and 808 refers to the administrative districts established over Tokyo.
The iconic phrase “KILL YOU” from the first episode serves as an homage in the video game Ruiner. The creators at Reikon Games have acknowledged their inspiration from Kawajiri’s work.
