The anime adaptation of Uoto’s manga Chi Chikyu no Undo ni Tsuite (also known as Orb: On the Movements of the Earth) is set to air for 25 episodes, spanning two consecutive cours, or six months.
The series will begin airing on October 5, 2024, on NHK General, with the first two episodes premiering together. Following its broadcast, the episodes will be available for streaming on both Netflix worldwide and ABEMA.
The anime is directed by Kenichi Shimizu, with the studio Madhouse producing the series, and features an impressive cast that includes Maaya Sakamoto, Kenjirō Tsuda, and Shō Hayami, among others.
The anime features a strong creative team with Shingo Irie overseeing the series scripts and Masanori Shino handling character designs. Kensuke Ushio is composing the music, and sound direction is led by Kisuke Koizumi.
The opening theme song Kaiju is performed by sakanaction, while the ending theme song Aporia is performed by yorushika.
These elements are expected to contribute to the atmospheric and historical nature of the story, which revolves around scientific discovery during a dangerous time in human history.
The story takes place in the fifteenth century, where the idea that the Earth revolves around the sun is considered a dangerous heresy.
It follows Rafal, a child prodigy who, after learning the truth about the world from his mentor, finds himself in danger when the Inquisition seeks to punish those spreading such knowledge.
Armed with only a mysterious pendant and his mentor’s research, Rafal goes on a journey to escape the persecution of the church and help others who also believe in these scientific ideas.
Uoto’s manga, which started in 2020 and concluded in 2022, has been highly praised. It won the Grand Prize at the 26th Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, making Uoto the youngest recipient of this prestigious award at just 24 years old.
The manga has been published in an omnibus format by Seven Seas, allowing international readers to enjoy this historically inspired, thought-provoking story about science, truth, and the dangers faced by those who challenge established beliefs during the Inquisition.
