Clannad and Deus Ex Machina: The Truth Behind The Girl And The Robot

[@LilyPichu]

I love this! I always got irritated when people claimed the ending was too cheesy. This was a fantastic summary/interpretation, also brought back the feels. Thank you~

[@UnderTheScopeAnime]

+LilyPichu Thanks! That was the goal, so I'm glad it worked :)

[@Shizu_Kare]

+LilyPichu Omg LilyPichu!!

[@AmelliaKyusei]

+LilyPichu guess People just have to watch it again like two or three years later to come to a Conclusion that they where Wrong? like i just watched Angel Beats again and plan on doing the same with Clannad soon :3

[@vanivanilla8624]

o.0 Bruh .. Woah lol Mah fave youtuber watching clannad :) YAYAYA

[@mamasitas3566]

LilyPichu YEY PICHU SAMAAAA

[@anayaj6355]

the last episode of season 1 when they finish the drama, nagisa says something like "I remember how the story ends. the girl and the robot leave the sad and lonely world to the world were they belong and sing a song"

[@jA-jw5bg]

I just finished rewatching season 1 and noticed this incredible detail

[@shaizentertainment]

@@jA-jw5bg heyy then don't watch this video it contain spoiler🙄 watch every episode it may feel slow at some point but for sure you will love clannad ♥️ 10 on 10

[@jA-jw5bg]

@@shaizentertainment thanks for being so nice but I was watching it again, "rewatching" I've seen Clannad before so it wasn't a spoiler :)

[@shaizentertainment]

@@jA-jw5bg grtt ☺

[@ElAndres-Bv]

So we was spoiled and even didn't know it

[@0Mandalore]

I find it touching how Ushio creates robot Tomoya in the image of the first toy he gave her. The story is amazing in how it comes together. Great video.

[@UnderTheScopeAnime]

Yep, that's a wonderful touch you might miss. Perfectly fits her character too.

[@Natiform]

Holy shit, I didn't even realize this until you pointed it out. Thank you! That's a great way of putting it

[@keegor4429]

Same here!!

[@nyxia3501]

0Mandalore holy shit again MIND FUCK

[@Madtroll1209]

yeah the whole girl and robot arc didn't really resonate with me during the first season, I thought it was just some boring, pointless side story. But after watching after story, it all makes sense, can't believe it meant THAT much to the series.

[@cheez3158]

Everybody drop an F for the Nagisas parents in the main universe who’ve now lost their daughter, their grand daughter, and now their son in law... Feels bad Still loved this show though, I never know what to do with myself every time I finish it

[@Axel-is2sp]

Personally I think they would cease to exist. Remember the illusionary world shatters when Ushio's wish is granted. I have a feeling the world where nagisa and ushio both die dissapears when Tomoya traverses to the happy timeline.

[@Leseulmecsansnom]

@@Axel-is2sp disappear*

[@Axel-is2sp]

@@Leseulmecsansnom oof big boi correcting my spelling on a youtube comment instead of having anything meaningful to say.

[@matthew2281]

@Axel that would basically be time traveling in a way right?

[@Axel-is2sp]

@@matthew2281 I guess technically. Yes. I mean if you look at Stein's Gate's theory of time travel it says theirs multiple timelines running parallel to each other. Tomoya leaves the sad timeline to the happy one so in a way it is time travel I guess? It depends how you look at it and what you accept as "real time travel" I guess. It's a weird and confusing subject.

[@glonik10]

I always find myself returning to this video. Clannad truly is a masterpiece

[@abbywho4142]

glonik10 It truly is .. CLANNNAD is like the perfect example for an amazing anime..

[@glonik10]

Lil Allie Playz I also love Cannad because its not really mainstream, but a lot of people know it, but the people that sit through the whole thing really end up loving it

[@Ouchthathurt843]

It really is honestly, and it saddens me that there are people that call it overrated or worse; average. They also seem to have a particularly annoying taste in anime, they say it has to be overly complicated, dark and philosophical or perfect to be considered a masterpiece. For me, a masterpiece impacts me emotionally to the point of never forgetting it, regardless of how objectively "good" it is. Clannad isn't Ghost in the Shell, Akira or Lain, it's a simple story about appreciating love and family. I'm an emotional person and I treasure my loved ones more than anything, and plan on having a child of my own someday, so this show resonates with me.

[@kanishksharma1716]

@@Ouchthathurt843 don't get me wrong but even when I first watched clannad, I initially thought of it as overrated. I got bored to death but I sat through it hoping It'd get good. I finally started enjoying it somewhere in kotomi arc and oh boy! After story got me good from Sunohara's arc onwards and from thereon, it never went downhill. Clannad after story is in my top 5 and I think it will always be in my top 5

[@Amunny]

@@kanishksharma1716 I'm the opposite lol. When I first started Clannad I loved their high school life together but then after story felt a bit more boring because I didn't relate at all. Oh well.

[@themuslimman4874]

U guys ever think that the same thing happened to nagisa's father... Nagisa dies In his arms, he yells to the heavens, falls over and dies just to be brought into a different timeline. I think that nagisa's soul did the same as ushio's, created an illusionary world to grant her father his wish. Obviously he didn't tell anyone this story cause he didnt want to sound crazy... Interesting theory id say

[@themuslimman4874]

Plus tomoya and Akio are always told they have alot In common

[@carzybacon47]

and it explains why he was cool when Nagisa died. And when he reminded Tomoya about the wooded area and how he wished for her back to life.

[@elshadie9719]

@@carzybacon47 I always wondered why the father looked only a little bit sad while smoking his cig when nagisa was dead, so this honestly makes sense.

[@carzybacon47]

Nabiscö good luck on your healing process

[@vision4860]

Well now I wanna see *that* anime, where Akio was the protagonist, and how he got enough orbs of light to get his wish.

[@dowsann]

In conclusion, Clannad is a masterpiece.

[@flamingpenetrator3705]

Always has been, always will be.

[@ZeushyTV]

If you watch the opening song of Clannad right from the very first episode you will see Ushio running in the fields (which we all assumed was Nagisa but looking at her shadow, she doesn't have an antenna thing, she got her hairline from her dad) and Fuko seeing ushio sleeping under the tree. That alone should prove that the ending is not an asspull.

[@hyperfocusvisuals9506]

I know! Like the blurry bit in Clannad's first opening was basically foreshadowing the last episode of After Story which is enough evidence as it is xD Deffo not a rushed or nonsensical ending :3

[@ZeushyTV]

Yes, the gray-ish scene with Tomoya means that it's not set in stone what will happen next, it's the crossroads depending on what he will eventually decide based on his realization.

[@boswaki4]

DN Zeus Vidzz yeah i was reaaly fooled.too haha on the opening..i think really its nagisa..running

[@sakatagintoki6356]

For many ppl out there clannad is about crying sadness and romance. But for me, clannad is about miracle, family, and life itself. Its absolutely masterpiece. Thanks for this video. ❤

[@ryful_z3]

another bit of foreshadowing that you could have mentioned was the fact that one of the reasons Nagisa wanted to join the drama club was because she liked the idea of "Many people working to together, even for a short time, to make something amazing happen", and if you interpret the orbs as manifestations of everyone's efforts, then the miracle that happened with Nagisa closely aligns with that idea.

[@KevinNyaa]

Always glad to see another fellow fan argue against Clannad's ending being a 'copout'. I think people who call the ending a 'copout' didn't try and piece the puzzles together, mostly because they didn't care enough. Though, if those same people can interpret and make a definite meaning out of Evangelion's ending, they can definitely do it for this. I've always wanted to make my own but could never take the plunge, simply because some scenes would make me too emotional to do anything. Hell, I felt emotional at some parts of this video due to the scene and music choices alone... Amazing video nonetheless, great work!

[@UnderTheScopeAnime]

+Kevin Nyaa Thanks! I feel like some of the people who call it a copout didn't expect to have to think about it, but that's not the show's fault if that's the case. And trust me, I definitely got a bit emotional when I was rewatching episodes and gathering footage XD

[@Rargpoo]

+Under The Scope Reviews Think maybe you could do a similar video about the metaphoric "ghost" Banri from Golden Time? It's one of my favourite Romance anime, and people always seem to misunderstand the significance of "ghost" Banri's presence, which helps show the internal battle of the different personalities fighting for control. Really think it's one of the best Romance series, but people always just got turned away by their conclusion which, as soon as they see his older personality personified seperately to his current self, they call the show supernatural and just don't try from there for some reason...

[@TasX]

+Under The Scope Reviews can you review no game no life? I feel as if it's a pretty good anime, only lacking in some character development

[@fuziyambio4454]

it is a cop out because it cheaps and takes the value out of the ending, its as though they pussied out of pulling the trigger

[@Noboruu]

I noticed that my one friend that didn't understand the ending, is the one that is very immature. I told him that Clannad has one of the most touching stories in anime, despite that he answers that boku no hero academia has a more touching story (I was too close to punching him). He also didn't understand the story one bit thinking that it was all Tomoya's dream. On another note I have a friend that did understand the story but it didn't touch him as much as it did me, he is mature, but he doesn't have a girlfriend and he doesn't have any wish to form a family at this moment, he did feel the pain of the character, he just didn't feel the pain that I did because I saw myself in the same situation, both in the happy parts and in the sad parts.

[@marka112]

When you realise a smart anime was 10 stairs above your nose. Damn every word in the script has so much meaning. A "perfect" one indeed.

[@blackcrossunited666]

This made me appreciate the series more. Haha! I just noticed the attention to detail this anime has. It's quite mindblowing.

[@FierceCast]

Many many MANY congratulations, man! I REALLY felt bad when I saw someone saying that Clannad is an asspull, and I couldn't express myself well enough to convince people. And now I know about this video. THANK YOU! (oh, that and you made me take a feels trip to the past T_T

[@justgrace9039]

FierceCast Ditto

[@Areku2021]

LOL! I haven't gotten around to Clannad yet, and I got "An error occurred. Please try again later. Learn More" _immediately_ after your spoiler alarm. Message from the gods of anime? I think I'll go watch Clannad now, your video later.

[@gatewaytotheheart2652]

Good.

[@zenonix5710]

Bring some tisssues

[@aeriich]

OP Rosenberg what the actual-

[@aeriich]

OP Rosenberg have you watched clannad before

[@AidenLiquid]

how was clannad?

[@jessicahhh000-0]

I know I'm late to the party, but I recently re-watched Clannad with a friend and showed him this video so I didn't have to explain the ending myself. LOL thank you for putting what I couldn't in such a coherent and concise manner. You know what else is cool? At the end of every route in the Clannad visual novel, both romance and non-romance, Tomoya collects a light orb after helping to bring happiness to whoever's route he's in. For example, this could be through, say, helping Kyou accept/realize her feelings for him in Kyou's route, revealing to Misae the dream her cat showed him in Misae's route, or even after reconciling with his father (which isn't a route in itself, but still a moment of happiness). Keeping in mind the theory Kotomi presents regarding the existence of multiple timelines/other worlds, each route in which Tomoya collects a light orb is, in a sense, a different world that is still "canon" and necessary to the overarching story. Here's how I interpreted the plot (which BTW, I hope makes some sense). Many apologies for the incoming info/interpretation dump. I'm not too good at explaining things. :') The illusionary world exists no matter which route the player is in. It is not exclusive to Nagisa's route. Rather, it is an overarching existence that runs simultaneously to each route/world and is a key element to the entirety of Clannad's universe. This is because each light orb collected, regardless of the route's circumstances (i.e. romance with a girl that isn't Nagisa), is added to the light orb collection that the girl in the illusionary world/Ushio uses to make Tomoya's "After Story" wish come true: for him to be in a world where he, Nagisa, and Ushio can live happily ever after. Each Tomoya in each route/world may be "different", but they all play a part in making his future wish in Nagisa's route come true, even if he isn't aware of it. This is why you need to play the other routes to get the "After Story" route (which is dedicated to the relationship between Tomoya and Nagisa). The happy ending between Tomoya, Nagisa, and Ushio would literally not exist if each Tomoya in his respective timeline/route didn't get the good ending, and thus, receive a light orb because of it. Regardless of who your best girl is, the creators have heavily implied that Nagisa is Tomoya's soulmate. She isn't just the poster girl for the series. The happy ending between her, Ushio, and Tomoya is the literal culmination of the happiness Tomoya has brought to the people of their city in each route/parallel world, thanks to the light orbs. But of course, this isn't to discredit any of the other girls Tomoya can romance. As Ryou states, there are multiple futures/possibilities, and it's up to the player to decide which one they prefer for Tomoya. If they like the Tomoya who dates Tomoyo, or even the one who dates Yukine, then that's okay too. They're all "canon" in a way, because "After Story", which many consider to be the actual "canon" route+ending, cannot truly exist without having completed the other routes. Perhaps you can imagine each route is running parallel to each other, with Nagisa's in the middle, and the "hidden/illusionary world" circling/surrounding all of them. Or maybe you're on the side that believes Tomoya jumped to another world where Nagisa lives, rather than change the one he's already in by reverting her death. Perhaps you can imagine that each route will have multiple versions of itself with different endings, good and bad, that run parallel as their own separate worlds/timelines. Another possibility is that each ending, good and bad, is a divergence/split from the route its originally from (depending on your choices). Kind of like a fork in the road, with the road being the route and the "fork(s)" being the different endings (specific to that route). It's such a great use of the gameplay mechanics/dynamics of a visual novel by literally incorporating it into the main plot. Truly one of Key's best works. Never have I seen the concept of "routes" so brilliantly implemented, both subtlety breaking the fourth wall for visual novel players while still keeping it within the game's universe. KyoAni's anime adaptation is brilliant in it's own way too. The anime lacks the mechanics of a visual novel, but there are other ways to go about collecting the light orbs. Instead of animating each individual route on it's own, they were able to adapt certain routes, even romantic ones (i.e. Kotomi's, Fuko's, and Yukine's) so that they could involve everyone, including Nagisa, and make them a part of the one Nagisa timeline/world/route we are following. This way, Tomoya is still able to make these characters happy and then collect the necessary light orb for his future wish. This is also why the only two routes KyoAni couldn't adapt with simply "friendship" (because of the heavy romance), Tomoyo's and Kyou's, are OVAs labeled as "Another World: (insert girl's name) Chapter". This is more similar to the visual novel's structure of parallel worlds, and still allows for the girl in the illusionary world/Ushio (who we cannot see but still exists) to help Tomoya collect the light orb from them, while giving Tomoyo/Kyou fans some recognition (since they couldn't get their stories adapted into the anime's main world/timeline). A small detail you may notice in the anime is that the episode title cards (seen towards the beginning of each episode) showing orbs of light on the left side of the tree, which increase over time! The attention to detail this series has in all its adaptations is super neat. There aren't many others like it.

[@emanergza6383]

tl;dr but liked

[@Cantfindjade]

I really love your interpretation of this while also connecting the VN. You did a good job at explaining the both of them to where It was understandable even to a person who hasn’t played the VN, much like myself!~

[@choi-r7108]

"It's such a great use of the gameplay mechanics/dynamics of a visual novel by literally incorporating it into the main plot. Truly one of Key's best works. Never have I seen the concept of "routes" so brilliantly implemented, both subtlety breaking the fourth wall for visual novel players while still keeping it within the game's universe." At first, I also have this same thought, but I realized that Baldr Sky also implemented the same concept more explicitly (and I think Muv-Luv used this concept too). This made me realized the brilliancy of the writer to incorporate the medium's mechanics into his/her story.

[@tomaszolejek]

Personally I don't think that Tomoya's relationships with other girls than Nagisa were only in the sake of opening the After Story route. If so, I can literally call it an objectification. Tomoya wasn't teleported from other routes straight into the Nagisa's (After Story) route just after finishing another girl's route (in the VN), or even after finishing all of the "side" routes. He stayed with a particular girl even after obtaining the orb of light. We can see it clearly in Ryou's route (which is called: 'Our journey starts here'), in Yukine's route (in her side story we can see her dating with Tomoya), as well as in Tomoyo's (the whole spin-off). Not to mention the Kotomi's route beautiful epilogue.

[@Piromysl359]

Thank you so much for making this video! Now whenever someone shittalks that Clannad ending is an asspull I don't have to argue, but just paste link to this video.

[@XxMorningFrostxX]

Yes! I am tired of writing a paragraph or two to explain it to them

[@sompathak2943]

When Tomoya confronts his father, realizing he has become what he hated all his life, was very traumatic and real for me!

[@CrystalDragen]

How daRE you give me those feels! All I expected was a nice summary not the slow swelling of that sad yet triumphant music as you give a beautiful speech! I started crying! T.T

[@herrogamer2606]

Me tooooo...I started crying ...

[@_kriddle]

I was too busy crying to understand what was happening so this helps so much

[@Emre.55]

Anyone who calls Clannad's ending an asspull has clearly not paid any attention to the story. Throughout the whole series, they explain the orbs and the parallel world little by little and it all comes together brilliantly at the end. I'm usually not very good at putting little details together, but this ending still made sense to me even the first time I watched this masterpiece and it was one of the most satisfying endings I've ever watched. The only thing I didn't quite understand until this day were some details about the parallel world, but now that I've watched this video, there are no unanswered questions left and I appreciate this series even more than I already did. Thank you for that!

[@swissidol8403]

God, having just finished it and watching this video I can definitely say that it feels a lot better strung together than I initially thought. But I still feel cheated in a way; it could just be me, but can I really blame myself for not taking mental note of the floating orbs that magically appeared at the end of each arc and being able to piece together that they have literal impact on the main timeline of the anime? I can definitely appreciate the story in retrospect, but I just feel guilty about having to watch this video to truly piece together what just happened.

[@bastion8804]

​@@swissidol8403 Considering how much they emphasize it and the amount of time they allocate just for a close up on an orb or two, then yes. You can be blamed.

[@rubylillies867]

I was a kid watching this and crying almost every episode! Of course, I wouldn’t notice haha. I do now though as I got older :)

[@pie1o1morris46]

Thank you so much for making this! I love Clannad, but even I haven't looked this deep into it! I wish I could show this to everyone that says that Clannad had a bad ending.

[@Melodyofthesea78]

Why would anyone think a happy ending is bad? That's complete horse shit.

[@pie1o1morris46]

Melodyofthesea78 lol Some people prefer a story to be a bit more realistic. Romeo and Juliet didn't have a happy ending.

[@jonathanqi7606]

Jun Maeda and realism don't sit well together at all lol

[@shrimpgazing]

You're slowly becoming my favorite anime-related channel. Keep up the good work bro

[@youngkyunhyun9200]

+Weeaboo Destroyer I second that!

[@link6776]

Man I love how KyoAni's writings have a very deep meaning which could be interpreted in different ways. Not only does the writing work literally, but it also works figuratively, showing great philosophical values. And these writings have great power, with the ability to guide people, literally. If only I would've known about them at an earlier point in my life......

[@Recomification]

"If you think this has a happy ending, you have been paying attention..."

[@MuhdIzzatFarhan]

I actually glad Clannad has a happy ending after all those trains of emotions! What a masterpiece this anime is.

[@AntiObamaBot]

The host of anime America should watch this so they can stop calling the ending a asspull.

[@calcium2482]

My thought exactly

[@serenitymoon825]

Anime America pisses me off more than they entertain me

[@brucebanana4486]

She is terrible at analyzing anime.

[@hailgod1]

who?

[@pyroflare7774]

@@hailgod1 one of those manly looking womens :sick:

[@roryclayton1786]

A well argued and structured video managing to do what i've personally being struggling to do for a couple of years now. Taking the maelstrom of emotion which is the ending of clanad and eloquently and concisely explaining its beauty and why it works so well. I tip my hat to you sir, Bloody good job.

[@blatherskite268]

HOLY SHIT I HAD NEVER REALIZED HE HAD ALSO DIED! EVERYTHING FALLS INTO PLACE! This show is a masterpiece

[@Oktaykulu16]

that ending is definitely NOT an asspull. it has been shown that wishes come true I don't understand why someone would say that, it's pretty logical and the tomoyas wish coming true is connected to what has happened in the past (others wishes coming true)

[@RipleySawzen]

How does a girl coming back to life, a ghost, and a talking cat translate into time travel is possible?

[@Oktaykulu16]

it's not about all that, it's about that a man's wish can come true, it's not time travel it's his wish. if he would have entered into a machine to time travel then that's an ass pull. if you wish to time travel then that's legible. it's not about talking cats and ghosts, the concept that wishes can become true was a build up through out the whole anime. since the concept of wishes becoming true was a build up then it's not an ass pull.

[@RipleySawzen]

OK, so when his wife died he wasn't making that same wish 1,000 times stronger?

[@Oktaykulu16]

his daughters death and everything else piled up, think of it like this his wife died it was unbearable for him, then his daughter (which he hadn't seen in 5 years) died, it's like adding lemon juice mixed with salt on a wound, as if his wifes death wasn't enough he lost his one and only child (not to mention she looked exactly like her) too

[@RipleySawzen]

I mean, had he wished his wife not die to begin with, this was a very tiny wish. Now, 5 years later, he wishes she'd never died, but it's a wish thousands of times grander, if not millions or billions of times grander. It would require orders of magnitude more desire. It just doesn't work.

[@teacup4561]

I don't know why this video started triggering my boxed up clannad memories and I almost cried a few times even just looking at the characters or hearing dango daikazoku is enough to send me, jfc this show is really good

[@barrybathwater4877]

Lol. Boxed up Clannad memories.. and that music...👍😭😆

[@angbunii]

I watched this anime in high school and even to this day I tear up from the soundtrack. My gosh this was a stellar video.

[@pinkgamer6022]

me eyes are dry because of this anime I can't cry anymore because I have no tears anymore

[@katiehiles3905]

Best explanation/argument I've seen on the ending. Thanks!

[@kellyhe3012]

+Katie Hiles im not stating i was the first one to think this but a realized this was the thing clanned was going for, and the never solved question "Why do we live"?

[@theguy2227]

Man, you settled this ending in my heart. Though I could had accepted it emotionally, it still made sense logically to me: Nagisa dies, there begins Tomoya's trial. Is Ushio the baby only Nagisa wanted or Tomoya wants and loves her as Nagisa does. He proves it by standing beside her and dying with her. That final moment wrapped around and catalyzed all the happiness to resolve into miracle. But still it didn't make a lot of sense to me for some reason and I still had felt the weight of death and depression that this anime brought onto me. Thanks to you I finally felt the happiness of the ending. It would be harder to cope with the show, but you did the thing. Thanks, dude))

[@ゆきちゃん-q9u]

I hope those who commented on this video are all alive😭This anime made me realize how precious life is n we will all die one day so we must love one another while we're with them.😭

[@Polo-rp9hk]

I haven’t seen this show in 8 years and this video brought all those memories back and now I’m in tears

[@Polo-rp9hk]

Literally sobbing right now oh my

[@mysticx3049]

rewatch it

[@tengenforger4944]

Excellent video man. I've always loved the ending to Clannad and it's message of never regretting what has gotten you to this point. Now when I see someone try to trash it I'll just link them to this video. Thanks.

[@tuiskuroininen9196]

I personally like to think that Tomoya went back in time, since it is a happier way of thinking about it than thinking he went to a parallel universe. If he went back in time, those Nagisa and Ushio that he meets would still be HIS Nagisa and Ushio. If he just traveled to a parallel universe, they would just be the Nagisa and Ushio of that particular universe, not HIS Nagisa and Ushio. They would still actually be dead. This is the reason that the theory of him just switching worlds is a lot more deppressing.

[@essentiallyitsamy]

But it is more interesting the way it was in the anime. If it was just going back intime, than almost the whole plot of the other world things would have to be changed, basically a whole new anime.

[@cmakku35]

The solution of Clannad's Happy Ending (and the idea that Nagisa and Ushio were actually brought back to life) does not lie in the multiverse, but in time travel. And this is one of the keys to the answer to your question, which is that they *are* his Nagisa and Ushio, i.e. the ones from the Prime timeline covered by the canon portions of the Clannad anime prior to Episode 22 of the After Story. The multiverse, in terms of the anime, only clearly factors into the OVAs. These are the alternate timelines that *could* have happened (and if one believes in the multiverse, *did* happen) but they are not the Prime timeline. And, if one considers the subject carefully, I believe that they cannot be the solution to Tomoya's tragedy. So, why not? The common understanding of the multiverse theory is that, anytime a universe can take two or more paths, the universe splits and daughter universes get created, one for each of the available paths. However, this means that all the universes within the multiverse, including those where Nagisa and Ushio survived, would be running *concurrent* with the Prime universe's timeline (the tragic one). So if Tomoya were sent to another branch where Nagisa survived, it wouldn't be in the *past* of that timeline, but would instead be the *present* of that other timeline. So time travel *has* to factor in. Additionally, if Tomoya were sent to another universe, he would have to be switched with his counterpart, or otherwise he would have encountered a happier version of himself there as well as Nagisa and Ushio. While some have advanced this theory, others have commented that it seems very unlikely that a benevolent force (the town/Ushio) with the power to move people between worlds would do such a thing. Again, as I mentioned above, moving between concurrently operating universes isn't enough; time travel is a necessary component. And not only is it a necessary component, but it is the ONLY necessary component for a solution (besides healing Nagisa, which the town clearly had the power to do). So why would the town/Ushio do that? The simplest explanation is that it/she wouldn't do something that was both unnecessary and harmful. Now, you could argue that an entirely new universe divorced from the timelines of the rest of the multiverse might have been created, i.e. one that does not run concurrent with the rest of the multiverse. In that respect, it would be a bit like the Illusionary World, which existed before it was created, essentially outside the normal timeline. However, in that scenario, the entire universe would essentially a simulacrum, a copy of the Prime timeline world as it existed when Nagisa died--this idea is not as satisfying because again, these would not be *his* Nagisa and Ushio. However, there are various clues that these are not mere copies but are the same people. The epilogue portion of Episode 22 of After Story shows that Fuko Ibuki recognizes the scent of Ushio even though she hadn't met her yet at that point in the Happy Ending timeline. Fuko too retains some memories of the old timeline, and the entire interaction strongly implies that Happy Ending timeline Fuko and Ushio are Prime timeline Fuko and Ushio. Some people think that Prime timeline Ushio (who became/was the Girl in the illusionary World) had to remain in the Illusionary World indefinitely, and thus cannot be Happy Ending Ushio. I think this is based on a misunderstanding of the dialogue between the Girl and the robot. The Girl says that they cannot leave together and that if she leaves the world will end (because she *is* the world), which some take to mean she 1) would stay there forever, and 2) therefore couldn't be Happy Ending Ushio. However, the Girl didn't say she could never leave, just that she couldn't leave while the light orbs needed to be taken care of. That didn't occur until after she sent her father back to the hill to make his decision regarding meeting Nagisa again. This decision point was a necessary part to have a genuine wish (and, I might add, features a Nagisa that remembers the Prime timeline's tragedies--further evidence that this didn't involve an alternative universe). Once Tomoya made his decision, Ushio was then able to take/accompany him (her dialogue during the following scene says "Can I take you...?" not "Can I send you...?") back to the moment of her birth, Nagisa was healed, Ushio herself was born, as the light orbs were released from the Illusionary World into the real world (as Tomoya could see out the window in the first Happy Ending scene). At that point, with Tomoya's wish fulfilled, there was no longer a need for the Illusionary World to exist (which had only been created by Ushio to collect the light orbs for Tomoya's wish). The aforementioned scene with Fuko in the epilogue contains other clues that the Girl in the Illusionary World really is the Ushio of the happy ending. As Fuko is approaching Ushio, Fuko momentarily perceives her to be the Girl in the Illusionary World (slightly older, longer hair, white dress) before seeing that she is the younger five-year old Ushio. This is a sign that she is the same person. Thus, since Happy Ending timeline Ushio is the Girl, and the Girl was Prime timeline Ushio, this means that Happy Ending Ushio is Prime timeline Ushio (i.e. Tomoya's real Ushio). Laying aside this analysis, the time travel solution is the simplest and most elegant solution (think Occam's razor). It also is most appropriate considering the mood of the ending. The Tomoya of the Happy Ending is not a man who has been tricked into thinking his poor dead wife and child have been brought back to life, when the bitter reality is they are still dead and he has merely been consoled with copies (either from another universe or ex nihilo). That idea is as as cynical and misguided as the "Tomoya went insane once Ushio died and imagined that his family had been returned to him" theory. No, they *were* actually saved, and their memories of the trauma mercifully obscured by the same force that brought them back. Tomoya still remembered it all, much like Akio still remembers the death and resurrection of young Nagisa, because it was an important part of his growth and because it made their resurrection all the more sweet. If they actually hadn't brought back, it would be a lie and would serve no purpose. So enjoy all the warmth and good feeling that comes from knowing that Tomoya was able to be with his real wife and child, and even if they didn't remember everything that happened during those traumatic five years, they were still the same people.

[@Thompsongs]

@@cmakku35 that makes total sense to me, especially when you consider that the show never hints at a "Happy Timeline" version of Tomoya also being out there (as you touched on). From what I've seen, it doesn't make sense to have a theory of Prime Tomoya and Happy Timeline Tomoya switching places. The going-back-and-living-a-much-happier-life idea makes more sense, as you brilliantly laid out.

[@SemiColin234]

@@cmakku35 Interesting analysis

[@XDogeGamingX]

I know I'm three years late, but I think it'd also be very sad to think about Nagisa's parents having to deal with losing both Tomoya and Ushio. I'd rather not think that, so I just stick with the idea of time being reversed

[@yuefei8711]

I think the cause of Nagisa's illness is when she went outside in the snow to wait for her parents, who cared little about her back in the day... But when Akio made his wish to save his daughter who was half dead, I guess the wish was to bring her back to life and not save her from the illness, and therefore Nagisa was never cured, since the wishgranter can only grant literally what was specified, in that case bringing Nagisa back to life, hence her condition remains dormant until winter comes, the original cause of her desease...

[@blackricw6495]

And she gave birth in winter hence she dies giving birth and the illness is marked on her soul so that ushio will have it. Tbh I think nagisa died in akios arm like how tomoya had ushio in his arms. Then akios brings her back to live. That's my theory

[@ClanDarkassasins]

This anime was a master piece, I pretty much already had a full understanding of it but thank you for explaining it even farther for me. I've watched this anime 3 times all the way and don't regret a minute of it. Very creative story, loving characters, relates to real life events, makes you feel emotions you would never think a show could do.

[@ミクだよー]

The whole timeline thing really makes sense with the steins gate logic

[@tommyc5675]

Just finished All of Clannad…Jesus Christ this anime is amazing. Watching this video has made me full out cry 😭

[@MrOrazze]

That was an amazing explanation, thank you very much. This anime was amazing and I really wanted to understand it and this really helped. Thank you very much

[@legodudelol9a]

I had already known pretty much all of what you had said, but I needed to hear it again. Thanks for making this video.

[@Angelofthursday99]

Thank you so much for recognizing the fact that there is magic and supernatural stuff in CLANNAD, because so many people ignore that part of the series, then claim that the ending is 'bullshit' and that it's 'a magic fixed everything ending' that doesn't belong in a slice of life anime. One even said that they disliked CLANNAD, but liked After Story, and that the ending ruined it, because "magic has no place in a slice of life love story". I mean I've spoken to people who strait up deny the fact that magic happened in CLANNAD at all, and stubbornly refuse to believe it when I say it's a fantasy/supernatural anime. Even when I bring up the fact that the soul of a comatose patient walked around and interacted with people for an entire story arc. I appreciate you because you acknowledge the fact that magic happened the whole series, and it was part of the story, part of the world the story was set in, and that the ending wasn't a throw away ending that ruined the series. So, thank you so much for this video.

[@sakesend]

As someone who isn't a great fan of Clannad's ending, I felt this was a very well-constructed video and brings to light a lot of really, really interesting details about the series, and how it outlines the elements of the show that go on to play a part in the finale. It's been a long time since I watched Clannad, so I can't remember how many of the subtle aspects of the show escaped me at the time, and how many I recognised. I think I knew enough that I've never believed the ending was a complete 'asspull,' but your reasoned explanations have removed any doubt from my mind. You've also addressed one of the key problems I had with it for a long time which Steins;Gate helped me place. [Steins;Gate spoilers] After completing Steins;Gate it was very obvious how Okabe's journey, everything he went through, his growth as a character over all the arcs was completely essential for him to save Kurisu. From a storytelling aspect it felt like it justified the entire series. [Spoilers over] After Story, however, was much less clear in this regard and it felt like Tomoya's growth, everything he learned in the time after Nagisa's death and everything he went through with Ushio - one of the most powerful and emotional arcs I've seen in any anime - ended up lacking any significant contribution to the events that unfolded after. Pointing out that reconnecting with his father and the growth he underwent to get there is what created the final orb of happiness though, definitely makes me rethink my opinion in that regard! ^^ That said.. Despite the explanation, I can't help but feel it still doesn't sit right with me. I can't really reason why though. Sat here at 2:15am, listening to music from the series, trying to put words to my feelings and not really managing it ^^; I guess chalk it up simply to a difference of opinion. I think the second 'alternate ending' you suggested - where Ushio doesn't die, and Tomoya goes on to raise her after reconciling with her - simply works with my tastes more, where a character can grow after experiencing tragedy but look toward a brighter future, influenced and learning from their past, never truly forgetting it. But that's just me ^^; I'd also personally argue that the emphasis of the importance and bonds of family isn't any less here, but again that's just how I see it. The theme of children being the culmination of the wishes and hopes of their parents, though, I concede is better represented in the actual ending. Overall though.. you'll probably never read this comment on a 5-month old video, but just on the off chance I want to say thanks! ^^ As I really enjoyed this video and look forward to getting to watch Clannad again all the more as a result of it, to see what other small details I missed however many years ago. It's a series I've wanted to go back to for quite some time because despite my feelings about the end I do genuinely love it.

[@Asbjornen]

> you'll probably never read this comment on a 5-month old video, but just on the off chance I want to say thanks! ^^ How about an answer to a 2-year-old comment? I just wanted to say that I feel exactly the same as you described your entire comment, and that it helped me evaluate and articulate how I feel, so thank you!

[@Drazooma]

Thank you for helping me find closure and understanding with some of the more complex scenes in this wonderful series.

[@xyrialight0046]

Dude you are a legend. Now I can share this video with my friends that hated Clannad because of the of the ending. Screw you haters, clannad's ending is by no means an asspull. Just because you don't understand the ending doesn't mean that it is an asspull

[@essentiallyitsamy]

Exactly

[@cheesygonecrazy5639]

I can not put into words how much better this video make clannad for me, THANK YOU

[@aleks19971997]

Im always baffled by people that say that an ending to an anime is stupid/asspul when they dont understand some of the major subtle parts in it. Its not only in clannad, it happens all the time in many other animes. As always your video was great and well designed(im also happy to see how far your channel grew). Keep up the good work ;)

[@buckwade1402]

+‫אלכס מור‬‎ That's why I think that before a group of us gather to crtique something, we should've watched/read it twice, first time casually, 2nd time paying attention to everything.

[@Reydriel]

It's almost as if they'd rather it be spoonfed to them. I think that mentality is quite cancerous in any medium of storytelling.

[@hola979]

yeah this clearly wasnt an asspull since it was hinted from the start

[@dyvine100]

i agree completely with you nowadays i try to watch an anime closely to find those small details that incorporate important themes for the viewer to comprehend i was close to getting it in clannad lol but this vid helped out in fine detail ,loved it

[@RipleySawzen]

This was clearly an asspull. At no point in time did they ever make clear that: A: Wishes could be collected over time and used all at once and B: You could go back in time FIVE YEARS I mean, we had a girl coming back to life after briefly dying, a ghost, and a cat boy. That's pretty minor stuff then BAM, FIVE YEAR RESET BUTTON. The delivery was terrible due to almost zero foreshadowing.

[@_mrs_8005]

15:20 to 16:35 Dude those are some amazing words, perfectly explained what the message this anime was trying to give us. It wasn't only about just happy ending, also how painful life can be and how we should use those pains to make ourselves strong. Never forget the past and don't blame the pains.

[@xacex6944]

After Story really made me angry at first. I couldn’t understand why Okazaki had to go through so much pain in his life and literally died when everything he ever worked for was taken away, especially after seeing him barely walking with his dying daughter next to him. This analysis really helped me comprehend the clues that I missed and now I’m satisfied that he got an ending that he deserved. He might honestly be the most tragic character in all of anime.

[@EXISTENTIALization]

thank you for making this video. I felt the way you did about clannad, I just had an issue articulating it. you explained everything perfectly and made me love it more

[@lightningChen]

Thank you for explaining this, that made so much sense :D

[@zarifmoenraiyen9671]

Great analysis. After watching this video, I'm loving Clannad more ❤ If you find the answer to the question that you mentioned at the end of the video in the near future, please do tell us. And Thank you so much 😊

[@mishaeldank9974]

yall remember the parents that died in the plane they knew of this other dimension and that's what was on the papers that got lost

[@ThisBunnyFlies]

I haven't watched this anime in over 2 years, and this interpretation STILL made me burst out in tears, coupled with the soundtrack playing in the background...

[@ygerman1539]

Just watched this on Netflix and the after story and I've never felt so depressed 😭😭😭😭 I thought it was going to be trash when I first seen ep1 in 2010.Now this show has me crying myself to sleep 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@justgaola]

Seriously your explanation at 15:18 has hit me hard. I love your explanation and thank you somehow I always come back to watch Clannad and Clannad after story whenever I'm very lonely because i tend have that thinking like Tomoya "what is the purpose of living if it means suffering" I tend to give up easily in life but this anime has giving my a meaning and a purpose to really understand the happiness of life. Maybe I haven't fully understand happiness in life yet but this anime has given me a reason. Thank you so much for the explanation throughout this whole video and I totally agree with you although you posted this video up long ago hahah. Your explanation and this anime has inspired me so much so thank you again!!!

[@tomcottereaux8866]

Man, thank you, really. You just released me from my endless depression caused by this anime. After watched the anime, i couldn't stop thinking about it so it puted me in a bad mood. It also maked me think about life and afterlife/reincarnation/reborn, that if it was real, i wouldn't care about dying no matter how old i am cause i don't really have something to live for. However there's a last thing im scared of. Im just sceared to forget Clannad when im gonna die, afraid of not knowing about Clannad in an other life. So Thank you again.

[@jeshikacos9025]

So basically Ushio's another Jesus

[@adhit]

bruh

[@noahrod3363]

Yes lol

[@aronth]

U know a show is a masterpiece where a commercial jingle in the series can make your tear up on que

[@konstantinosmerikakis6206]

another great video from a great youtuber ;)

[@konstantinosmerikakis6206]

i dont know about others but i liked the ending and didnt have any complain so why is this ending so hated ?

[@napsylev6922]

+Konstantinos Merikakis Bro, Digibro.

[@buckwade1402]

+Konstantinos Merikakis Well, because people thought that it was a deus ex machina...which this video, I think we can safely say, proved for to be completely wrong.

[@jobertuy2130]

Dude you deserve an award for this not only did u explain it so well you also told us the anime's meaning well done m8

[@lachlanstill4813]

This is a stellar breakdown of this aspect of this series. A.S. made me cry when I first watched it, but I've cooled towards it since then. A part of that is those number of flaws/criticisms that you alluded to, but what may be the most significant factor for me is just my knowledge of the Maeda-Key style. Going beyond the surface level criticism of their VNs literally being "crying games," the cynical employment of cheap and blatant manipulation that is present in series such as Air and Charlotte makes those situations' presence in Clannad really hamper the experience, even when Clannad employs them a bit more deftly. I can't divorce them from the lineage of shallow melodrama that they clearly come from. Maybe the bulk of the responsibility for that falls on my shoulders, but I always wonder how much of their inclusion in Clannad was also all up to cold, emotionless calculation, and just more well-hidden.

[@xephini]

Yeah, I've always regarded Clannad to be Maeda's only truly "sincere" work. Because even though he uses his skill for making the audience emotional, he actually builds that on something: actually nuanced characters, a proper theme that everything is centered around (family), and a use of symbolism that is consistent throughout both seasons (the alternate world and the orbs of light). For example the scene with Tomoya meeting Nagisa returning at the end, it's just... tied together. Compare that to Angel Beats with an afterlife that is a school, with guns (!?), random piano-playing just because pianos are nice, a band (!!??) that just plays randomly because that's pretty cool I guess, etc etc. It's so, so all over the place and there's no plot/red thread tying it all together. Just a bunch of emotional moments thrown in at the end to make it all seem meaningful.

[@mtgang2016]

xephini I do agree. I've cried in many of his other works lol but I think Clannad is his absolute best and everything is just more warming and natural. I just hope Maeda is okay with his heart transplant and stuff. I still enjoyed all of his work and I want to see more of it.

[@greenstuff3706]

Lachlan Still I’m pretty sure the anime adaptation of Air is inferior to the visual novel.

[@CTheTerrariaNerd]

Man, I watched Clannad a good 6-7 years ago, back then it changed me a lot, for better or worse, I didn't realise I still had such strong feelings about the show, damn, good video man.

[@14megasxlr]

Got me crying all over again. Goddammit.

[@tadejruzicic3024]

„It‘s because of those happy things life is worth loving. And nothing can ever take that away“ damn, with the scenes, the music, the build up of this video and all the memories that come with it, that line hit me hard

[@eltigreees]

The only time when men drop tears - Clannad and your lie in April

[@forsenjuu4life328]

So true

[@anishshrestha7189]

You stole my words brother♥️

[@clochb]

OHOH, YEAH! The best animated series I've ever seen!

[@r_thekingslayerx4352]

And Anohana

[@Thompsongs]

@@r_thekingslayerx4352 I was going to add that one. Thank you. Also, I'm nervous to watch April. Is it sadder than Anohana?

[@makinoi]

Man just listening to you narrate this video with the clips and the music got me in nostalgic and sad tears

[@krystalcamacho3840]

This was a super confusing anime, I like it but I don’t like how everything had to change for one person( going to a new world) in the real,original world all three would’ve died and the akio and his wife would have just been suffering

[@essentiallyitsamy]

Well the world didn't change, it all still happened it's just that Tomoya moved to a different world with a different ending as his wish granted by his daughter.

[@xhantechan5324]

Hi there, it's me. It's 2019 now and I'm sorry for only finding you now. I love Clannad. I love the message of this vid. And I like that you mentioned Air too. You also made me cry again. Thanks.

[@SelenaC_anime]

You missed the opportunity to say, "But hey, that's JUST a theory! An ANIME theory! Thanks for watching!"

[@UnderTheScopeAnime]

+Selena C I almost did too!

[@buckwade1402]

+Under The Scope Reviews But a theory is a guess that comes from multiple conclusions. I think UTS's analysis perfectly explained everything so that there is no other possibility, to my understanding at least. But yeah, that line at the end would've been hilarious.

[@safem8755]

This was actually really smart and well constructed, good job on breaking down the story so intricately 😊 I feel satisfied with this ending.

[@michaelchang6736]

I probably wouldn't like the genre of clannad, but damn you make it seem like its on par with fate zero and makes me kinda want to watch it XD

[@lz3036]

+Michael Chang Fate/Zero is my 2nd favorite anime, it's only 2nd to Clannad for me. And why did you watch the video if you didn't finish the series :s

[@michaelchang6736]

lol spoilers don't really bother me. plus i probably wont watch clannad anytime soon

[@HiFutureMeHowAreYou]

so its been 2 years. u watched it?

[@dudesitsgabe4329]

I can barely see what I'm typing through the tears. You made a man cry... Thank you, sincerely.

[@elektro36]

Clannad is LOVE Clannad is Live... literally

[@FinlayFosterReviews]

Stunningly beautiful video my man. You summarised why this series is so god damn brilliant in a way that I never could! Keep up the good work man

[@micaelah]

If I had to find the endings meaning I would have came up singing the Dango song 😂

[@muppururajeshwari5721]

This man is great going through every detail to get the secret behind the ending HATS OFF DUDE FOR YOUR HARDWORK AND THE LOVE TOWARDS THE ANIME

[@sunnyta1990]

in my opinion, the best ending for clannad would have been for the light orbs to bring ushio back to life after she collapses in the snow. that would have completed the theme of clannad and wouldn't have cheapened the drama, nor the scenes with the girl and the robot. bringing back nagisa too and resetting the events was, indeed, cheap. the fact that the show has to cover its ass by claiming that the nature of time in these theoretical worlds is unknown is a sign of bad writing.

[@knucklesfieryheart20]

Thank you so much for explaining Clannad was such an emotional roller coaster I can’t even stop myself from crying every time I hear the 1st opening. And I’ve always thought that that robot was Tomoya. It was confusing I barely remember just get tears.

[@honey-cx3to]

Beautifully said man

[@ivanafterfive]

Thank you for this video, it cleared up a few loose ends for me. Sure enough, as soon as Nagisa's theme started, I started crying. Well played.

[@animeheartofpassion]

I want to tell you that your conclusions here are the same ones I reached after watching the series 9 years ago. I've been screaming the "they just moved to a parallel timeline which is what Kotomi has been explaining all along!" interpretation ever since then. I mean the show has been building this idea for a very long time and I wonder how the people who dismiss the ending's brilliance actually viewed all the elements the show presented them. It doesn't need multiple watchings or super careful observation to reach the basic conclusion. But you put it here beautifully, you pieced so many things together that I didn't notice. Thank you for showing me that I wasn't alone, thank you for this video.

[@MusicmatchJukebox]

I had yet to see an analysis that communicates the narrative weight that Clannad personifies, until this. I could truly sense the passion and love that you have for this show, just like I do. Thanks for your hard work, and also for making me cry another bucket of tears.

[@twist9830]

Just finished this beautiful anime today and was a bit unclear on a few things. As an aspiring creative writer, I appreciate your analysis on this, which helped me understand the conclusion a lot better! Thanks a ton!!!

[@kamenitachi2191]

this crushed me , made me remember all of it so sudden that i cant stop cryin... the happy and sad memories all at once is too much to process , i will go to lie on my bed and cry , this is a wonderfull video and make justice to the ending

[@test-s7i]

That was really beautiful. My eyes were tearing up throughout as I remembered all those scenes. So heartwarming and beautiful. And your video has made me understand and appreciate the series far more. Clannad is probably the best and most beautiful anime about how important families are. Thank you.

[@magdawind13]

This so well articulated why I loved this anime growing up. I could understand all of this, but I couldn't articulate it. This was incredibly satisfying to watch. 10/10

[@mrmadmover]

What a great video... I watched Clannad when I was still in high school. Revisiting after 7 years and watching your theory on the ending made it even more clear to me. Definitely my all time favorite anime. Thanks for this.

[@epiccpotato5902]

I didn't think this was even possible, but I love clannad even more now. Thanks :)

[@JohnZ_GG]

Personally, the time travelling theory works the best for me, based on the last question you asked, and supported by the fact that Nagisa Illusionary World theatre performance is undeniably accurate, which can only be possible after the end of the illusionary world, and after the death of Ushio and Tomoya, furthermore, Tomoya's sequence validates him traveling back as far as his first encounter with Nagisa before returning to Ushio's birthday. The multiverse Kotomi reference to would be explained from time travel alone creates an alternative universe that deviates from the "cannon" event.

[@TisaTinkers]

Ive watched this anime 7 times and never fully understood this. Thank you so much! It adds so much to the anime. Ugh this is my favorote anims in the worlf

[@kurisucosmo7954]

Thank you so much! I'm literally crying right now not simple because of the memories and heartrending emotions the music swells up in me, but because SOMEONE finally has done what I struggle doing. Proving that the Clannad ending was indeed foreshadowed and led up to, with logic, analyzing the story points, and listing each of those points out for all the idiots to wrap their tiny minds around. This has been something I've wanted for a LONG time, and now that someones finally done it, I'm in tears. I will forever refer people to this video whenever they bring up the ass-pull comment about the ending. Thank you so much!

[@Slavaisusukhrystu]

Why...you! That soundtrack, combined with the scenes you showed in the video...Haaa, fear Clannad wil never cease to make me cry

[@haydncalvert537]

Oh my god, I have seen Clannad 4 times and this just made everything I didn't understand just click, thank you. Love the vid, love the channel

[@Brocknoth]

I just finished reading the visual novel this morning and this video helped piece together the last few missing pieces. It all makes so much sense. What an incredible journey.

[@4399toled]

Masterful explanation. Just finished both series. Absolutely beautiful. I don't think I've ever cried this much in any show.

[@MagiFTW98]

Just finished rewatching After-story. Has become one of my top 5 anime of all time. This video cleared up all of my confusion regarding the other world, and perfectly sums up why the ending was as good as it was. Thanks for making this video. Truly appreciate it.