I went into this anime with no knowledge of the game it’s based on, so I started with an open mind. After binging the first four episodes, here’s my initial impression.
Right off the bat, the premise reminded me of Death Parade. It shares a similar theme: a liminal space for souls to face their unresolved dilemmas and make decisions about their fate. While Death Parade leans heavily into moral dilemmas and philosophical questions, Tasokare Hotel takes a slightly more subdued approach, blending mystery with emotional storytelling.
Tasokare Hotel Is a hotel for remembering. People who arrive at the hotel do not know who they are at first but uncover who they are over time through clues in their hotel room "tasokare" (twilight) originates from "Who is that" (or "Who are you?")
The story centers on a girl who wakes up in a strange hotel with no memory of how she got there. It turns out this hotel is a place for souls who are unsure if they are alive or dead—a sort of purgatory where they must determine whether to move on to the afterlife or fight for another chance at life. Our protagonist, a cheerful and curious girl, essentially becomes a detective, piecing together the stories of the other guests to help them make their choice.
The episodic format introduces a variety of characters, each with unique backstories and reasons for ending up at the hotel. As their stories unfold, we see some of the supporting characters grow, revealing how they grapple with guilt, regret, or unfinished business. There’s an intriguing mix of drama, mystery, and emotional moments that keep the episodes engaging.
By episode 4, things get a bit dark and pur antagonist shows up. If you watch the show finish 4 before dropping
That said, while I find the concept fascinating, I don’t feel as hooked by Tasokare Hotel as I do with other mystery-centric anime. It might be the pacing or perhaps the emotional depth doesn’t hit as hard as it could. While the character stories are interesting, they sometimes lack the weight or complexity needed to truly captivate.
Visually, the art is fine—not stunning, but it serves the story well. There’s some thoughtful use of symbolism, which I appreciate, but nothing that left me in awe. The music, on the other hand, feels like a missed opportunity. While it’s not bad, it doesn’t elevate the emotional beats or add much to the atmosphere in the way you’d expect from a show like this.
All in all, Tasokare Hotel feels like a nice change of pace—a refreshing palate cleanser after binging way too many isekai and mediocre romance anime this season. It’s not groundbreaking, but it has enough charm and intrigue to keep me watching. I look forward to seeing how the rest of the series unfolds and whether it delves deeper into its themes. For now, it’s a solid, low-key mystery anime that’s worth checking out if you’re in the mood for something different.
