The Orbital Children 2022

Movie · Japanese · January 28, 2022

Animated science fiction Science fiction

Directed by Mitsuo IsoWritten by Mitsuo Iso

Starring {{nihongo|Touya Sagami|相模登矢|Sagami Tōya, Natsumi Fujiwara, {{nihongo|Konoha Б Nanase|七瀬・Б・心葉|Nanase Bē Konoha, Azumi Waki, {{nihongo|Taiyo Tsukuba|筑波大洋|Tsukuba Taiyō

The Orbital Children is a Japanese science fiction anime television series created by Mitsuo Iso. The character designs were handled by Kenichi Yoshida, with Toshiyuki Inoue serving as the main animator. The musical score was composed by Rei Ishizuka, and the theme song "Oarana" was written and arranged by Vincent Diamante, performed by a virtual rap singer.

The series debuted in Japan as two separate films, with Part 1 released in January 2022, followed by Part 2 in February. In November 2021, Netflix confirmed it had obtained global distribution rights. The Orbital Children appeared on Netflix as a six-episode miniseries in January 2022, matching the release of Part 1 in Japan. The visual style and thematic focus on children and technology recall Mitsuo Iso's 2007 anime Den-noh Coil. Animation techniques emphasize fluid motion alongside simple character designs, which effectively depicts complex movements of drones, gravity, and orbital machinery within the space station setting.

The narrative investigates human-AI relationships and examines consequences when artificial intelligence reaches varying levels of comprehension regarding human nature. Within the series, AI entities are constrained by limitations designed to restrict their intelligence and avoid potential dangers to humanity. These narrative elements grow increasingly significant in later episodes of the miniseries.