The 13th episode of the anime adaptation of the short story “5-Oku-Nen Button” from Sōta Sugahara’s Minna no Tonio-chan manga series is set to release on September 30 at 10:30 p.m. JST on Tokyo MX and other stations. This new episode will feature two stories: “AI Emo-kun” and “5th Dimension Button.”
In the “AI Emo-kun” story, Tonio, Jaimi, and Suneko encounter an AI named Emo that helps them clean their room efficiently. As Emo spends more time with the kids, it starts developing emotions, which is unusual for an AI. The second story, “5th Dimension Button,” revolves around a button that grants the user a million yen but transports them to the fifth dimension when pressed.
The returning cast includes Masako Nozawa as Tonio, Suzuko Mimori as Jaibi, Naomi Ōzora as Suneko, and Marika Kōno as Inoue-hakase. Mahana Yamasaki will join the cast as Emo-kun for this episode.
The original creator, Sugahara, is responsible for directing, writing, character design, and serving as one of the few staff members on the project. The anime first premiered in July 2022 with 12 episodes.
The story of “5-Oku-Nen Button” follows a button that grants a million yen to the pusher but requires them to spend 500 million years alone in empty space. However, once the time is up, the person loses their memory and returns to the moment they pushed the button. The story follows three siblings who encounter a person with this button and need money for their father’s medical treatment.
Sugahara’s Minna no Tonio-chan manga series debuted in 1999 and inspired an animated special in 2004. The philosophical discussion surrounding the 500 Million Year Button has been a popular topic in Japan since the story’s inception.
The opening theme song “TIME” is performed by Virtual YouTuber Koko, while the ending theme song “Tick-Tock Boy” is performed by Virtual YouTuber RIM.
Fans of the series can look forward to the new episode on September 30, bringing more intriguing and philosophical stories to the screen. Stay tuned for more updates on the “5-Oku-Nen Button” anime series.
