Paranoia Agent Opening

[@thepaintingbanjo8894]

This video is only 8 months older than when KZbin started, and it somehow survived all this time without getting taken off like other anime clips usually do.

[@Mars4321]

The gems you find while you are bored,huh?

[@coolguy02536]

Just give it time. So many popular uploads from 2005-2007 are gradually taken down for no reason.

[@Juanjose-tm4qp]

KZbin just gets worse. They're are slowly deleting the comment section. They really need a competence for them.

[@dendiepie1547]

Goddamn i search oldest anime video on youtube

[@ahiruvega1578]

@@Juanjose-tm4qp one good competence: bitchute

[@Rellik165]

It's rare to see an anime opening that is so reflective of the series as a whole, and yet tells a new watcher absolutely nothing about what the show is about.

[@quinnfletcher3906]

You have to watch the series to know what it's about.

[@C_The_Guy]

Quinn Fletcher thats exactly what his point was

[@KazmirRunik]

I've never seen the series. From the opening, it looks like each one experiences a different tragedy. Girl at the beginning is about to jump, the boys that come next are caught in a storm on a tiny boat, and next, the girl is drowning. Escalates big-time as it goes on to a nuke detonating in the city and the old timer stuck on the moon while the bombs drop. I think that the last boy's tragedy is the empty meadow because, after all that came before it, his tragedy is the world itself.

[@kingseekerbackup3085]

@Shaman X this isn't a joke wrong use of reddit

[@isaacguerrero5869]

@@KazmirRunik Good interpretation. What would you think if I told you it was in fact about stress and mass hysteria.

[@juandiegozarategomez2340]

Fun fact: This is one of the first anime openings uploaded on KZbin

[@johnnoahdeandres9458]

True

[@johnnyscocktaeil7875]

Wow that's a history record, plus, I love the show

[@ThelronFjord]

There was a Dr. Slump intro that was uploaded on the very same day.

[@johnnoahdeandres9458]

@@ThelronFjord link pls

[@ThelronFjord]

@@johnnoahdeandres9458 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX3MnKhnfsiDpK8

[@lawgx9819]

The fact that this is the first anime opening to be uploaded on KZbin feels like a prophecy than anything

[@spinelchan0]

This is actually the 2nd anime opening uploaded to KZbin. The first one was actually the opening to Neon Genesis Evangelion. (video got striked) Which was uploaded a week and a half prior to this being uploaded.

[@herocortez]

​@SPINEL CHAN THE GREATEST how do you know this. That's incredible

[@ironl4nd]

@@herocortez ... google? duh

[@stevenglikin3219]

@@spinelchan0 I found another opening uploaded a month before this one: watch?v=Cyo_nSIRDPA

[@SpookCheds]

@@spinelchan0LOL

[@fabian5002]

The reason this opening is so bizarre and loud it's because when it first aired in Japan, the anime got a time slot very late into night. So Satoshi decided to make an opening that kept the viewer awake and an ending that would put them to sleep.

[@carlosmendoza6030]

Really? That's awesome.

[@jsin22366322]

Oddly enough, it worked.

[@SirBillis]

That's actually really clever. I imagine that would make this really easy to binge late at night.

[@dianamuro7208]

That makes a lot of sense first time i watched this anime was late at night i was like wtf but i kept watching

[@jayckal]

I started watching this last night and I fell asleep to this..?

[@FelixHawthorne]

The craziest thing about the opening is how much every image makes sense after you've seen every episode, almost every shot foreshadows something that happens

[@locho41]

Care to explain? I see no correlation in most shots tbh

[@FelixHawthorne]

@@locho41 things like how the order of the characters that shows right before Lil Slugger hits the viewer is the direct order of the victims, and how that guy that spins in the air is the guy that loses his mind

[@lunaticlemon2997]

@@FelixHawthorne yeah yeah and like how the girl with the hat is in the water because of the storm during her episode and the boys are caught in it because you see them running earlier in the episode and why we see the atomic bomb behind the detective because it was implied he was around when the bombings happened and his wife among the rubble of their house because of how she confronts *_SHOUNEN BATO_* since she realized his appearance was that of maromi because of how popular he was becoming from rumors and stories just like maromi was or how the split personality girl is standing in garbage because she tried to ditch her personality throughout the episode by throwing her clothes away only for her to put them back and just like this guy said the other detective flipping upside down since he becomes crazy after trying to crack the case of *_SHOUNEN BATO_* by using radio frequencies

[@masa5300]

@@locho41 you must have low iq lol

[@libyahope1212]

@@masa5300 actually it's you

[@GenericSteve764]

This is basically the "this is fine" dog turned into an anime op.

[@1000eau]

1000th like

[@MaRaX93]

More like turned into an anime

[@ualarga]

Clearly you guys didn't put your grasses on

[@whheli]

I have a feeling this is copied

[@93ImagineBreaker]

eh this long predate it

[@hawkadolph4969]

0:07 Suicide 0:15 Tsunami 0:19 Sea-level rise 0:24 Economic bubble (Japan 1990 Lost Decades) 0:28 Forced evictions, じめんし(land swindler) 0:32 Pollution & split personality 0:36 Earthquake 0:39 Overpopulation 0:55 Nuclear risk 1:03 Population ageing, Marriage decline, Economic inequality 1:07 El Niño-Southern Oscillation 1:19 NPT broken 1:26 Paranoia (XP windows background could symbolize "digital or unreal illusion " )

[@robinwilliams2005]

What a genius of a comment. Just like that Paprika scene, this also has a lot of references to the problems of Japan

[@johnking7054]

Man me and my sister used to laugh at this intro because of the way everyone was laughing…. Now that I older and realizing…. Thinking is they laughing where they died at?

[@somefella4507]

​@@johnking7054 it's just problems

[@johnking7054]

@@somefella4507 well than, I need a scene laughing in Chicago…

[@RadicalAkira]

very good ❤ impressive👍

[@darkblze99]

wow everybody is laughing... must be a really happy anime...

[@josephballin4559]

+RaidenRider ...VERY happy :D

[@redtiny802]

laughing stops the

[@ushio9764]

it's like Death Parade xDDD

[@AlejandraLage]

Yes it is :DD

[@goldgoddess_gg]

oh no oh not at all

[@BurntPuke82]

I assume everyone is having a good time since they're all laughing.

[@mairidberz1450]

yeah just ignore the fact that theyre all in some terrible place or situation while laughing

[@NoxAtlas]

@@mairidberz1450 Sometimes things are so awful and broken that you can't do anything but laugh

[@zaxarie]

@@clarelabellerose well, i have seen the anime on youtube, but i forgot what's it about

[@NucleaRaptor]

Y-yeah, that's it...

[@rhubarbdude3347]

UH Kinda like that

[@AJeMGaming]

There's something striking about a Japanese man with his arms raised on a tower cheerily laughing while a mushroom cloud rises behind him. Love it.

[@sourpuss5951]

Same thing with the old man on the moon laughing while atomic bombs are being set off in multiples countries back on Earth.

[@michaelatanasio223]

There's something striking about a little old lady standing on a table.

[@oakpompano1441]

The woman on the table had chaotic energy

[@midnightgod123]

Ok so. That man was born during ww2 nesr the end shen the bombs hit japan. So he prolly vaguely remembers the atomic bombs and clouds

[@lokiofasgard69]

“Every lost child is like an atom bomb” I believe is the lyric there

[@curesaul5749]

Satoshi Kon was one of the greatest minds to work in animation. I loved Perfect Blue and Millennium Actress to death. He deserved to make more masterpieces.

[@SirZapdos]

Tokyo Godfathers is also amazing, plus he did the best part of Memories. Goodness me Magnetic Rose was bloody brilliant.

[@DiffensiveE]

@@SirZapdosSo underrated. I could even say Magnetic Rose is his best work

[@jimlion608]

No mention of Paprika?

[@cryptidebeats]

@@jimlion608that and Millennium Actress are my 💚

[@quanita7116]

Thanks for sharing. I haven't seen these anime yet so I will give it a watch.

[@TheBeastBandit]

Young me: "This is creepy as fuck; lemme just go to bed..." Current me: "This is creepy as fuck; lemme keep watching it..."

[@TheBeastBandit]

She gave it to me; she shouldn't mind at all.

[@jcpnike]

This was my exact mindset when it would come on Adult swim back in the day lmao and now I can't stop watching it.

[@dudenotcoolvb]

The exact same thing happened to me XD

[@telstartelstar]

That's the right mentality

[@Abon666]

I don't understand why people find this creepy. Personally I think it's calming.

[@NinjaDino]

Episode 1: "Eh, I don't like this opening very much..." Episode 2: "RAAA EEEE YAAAA!!!!"

[@Albaricoquee]

Episode 1: awww, nice opening ¡everybody is laughing! Episode 2: ahhh, It's so scary ¡everyone is laughing!

[@meuwu6348]

Same

[@skoomadudee6811]

Absolutely,gotta love this op after few times,simply anime op that you never skip

[@a9justa95]

I think the opening is weird but perfect by the “RAAA EEEE YAAAA” 😂

[@strangesoul3199]

This is literally me xD

[@Isabella-xe1bh]

There are people in this comment section younger than this video lmao

[@cyberia1998]

I am one of those

[@Madao-the_fallen_angel_samurai]

I'm 24 days older than this video😅

[@williamshakespeare88]

And more younger than this anime

[@Argent_Void]

Me🙂

[@Notaiidan]

Damn it, I was younger than a video this time

[@kwrifles]

It's 1:59am, you fell asleep to Adult Swim. It is now 2:00am:

[@Fasji]

W pfp

[@dirkdiggler694U]

It was always extra loud lol. For some weird reason I ALWAYS found myself waking up to either this intro or to the outro of Inuyasha

[@patron9000]

F

[@phlaryx7145]

I can’t believe this video was posted in 2005. This is like the earliest post date I’ve ever seen. Usually it’s 2006 but 2005? I was in first grade when this was uploaded, and now I’ve graduated College. Damn.

[@BullseyeRey]

Yeah, most video from that period are gone.

[@shastealyomeal]

@@BullseyeRey Unfourtanate

[@noob451]

The quality is GOOD for 2005 too

[@nataliereyes6055]

@@BullseyeRey why?

[@phlaryx7145]

ExpiredSushi Sometimes I think how this video has been around longer than some people have been alive. This isn’t the most deep or mind blowing thought, and this really could be said about almost anything, but I do think about it sometimes. Like, this video is 15 years old. I was in kindergarten when this video was posted and now I’m a junior in college. Crazy.

[@hrithikjoshi6918]

This has to be the creepiest op ever.....God Satoshi was a genius

[@colleen4ever]

Don;t be so sure, Uzumaki hasn;t aired yet.

[@hrithikjoshi6918]

@@colleen4ever and i cant wait for it... The soundtrack in the trailer was pretty nice and the animation style looks pretty unique .

[@hrithikjoshi6918]

@Joey D use the afterwords in manga talking about spirals...

[@erenjeager2003]

AOT S2 ending.

[@CherryMxTx]

@@colleen4ever right the trailer came out ages ago. Do you know the release date?

[@factualopinion8849]

Ironic how Lil' Slugger, the character who caused the mass hysteria is seen in the most peaceful landscape out of all of them.

[@lilskyguy7]

I don't find it ironic. In a way, Lil' Slugger was everyone's salvation out of reality. Almost idolized to show how great life could be if you get a little beat up and perhaps tell a little white lie.

[@mrlaz9011]

that's reinforced even more in the outro, where everyone is sleeping around maroomi, who's sitting in the same spot that lil slugger stood. This reinforces the connection between the two, and how they both serve as false saviors for these people.

[@SheepShade]

is lil slugger his name in the english dub? man in german its still "shonen bat" Wtf is wrong with translators

[@andieallison6792]

@SheepShade copyright

[@yourtimetraveleralara]

Yeah

[@Roboticoooo]

The fact that this video is going to have 20 years old in two years

[@PeasMinister]

In 1 year now

[@Nabhandle]

1 more year

[@Mattotk]

20 years? So this is reuploaded?

[@RAGA_CRUSADE]

See you all in Nov 2025

[@bobbypadlock]

bro

[@RenoRoxas]

This anime used to scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. Watched it again and had a total different outlook.

[@christian_lied]

Did you watch this on Adult Swim as a kid?

[@RenoRoxas]

Yaaass. I finished it like 2 years ago. And enjoyed it. XD

[@christian_lied]

I watched this two years ago too, but on a website. I would love to stay up late for Toonami, but my body can't

[@RenoRoxas]

Same. I watched it again. But in japanese on some website. I stopped Toonami ages ago.

[@kinghero7626]

i was so young i only seen people get hit with a bat

[@ТатьянаКозеева-ш9ь]

That feeling when, in the middle of the series, during the opening, you realize that all the characters in it are laughing at you, because you are not able to understand the true meaning of the series. This is real paranoia lol

[@ianfinrir8724]

Really, it's about how one lie can grow out of control.

[@Eg0n97]

@@ianfinrir8724 Mass Hysteria yes, I love the take on mass hysteria. Been a regular happening throughout human history

[@srsaito9262]

Well in the final episodes after that "fake" one if you know what I mean, it's very easy to understand.

[@supergobgoblin424]

they laugh to your failures. i suggest rope ties in the roof

[@supergobgoblin424]

@Jake Jilg kisama, shineeee!

[@joehill4094]

1:00 this part is so much darker when you realize his character's fantasy world was a pre wwii japan

[@gonzofernandez]

Holy shit that makes it fucked up, amazing intro

[@ponikoTV]

Really? That makes this intro more crazy

[@bait5257]

Tr

[@tsunamigh0st]

Bro i deadass never realized that

[@Homie5151]

The characters laughing in unusual places(like amidst a nuclear explosion) is an unhinged representation of people trying to escape from their problems through unhealthy coping mechanisms and delusions.

[@TannuWannu]

what a mundane viewpoint.

[@moretto8589]

If 2020 had an anime opening:

[@awebrank]

I-

[@RavinKaito]

*Stop* lol

[@vietdroid]

jeez

[@Dmartan]

I'll be out in front of my job, playing this on my phone. Arms wide open.

[@mkoll8828]

Does that make Covid our Lil Slugger?

[@Maho911]

Funny thing, I just found this entire series on Blu-ray, just deadass sitting on a shelf all alone in a Target. Needless to say, it came home with me.

[@chrisrockett5897]

If that ain't a sign, I dunno what is.

[@ianfinrir8724]

@@chrisrockett5897 I don't know what it's a sign of, but it's a sign of something.

[@fxeditors]

Is Target a supermarket

[@tokemetal666]

@@fxeditors basically yea

[@Xylozet]

Him : brings anime series from Target. Everyone: that must be a sign.

[@sashasahasrahla6852]

To anyone wondering what this song is actually about: Susumu Hirasawa was writing about life after depression and anxiety. The song is portraying a return to form. It's a tad difficult to read into with translated lyrics. Essentially, there are drastic and dramatic events detailed in the lyrics (mushroom shaped clouds, birds feeding on bodies in the alley on an afternoon, large vapor trails, tidal waves, avalanches). These more negative or worrysome lyrics are countered with lines about remembering good things about life (I shall walk with you holding your hand while we smile, see the voice saying "it's all over" drowned in the wind, I shall talk to you on the grass in the sunlight, See our dreams are blossoming on the lunch bench). So what's being said here is that although bad things have happened and we keep our anxiety about these things, we must push forward with our good intentions, we must conclude with our dreams not put on hold, we must entertain ourselves and live a happy life or we will drown in potential sorrows of the past, present, and future. It's a song about optimism, change, and dreams in the face of crisis and anxiety/depression. At the end of all this we can sum it up by saying: The Dream Island is where we want to be, where we want our mind to live with our happiness, but we stick ourselves in an Obsessional Park and get dogged down by our own internal mechanisms, fears, and depressions. Go to the Dream Island.

[@misteral1083]

Thanks so much for providing such an insightful guide! When I watched this, the translated lyrics were slightly different in some episodes. I've always wondered if this was simply inconsistent or alternative translation, or whether they did in fact change the song as the series went on. Do you happen to know?

[@sashasahasrahla6852]

@@misteral1083 I explored like 3 different translations of the lyrics from this song, so I get what you mean. I also explored other music by this artist. That, paired with both the themes of the anime and the structure of the song itself, led to this synopsis. There's not many interviews with this artist since they aren't internationally of huge fame, but they share a lot of insights on music and reflection of humanity. The lyrics on the produced subtitles of the anime are slightly inconsistent based on what form of release you're viewing. Like on Adult Swim the CC was different than the DVD, and was also different on TechTV and G4 broadcasting. That's why I contrasted the lyrics online from various sources to come to a conclusion. It's a very "two sides of one coin" type of song.

[@misteral1083]

@@sashasahasrahla6852 Thank you for such a considered reply. So I guess that the different lyrics I saw across episodes was due to variable translations. Kind of a shame, as I thought that was a remarkable move on the part of the production team, to have the lyrics change very slightly as the story unfolded!! Incredible theme, nonetheless. For me it is up there with the best (which would include Unravel from Tokyo Ghoul and the US version of Battle Of The Planets by Hoyt Curtin) Purely subjective, of course!

[@pinchevulpes]

Sounds like it belongs in berserk

[@LordTerias]

@@pinchevulpes because Susumu Hirasawa made the Berserk OST

[@seths23]

Such a unique and beautiful anime, Satoshi Kon, was truly a legend and will forever be missed rest in peace

[@AtrocityEquine01]

At least he passed doing what he loved best. His final words (which are on his I think still up blog) are honestly his way of saying "I've lived a long life, and I am okay. I''ll keep working up there."

[@MeAuntieNora]

It really is fantastic. RIP Satoshi Kon.

[@thegatorhator6822]

I forgot about that until I saw this comment :(

[@MCArt25]

It's okay! Don't worry about the Mushroom Cloud in the sky, or Tsunamis!

[@leejk3926]

@Zero Satoshi Kon is the director of this anime as well as others such as the Perfect Blue movie.

[@fred_e]

I thought this sounded familiar, and now I know why.

[@binitrupakheti4246]

That man had so much talent. Too bad he died pretty young.

[@Arshay]

Susumu Hirasawa, don't care what anyone says. I feel like the man is one of the greatest composers to ever walk this earth. He was amazing even in his P-Model days

[@netako]

Literally all of his songs are iconic, even the recents ones are great.

[@OsirisMawn]

Hos work in this anime gave me nightmares

[@callum5926]

His work in Paparika is just outstanding

[@entropy7705]

HAI YYAAAAAI FOOORCESSSS

[@ags8507]

its almost illegal how talented he is, and still keeps pumping music to this day, its insane

[@benemalio]

You're all missing the point of this intro. All of them are placed in chaotic events, yet they're laughing. In the anime, they are all put in situations where they feel cornered with no way out, they are set free by Lil Slugger and all have relieved looks on their faces; smiles. Why do you think Lil Slugger's background is a grassy meadow? It's because in the anime he represents relief.

[@ValentineVanDrarcla]

benemalio isn't an episode dedicated to show that Lil slugger is only a temporary and false relief? Hiromi's issue reemerges when she's living with her husband shuichi starts receiving harrassing messages again and the girl has her memory removed completely, which doesn't solve the problems with her father, just makes it so she's unaware and can potentially be subjected to much worse, Tsukiko's issues with work only worsen too...Lil slugger is an excuse: it's not my fault cause of X, a temporary quick fix to problems that need other things, time, perseverance, honesty or asking for help.

[@m_arz]

@Iafiv Iv Is that why there is a mushroom cloud in one of the parts

[@Tornado1994]

You forgot the Ending Twist to the Anime. Remember "St Elsewhere""? Its similar to that. None of the characters exist. They're all figments of the young woman's imagination.

[@caringheart34]

​​​@@Tornado1994 It probably is the same as the Paprika "Dream Parade" scene where the virus shows variants of Japanese society that are wrong but is deeply ingrained in it. Tsukiko probably dreams or daydreams about everything wrong with her country due to the fact she's experiencing one of the problems of that same deeply ingrained "wrong" variants. Tsukiko might even represent Satoshi Kon himself as a person with creative imagination who is known throughout the industry who knew the rotten fruits of his own world.

[@Rikoyasha15]

i rememeber being on the verge of passing out or did then the song came on, it was always a weird trip seeing this opening

[@Propman365]

I'm glad toonami is re-airing this, it's so relevant now that it hurts

[@lunaticlemon2997]

relevant how explain i just got done finishing it and there is so much i want to discuss, i have to say my favorite episodes are the first one since it leaves a very strong impression, the second one about the popular kid who loses it after rumors start spreading he's *_SHONEN BATO_* and blames it on the underachiever kid who still defends him at the end and the tutor of the popular kid who has a split personality and tries to break from it only for her other personality to keep bringing her back into the debauchery even after being asked to be married and the suicide pact which turns out they were ghosts all along

[@Karlos1234ify]

This anime was truly something special

[@DeviousHabie]

It’s relevant..?

[@colleen4ever]

@@DeviousHabie Just look the the Twitter account of Mark Ruffalo...or Micheal Moore....or Alyssa Milano...or Cher...they are downright insane and are BEGGING for Slugger to give them a wallop!

[@DeviousHabie]

@@colleen4ever LMFAOO

[@starwarshq]

PLAY BEFORE SLEEP.

[@handofstand]

I play it to start the day...

[@WCAL_Dinobull]

this shit would always come on after midnight and I would not be able to sleep lol

[@newworth4418]

I play this to have an existential crisis as I sleep

[@weirdlittlecritter]

I actually play this before I go to bed sometimes and I don't have nightmares or anything Yeah I'm strange

[@thedude3065]

wait a minute why the hell are you here?

[@edgarcross4721]

Perfect Blue, escapism in desperation and lack of identity Millennium Actress, escapism tru time and love Tokyo Godfathers, escapism tru trauma and reality Paprika, escapism Tru dreams Paranoia Agent, escapism by not assuming guilt

[@shastealyomeal]

Wow

[@coolbb7339]

@ExpiredSushi i havent seen it yet, but something about escapism via the form of internet/another world and the blend between your reality and the real world. something abt like, getting so lost in your escape that everything blends together and you dont know who u r anymore

[@eavyeavy2864]

Tru?

[@0fg4]

Tru that

[@Talking_Ed]

@ExpiredSushi It's okay you don't need to understand media to enjoy it. Art is not something you can explain in a line of text.

[@fixinman]

Paranoia Agent was the first show to tell me what every person's job in an animation studio entails.

[@danielwordsworth1843]

By some weird coincidence, only rwo times I saw animation studio process was within 2 day span as I was watching Golden Boy with a friend and it had an episode about it as well much merrier episode

[@michaelandreipalon359]

Ah, yes, good old motherkarking "Mellow Maromi" and "Animation Is Fun!"

[@x420xmarijaunanaut]

i saw this anime as a teenager and it didn't really make a whole lot of sense, but i liked it back then because it was different from the other kawaii desu desu animes that I watched. it was surrealistic. Now as an adult I'm rewatching it and only beginning to scratch the surface of how complex and symbolic it is. Thank you Satoshi Kon and others involved in the production of this work for your contribution to humanity.

[@Tornado1994]

I was 22 when it aired on AS in 2005. It reminded me of St Elsewhere. Blew my mind.

[@HannahRite]

I was at a con panel yesterday about guessing the anime opening, where you guess the anime the opening is from. For the medium difficulty, I volunteered to go on stage and do the guessing. As soon as the singing for this opening started, I immediately knew and started writing down the answer. I was the only one on stage who got the answer right!! I ended up winning the medium difficulty challenge.

[@snuggys56]

you were the only real one up there

[@estrngr]

you're a real one, op

[@RexcorJ]

🤘

[@velvetchiharu]

@@snuggys56 seriously, this is up there with cowboy bebop in terms of notably very good anime. If you’re a true fan of the genre how are you not gonna hit all the classics ..

[@kikilovely9100]

You're a champion honestly

[@Vailskibum]

thanks 2020 :(

[@marcosecreto9213]

Oh hi!

[@marcosecreto9213]

Wasnt expecting to find you here lol

[@bananaglue3779]

thanks 2021

[@kokorolinkrun2943]

VAIL!?

[@Kyinnoo]

Lol i don't expect to find you here

[@DucktorQuackers]

Isn't it strange how such a weird and depressing anime holds such a special place in my heart. It still never stop being relevant to the times.

[@Artfanbookfan25]

It predicted the future, e.g. with the first episode where it's only 2004: no smartphones or tablets yet, but EVERYONE is still on their flip-phones/brick-sized laptops etc. 😂😅 It's sad that Satoshi Kon passed away in his 40s; I think he would have continued to brilliantly satirize the world's madness of the last 13 years in his weird, surrealistic mastery.

[@Bellick666]

THE MOST underrated anime of the last 20 years. This one is definetely a MUST SEE before you die. Cannot stress enough just how effin good it is.

[@Gatchu137]

"Most underrated." Dude, this is like, one of the top 5 most popular psychological anime, next to stuff like Lain and Higurashi.

[@Pokenopoly]

Yeah but he posted that like 3 years ago I mean bruuuuh wat.

[@Gatchu137]

@@Pokenopoly It was well-known back then too. I don't get what your point is.

[@iloatheyoutoo]

Think this opening is showcasing mania, most of these characters are either depressed, anxious or obsessive... The mania is a culminating feeling right before a mental break. The backgrounds represent a kind of "end of the world" or feeling of doom people with mental issues feel during these times.

[@Lucas-cd4tn]

a true bipolar person I see you

[@thor1443]

@Gob Goblin edgelord

[@thor1443]

@Gob Goblin lmao, Griffith don't do that, it was femto

[@thor1443]

@Gob Goblin you really didn't catch it dude, that's was a metaphora, are really seen berserk in the correct way?

[@ookipuki]

I love this description. .. and appreciate your strong understanding 🙏 ❤

[@micahj.4776]

That first scene where the girl is about to jump off gave me chills

[@norishimogawa6125]

i cant help but notice the figure in the background on another building. another person ready to jump off?

[@m_arz]

The other ones are more worse, but this whole opening gave me chills. First time I saw it I felt uneasy

[@MilesMods]

@@norishimogawa6125 That's part of the building.

[@norishimogawa6125]

@@MilesMods looks kinda like a person to me tbh, but i could just be hallucinating

[@MilesMods]

@@norishimogawa6125 You are 99% hallucinating but it could be extra symbolism in the building structure...

[@fuchsiapods]

19 YEARS AGOOO?!?!

I know RIGHT In a way, it's crazy to think its been 10 years since 2015 and 20 years since 2005. Time flies really fucking fast

[@fuchsiapods]

I miss the good ol' colorful YT

[@ssjwes572]

I had a hand to face moment when I realize how old this video is. God I'm old.

[@sonicguyver7445]

This show was one of the most wonderfully warped animes out there. It was so unapologetic in how weird it was. And that chirping bird in the opening makes it so comfy.

[@chrisherbert6564]

I live in Taiwan. We have that bird, too...whenever I hear it, chills run down my spine. Probably my favorite anime, but can't bring myself to watch it again!

[@CeaJayAnime]

one of the scariest anime i ever watched as a kid. i never knew what it was about but that roller blading kid scared the crap out of me!

[@somekid7]

If you haven't yet, I'd definitely suggest watching it again. There are so many parts that are difficult to understand without experience and insight. For example, there are parts about prostitution, psychological disorders, suicide and voyeurism. Even though they're disturbingly presented, they provoke deep thought, which is great.

[@lolzly1187]

ophidianima I cannot stop watching this anime now! although episode 5 didn't really please me

[@ssjwes572]

I wasn't even a kid and it gave me bad vibes.

[@ssjwes572]

Oh 11 years, are you still alive?

[@mazamerid8207]

WHAT THE FUCCCCCKKKKKK ITS BEEN 10 YEARS?!?!!?? damn do I feel old

[@flamecid3]

+cancerous comment indeed

[@cos0ne]

+flamecid lol yup

[@lorranhenriques]

12 Fucking years

[@stiv240]

13

[@ookipuki]

Your 3/4 year old comment makes me feel even older 😢😭😭😭😭🤕🤒😥😥

[@moonlight_stone_1067]

Fun fact: The composer of this song is Susumu Hirasawa, the same guy who made Berserk OST (like Guts' theme, for the ones who don't recognize it)

[@buggy_d_clown-]

That’s actually how I came to discover this anime lol

[@jtvoicing7748]

I watched Paranoia Agent for the first time in the first few months of 2021 and honestly, I’m still trying to process what the hell I had watched. This show is so bizarre and captivating, few shows have ever scarred themselves into my brain like this one has. The first time I watched this opening, the only way I can describe how I felt was that it haunted me for the next few days but that’s what drew me in even more. This show was absolutely brilliant and thought-provoking, I highly suggest to anyone who hasn’t seen it to give it a watch

[@plawson8577]

The “St Elsewhere” of Anime. Even has a similar FUBAR finale too.

[@dvillines26]

now watch Paprika

[@vaibhavchandak2917]

I watched the shown in 2020, and tbh i was utterly disturbed as the show didn't make any sense, the ending included. Currently it's one of my bottom 3 anime I've ever watched, but now I'm planning to rewatch it, because I've read couple of good comments about the show, and i think I missed the key details of the show 2 years ago. But still, I'm unsure as my first experience with the show was just horrible. So horrible that i wanted to drop the show in btw and never pick it again, due to how uninteresting it was. Maybe rewatching it will improve my thoughts on the show, but i hardly beleive that

[@benzohhhhh]

Now read Punpun 🤝

[@stanchern3796]

@@vaibhavchandak2917 To be honest, I tried watching Paranoia Agent three times in my teens, early 20th and late 20th. I must say that the last attempt was successful. I believe you need to have enough trauma / mental illness experience and world/people/society perception to be able to enjoy Paranoia Agent in full. It is a very complex and not an easy to watch show indeed. However, it's very rewarding and it provides you with lots of mental food to chew on. Bless you in your second attempt in watching the series.

[@SirCraigie]

RIP Satoshi Kon, you were a genius.

[@dooflamango3245]

Tsukiko is holding her shoes this makes me uneasy

[@dooflamango3245]

Yes that's exactly why it makes me uncomfortable

[@johnf.kennedy2053]

+lewis clark They have a tradition for suicide??? wth?

[@TheMoonHut]

Well, Japan does have an abnormally high suicide rate. And they also have a history of 'honorable' suicide in seppuku.

[@f.th.4299]

Lunalance Let me correct you,its called honorable sudoku.

[@TheMoonHut]

Really? I could have sworn it was seppuku. Isn't sudoku a type of number puzzle?

[@太郎太郎-j1u]

1:27全員が絶望的な状況の中、少年バットだけ平和な所に居るの好き。

[@BlossomMaple.HotSnow]

なーるほど、そういう見方は思いつきませんでした。参考！

[@ahsank.]

What a relevant anime, timeless Masterpiece. Rest in peace, Satoshi Kon.

[@Videogamelover58]

Agree

[@doggotbitm]

hirasawa is a genius. only fitting that he'd soundtrack the work of another genius.

[@doggotbitm]

***** truly

[@synchaos9141]

let's not forget about berserk

[@neohayabusa13]

Words of wisdom.

[@Senkai7]

Both are Amazing... Are you heard Ash Crow?

[@JacobWilsonVO]

doggotbitm it's depressing that besides this, berserk and millennium actress, he hasn't done anything else in terms of osts.

[@billybois5745]

Shounen Bat skating at the screen is still one of the most haunting visuals to ever be drawn

[@APC-ks1dy]

Pov: its 2007 and ur watching adult swim at 2am

[@XLuftWaffleX]

The most deceivingly cheerful intro ever!

[@trollfaceman5486]

KilroyTheGreat Much like death parade XD

[@IAMN00l3]

KilroyTheGreat This is not cheerful. It's outright creepy.

[@martadolls]

+KilroyTheGreat th-they're all laughing! ._. in danger... (looks as pale as a ghost)

[@MasterChild117]

+KilroyTheGreat Sir you must not have seen School-Live!? That completely blows this out the water.

[@DGneoseeker1]

+MasterChild117 Well, looks like I have something new to watch...

[@saintsrow15]

Who's here cause Paranoia Agent is re airing on Adult Swim

[@eddyblanco7210]

15 years later; it returns

[@wargodest]

Sega Menaces it is??? Holy shit I should rewatch I forget everything 🤣

[@colleen4ever]

@@wargodest It;s on adult Swim Toonami on Sat/early Sun at 1 AM right after Demon Slayer. You're in luck, we're only on ep 2 this week.

[@MM-mn7dg]

WAIT REALLY OMG WHEN AHHHHH

[@mattmansfield4463]

They butchered the opening on AS but assume it was for time purposes

[@monni6718]

I for some reason love the part where everyone is laughing and little slugger just comes in with the bat, makes my heart excited for some reason

[@felidaefrankx8835]

I feel exactly the same feeling

[@DylanWhite-k5j]

The detective guy falling and laughing in mid air is such an iconic shot.

[@0318kent]

I think the characters in the opening are laughing because they completely lost their sense of reality because of Shounen Bat. They are happily laughing because that's what they wanted.

[@victoriauwandu3858]

Nice

[@cunningsmile4166]

Li'l Slugger huh

[@dubbyandnothingelse]

Damn then lil slugger lost his sense of reality by himself

[@sgh5985]

it’s honestly quite amazing how high quality the sound definition is despite being so old

[@kenspiracy2792]

Plot summery: People are depressed and shit....fuckery ensues.

[@TerminalLanceOfficial]

Best description. complete fuckery ..... of your mind ..... and theirs 0_o

[@trdl23]

Escapism is bad. Same with victim complexes.

[@malamindulo]

Paranoia Agent: The show where the most humorous and lighthearted episode is about 3 online friends, one who's a small child, all trying to kill themselves.

[@LunaticThinker]

Ah yes, the Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei episode.

[@fockingreat1125]

Plot summary: Escapism is made into a physical form. Fuckery does in fact ensue.

[@-OBEY-]

2000s really had unique anime that you don't see anymore it's crazy.

[@takdirsaiful628]

fr

[@cristianotey9537]

Agreed. Man my first anime was Elfen lied

[@etienne8110]

guess we can only blame ourselves as viewers/consumers. Neohentai/isekai harem sells more than complex stories critizing modern society. Glad I got to know NHK or paranoia agent, sad for the current generation that only gets shield hero or 86 and label them as "masterpieces"...

[@me-qh7bx]

While there is truth in this to some degree in the industry today, I'm sick of people pretending there is nothing out there in the modern era that are unique like Paranoia Agent or NHK. I can think of a few shows that break the mold such as Sonny Boy, Made in Abyss, Heike Monogatari, Kizumonogatari & Owarimonogatari, Devilman Crybaby, Tengoku Daimakyou, Inu-Oh, Tatami Time Machine Blues, etc. Just have to look hard enough to find them.

[@etienne8110]

@@me-qh7bx Heike monogatari or Mushishi are great animes. But they don't fall in the same catg as Paranoia agent or NHK. They are historical fantaisies, not modern day social critics. Made in abysse, sonny boy etc... are bad (or at least not very good) they are the average fantasy show IMHO with very little originality, they are a dime a dozen like them. No deep meaning that will live rent free in your head like Paranoia Agent. The rest are average shonen shows, barely worth remembering. PS: I'm not saying they are bad animes, just that you won't be still thinking about them in 20years, they have nothing worth remembering or no deep social analysis that resonates with the real world even a decade after airing.

[@VikingFyre]

What happens when Satoshi Kon has extra ideas that he can’t justify making into a film? Paranoia Agent. Damn this anime was great

[@epicmassacre64]

only satoshi could have adapted Oyasumi Punpun... i sincerely wish you rest in peace..

[@someoneyoumightknow2795]

Fuck That hits right there, you're so fucking right...

[@tertiaritus]

Madhouse is still there though. maybe a new genius within there will rise and do it

[@Mars4321]

@@tertiaritus Great idea,let's not lose hope because there still many brilliant peoples

[@CJDNMB]

Siberian Murder Hornet you do realize the madhouse from the 70s-2000s is not the same one we have today

[@CJDNMB]

Siberian Murder Hornet there are few of the old staff from back in the day but if you look at the anime by madhouse back then and compare it to now you’ll see a big difference

[@purp2579]

1:26 I like how shonen bat is in the windows xp wallpaper

[@peppermillers8361]

Holy hell, I forgot about that shit.

[@carlitojrbaylosis3844]

@@peppermillers8361 yeah it might be a foreshadowing on how shonen bat doesn't really exist

[@jaysonklein6018]

... Lil Slugger, but yes.

[@zigzoinks5493]

@@jaysonklein6018 He has multiple aliases, dude.

[@ardidsonriente2223]

Never forget what Satoshi Kon gave to us with this amazing series. Keep loving this weird, creepy, wholesome and beautiful story.

[@EriconatorV2]

I'm only 3 episodes in and I'm already loving this show.

[@swapnilbinekar2195]

same here 😁

[@matteste]

2020 and this opening feels so fitting for the world.

[@matteste]

@@antonia5342 Hey, just relax... ...and laugh as the world burns.

[@HelloRasupuBegasu]

@@antonia5342 What’s the meaning of the song then?

[@HelloRasupuBegasu]

@@antonia5342 It literally means Chaos which is fitting this year.

[@etienne8110]

@@HelloRasupuBegasu The song is about overcoming depression (after the rain comes the rainbow-like) Whereas the show is more about coping and how fear can cause mass hysteria in modern society. (shonen bat doesn't exist yet spreads like fire) After the 2020 shitshow, this show is just as pertinent as ever.

[@alttany]

This anime applies more today than anything.

[@alejandromomota6934]

Especially now

[@Antasma1]

How so?

[@alttany]

@@Antasma1 just look at what is happening. People have been ignoring reality and instead are more focused on fantasy. Just note how long many people spend time online compared to offline. Lots of people can't function without technology. It's their comfort. Take that away from people and they'll go crazy just like the people in Paranoia Agent.

[@roznai]

👀How about now?

[@8prettykitty6]

I use to watch this on adult swim in the early 2000s( bk when i was 18/19). Now im almost 40. This was one of my favorites, so much nostalgia flooded bk hearing this 😢.

[@CHAINSAWMAN13333]

This! I remember when I was young at least maybe 2007 or 2008 I didn’t get the chance to finish the last four episodes due to my mom being strict with my sleeping schedule lmao

[@imritanshulsayalwar8596]

Depression was discovered in 1867 People before 1867 :

[@mui7946]

Underrated lol 😂

[@starfire_xi]

I have not seen this anime but in this opening, It seems almost as if people are laughing through their pain.

[@hillaryqueen2789]

basically lol it's a pretty messed up anime

[@starfire_xi]

Hillary Queen I figured lol

[@EveryTimeV2]

Laughing at inappropriate times is a symptom of schizophrenia. Paranoid schizophrenia is the most common form.

[@thatonescarecrow4692]

@@EveryTimeV2 well, that is pretty bad news for me then, lol. Where did you find that symptom, wouldn't you mind telling me?)

[@astern.7425]

@@EveryTimeV2 not only schizophrenia

[@Xemptuous]

I hope this video never gets taken down. Every few years i find myself back here, not only because of how awesome the show was to watch, but also how beautiful the song is.

[@thenordianmapper]

A masterpiece anime, which critizes the japanese society ( typical Satoshis moral). The openings shows, how people behave in catastrophic situations and try to not take them seriously ( it is a psychological mechanism, with which you dont solve your problems, you adapt to them). The equivalent philosophy goes to the anime as a whole, where people also do not want to accept their fault.The animation is revolutionary, especially for 2004, while other animes graphics ( body shapes, shadows, light sensetivity) were very influenced by the simple computer system, while Paranoia Agent was a mix of both methodes, this is why the character design is more complex and more detailed, the same goes for the visuals in the background, like buildings, etc. The story is a mix of thriller, psychology, detective and phantastic, however even with such a dark tone, the show feels real and relatable, as it has many storylines with average people with an typical humanical prehistory. The show analyzes the psychological complex of humans, not just inside the japanese society. The show is def for adults. What a masterpiece. And another positive aspect, that the anime had not any references, like monster Schiller and aot Alan Moor, it was very independant. Satoshi Kons worlds are influenced by surrealism.

[@primordialsoup2]

Take into account the symbolism behind the visuals of this opening and what the anime is about, quite possibly among the most genius and thought out anime openings ever made, being so simplistic yet already telling an entire story of absolute terror in itself.

[@primordialsoup2]

I still will always say it- Paranoia Agent is an absolute masterpiece and deserves recognition as one of the best anime series ever produced, even with it's problems it's incredibly well done.

[@statue6133]

@@primordialsoup2 I watched it like 5 times and I am still in confusion... This anime is too full of symbols

[@sorlakgear]

"In order to go through life, everyone need something apart from reality" - Satoshi Kon

[@hououinkyouma9438]

I don't know why I've been putting off these older psychological anime. I've seen Monster a while back and it was amazing. Paranoia agent, Lain, and Ergo Proxy should do the trick for a while.

[@hououinkyouma5539]

There's an imposter among us

[@shiningstone6771]

Imagine watching a KZbin video uploaded 20 years ago.

[@Quailbbu]

18

[@JackSilver1410]

The only anime opening that doesn't have any running characters. EDIT: Holy shit! I sincerely do not care how many animes don't have running characters! Can you all kindly shut up now!?

[@cunningsmile4166]

Yugioh? Ultimate Muscle?

[@rageinducer2455]

While obviously that statament is false, i do agree there are a metric shitton of openings with running characters or hands stretched to the goddamn sky.

[@JackSilver1410]

@@rageinducer2455 Japan, the land built upon soul killing perfectionism. It doesn't matter why you do something, just fucking do it.

[@sharjeelahmed7913]

@@Juanjo8931 He did clarify his own statement. No need to list down the names lol

[@kokorolinkrun2943]

Fruits Basket 2001

[@rinyuki8278]

Fun fact Robin Williams really loved this anime he got signed video box or poster

[@fockingreat1125]

That is a really fun fact thank you for sharing

[@Focustize]

It's almost 11 years ago? WHDST TEHF FUCK?!

[@Focustize]

I just found this anime out in 2010 where was I in 2005!?

[@Focustize]

***** It's alright we both feel the same way

[@MarquosXoloVanda]

+Focustize this actually premiered on adult swim back in June 2005.

[@Focustize]

Marq Vince That still is 11 years old

[@MarquosXoloVanda]

Focustize I was around youtube during that time, but i didn't register an account till a year later.

[@IGNITION82]

Lil’ Slugger has got to be one of the biggest opps in childhood history

[@Rosalina102798]

Susumu Hirasawa is a fucking crazy genius.

[@Shantyenjoyer]

+E-Mann Everything what this man makes gives me an earwing. lol

[@KikoJimenezElPistolero]

RAAA-EEEEE-YAAAA RA-RE-O-YO-RAAAAAA!! that part is stuck in my head forever

[@gloamingchild]

***** I just woke up from a dream where I saw it graffitied on a wall.

[@KikoJimenezElPistolero]

Rafael Saruca dont stalk me you nerd

[@pepsiman3832]

Going on 14 years old and it's still one of the more thought provoking anime ever

[@zfan2591]

Classics never die, here’s to another 17 years!

[@Tekkerman]

15 Years, this is the oldest anime opening on youtube

[@chubbiak]

And it will be 16 this year. Ow boy.

[@Soulfor62cents]

this opening is older than me...

[@dkskcjfjswwwwwws413]

There was another one posted on the same day though

[@masa5300]

It wouldn't be if older ones weren't deleted.

[@masa5300]

@@dkskcjfjswwwwwws413 yeah for Dr Slump

[@emilebel6804]

This is the kind of opening you could have watched a long time ago, having only a creepy, vague memory left, not sure if it really existed or if you invented it.

[@thotiana6583]

What’s scary is that they could be laughing about anything but still somehow manage to look insane. That’s one of the reasons why this OP is a masterpiece.

[@Lastotakucearense3]

This will be twenty years old like many of the first videos on this platform

[@samuelauditama7379]

see, even when the world ends with nuclear war and shit like that, the only thing you can do at the end of the day was just stand there and laugh at it. Sometimes something is so tragic that its actually comedic.

[@HTFFanOfFlaky]

it's one of my coping methods i use to avoid being that girl in the first shot. also my roof was too low.

[@cunningsmile4166]

Indeed. Somethings are comedic despite tragedy

[@puppupluv]

@@HTFFanOfFlaky Hilarious.

[@Mars4321]

I don't mean a pun but this sure is giving me paranoia

[@canti7951]

And that's how dark humor was born

[@pirajacinto4]

Honestly, how freakin amazing was it that we were allowed to see this on american TV?

[@TheBKdynasty]

It was on toonami years ago

[@helper91]

was one of my favorite animes they put on there

[@Rogue009z]

+adam polinchock yep, mine too.

[@iconiclit8945]

+Doug Shepard adult swim you mean. If it was on Toonami(when it was on CN, during the time period Paranoia Agent aired on US TV) it would've done bad in ratings and got heavily censored.

[@dev1on]

and S-CRY-ED

[@GiacomoSorbi]

In case people did not know the story: the network was worried the anime would have been too gloomy and insisted for having something more merry a number of times, so the staff decided to realise this intro. Troll level: over 9000!

[@eggegg9600]

and its oddly still fitting

[@fockingreat1125]

The contrast is so intriguing. It works so well...

[@alexanderleonardi3625]

thi s is incorrect. it was because it aired at night, and they wanted you to be awake

[@Chr.Monika6469]

This is one of the first (if not *THE* first) anime OP uploaded on YT... this just makes it more epic!

[@rogerjones7126]

The name of the song is"Dream Island Obsessional Park" if anyone cares.

[@Bioleyton]

Darude - sandstorm

[@vanelmon8153]

Thx I care

[@joycourier]

I care too, thanks.

[@YasuFluffBall]

Bioleyton go fuck yourself

[@overratum]

Bright Heart Darude - Sandstorm

[@inchworm]

ive never loved an anime op so much .. its so simple but it gives me chills every time .. and the song is so catchy

[@SuperSonic3557]

EXACTLY!!

[@girwanttaco]

I think I finally understand; both my reservations for watching everything Satoshi Kon has made; but ultimately his representation of time and the human experience, and therein my own limited capacity for my observation of life, and my limited and exponential artistic creation from it. Satoshi Kon's artist expression is the truest and fullest interpretation I've seen whilst saying almost nothing directly. I've watched this opening nearly 100 times in my life, while reminiscing of the fractions I witnessed on Adult Swim, decades ago; when I was a child, on the cusp of the information age. You will only see any of his works once, and they are very limited. But, at the same time; if you wait too long; you won't be able to see them all. I have paced myself too much, but at the same time have found the utmost acknowledgment of Satoshi Kon's works, only having glimpsed them. I may only hold childhood nightmares and half awake memories of this show; but I already know how much this show means to me without diving in. I have enjoyed its, in between existence throughout my waking life. The possibilities are stupendous. After almost 20 years, I may finally watch Paranoia Agent. And the other works of his. Only time will tell. Maybe I'll be dead tomorrow, and that would also be alright. Ultimately I am still mourning his death, and ultimately I am afraid to finish experiencing his works. But, well, we are lucky to witness any of his works. We are lucky that we are in this moment, to see anything, or choose to do anything, in this moment. Satoshi Kon was one of the most profound dreamers and existentialists I've ever experienced or thought about. It's works like his that prove to me that this is the time I had wished to be alive in. His understanding or contemplation is one I hope that can continue throughout future humanity. Dreams Now I will watch what this man created, because its what I need in life. Because I know how important his voice was, and still is. His understanding of humanity, and life, and existence; is a thought I really need to contemplate and explore right now. Positive and Negative...

[@myass1547]

Holy shit did i just find somebody coming to peace with an existential crisis

[@scorpioen3d427]

I love the fact that the opening references (the goat) Tokyo godfathers. In 0:36, the house the gal is laughing at is the same house of the people they're trying to find in Tokyo godfathers. I really love how Satoshi Kon used to make cameos of his own works. In the same movie, in one scene, you can see posters of Perfect blue and Millenium actress. (Fun fact, I'm younger than this video! Lol)