Do you think all Japanese people watch anime?
Well, not really. Though, compared to the rest of the world, it’s true that a lot of us probably do.
I don’t dislike anime, but as I got older, I found myself watching it less and less.
These days, I’m more into HBO crime dramas, suspense series, and mystery films.
Among the anime I have watched, Attack on Titan was pretty good — it had strong suspense elements and an interesting storyline.
But that’s not the one I want to talk about today.
The anime I want to recommend is Orb: On the Movements of the Earth (Japanese title: 「チ。─地球の運動について─」, hereafter Orb).
Basic Information
- Author: Shinichi SUGIMURA
- Serialized in: Big Comic (Shogakukan)
- Publication Period: 2019–2023
- Volumes: 10 (Complete)
The anime aired on NHK General TV from October 5, 2024, to March 15, 2025, with a total of 25 episodes.
It was produced by Madhouse, and it’s also available for streaming on Netflix.
The English edition of the manga is published by Seven Seas Entertainment, released in 8 omnibus volumes.
Story Overview
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is based on a historical manga set in 16th-century Europe, exploring the birth of astronomy and scientific thought.
The story follows an original character inspired by the young Johannes Kepler—a devout monk and aspiring astronomer—whose journey intertwines with the struggles of those who dared to question the belief that the Earth was the center of the universe.
At its core, the story revolves around “the movement of the Earth”—that is, the heliocentric theory.
It portrays the conflict between science, religion, and power, as well as the courage of those who sought truth despite persecution.
Beyond astronomy, the series also vividly depicts the social, political, and economic atmosphere of the time.
As someone who loves space and sci-fi, I found the premise fascinating—and once I started watching, it turned out to be much more gripping than I expected.
Highlights
Surprise
By the time you finish Episode 3, you’ll definitely be surprised — I know I was.
The story takes a completely unexpected turn, and that sense of astonishment just keeps going.
I can’t go into details because it would spoil the fun, but I can honestly say I’ve never seen another anime or manga with a setup like this.
Tension
Although it’s not a flashy action or battle anime, the story maintains a constant sense of tension.
Even though its subject — astronomy — sounds calm and academic, the character Novak brings an intensity that keeps every episode gripping.
As the characters’ destinies intertwine, the plot becomes even more complex and fascinating.
Learn Something New
Through this anime, you can easily understand concepts like the heliocentric theory, the geocentric theory, and even the religious mindset of the 16th century.
It’s educational without ever feeling like a lecture.
The Desire to Know, the Power of Connection
Unlike today’s world of endless information, the people of that era had so little access to knowledge.
Their pure and desperate desire to know deeply moved me.
The way they risk their lives to pass the torch of knowledge from one person to another is genuinely touching.
Philosophy
Although the story revolves around astronomy and religion, it also touches on philosophical questions like:
Why do humans live?
Why do we seek to understand?
It’s a work that stirs both the intellect and the heart.
In Conclusion
While this anime is fictional and includes some dramatized elements, it vividly conveys what the world must have felt like when the geocentric model was still widely believed.
It’s a fresh, thought-provoking series with some clever twists that link fiction and historical reality.
It was more suspenseful and thrilling than I had originally expected.
Whether you choose to watch the anime or read the manga, I highly recommend giving Orb: On the Movements of the Earth a try.
Thank you for reading!
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