Otherside Picnic

Otherside Picnic was inspired by the classic science fiction novel "Roadside Picnic" by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky.

Iori Miyazawa wanted to reimagine an incomprehensible alternate world, layered with modern internet folklore and urban legends.

He specifically designed the protagonists as relatable young women, incorporating yuri themes as a key motif to deepen character relationships and emotional engagement.

The story's primary setting is the "Otherside", a mysterious parallel dimension uncovered through certain hidden doors in abandoned places.

This world reacts to urban legends, summoning both dangers and treasures inspired by Japanese creepypasta and internet ghost stories.

The main organization, DS Research Society, investigates these phenomena, supporting explorers while dealing with the perils and tragic losses from early expeditions.

The Otherside is both physically and psychologically hazardous, often changing those who enter.

Sorawo Kamikoshi stumbles upon a door to the Otherside in an abandoned building and almost dies after an encounter with a "Kune Kune" entity, only to be saved by Toriko Nishina.

Soon after, Toriko asks Sorawo to help search for her missing friend Satsuki, and together, they start regular explorations, facing a barrage of supernatural threats from internet folklore.

With each foray, Sorawo and Toriko grow closer, learning to rely on each other's unique abilities: Sorawo's right eye, capable of seeing the truth of the Otherside, and Toriko's left hand, able to interact with supernatural entities.

Along their journey, they gain companions, clash with rivals, and gradually unveil the secrets behind the Otherside and the disappearances linked to it.

Sorawo Kamikoshi

Voiced by Yumiri Hanamori (anime).

A knowledgeable and introverted university student with a passion for urban legends and abandoned ruins.

Her right eye, transformed by the Otherside, gives her the power to see through to the "truth" of anomalies.

Her family background is tragic, pushing her towards solitude and curious explorations.

Toriko Nishina

Voiced by Ai Kayano (anime).

A charismatic, beautiful, yet socially awkward university student on a mission to rescue her mentor Satsuki from the Otherside.

Her left hand, similarly transformed, allows her to physically grasp entities that exist only in the Otherside.

Toriko is skilled with firearms and has military training due to her upbringing by a Canadian special forces officer.

Kozakura

Voiced by Rina Hidaka (anime).

A petite yet older researcher of the Otherside, friend to the missing Satsuki and a crucial patron to Sorawo and Toriko.

She buys artifacts from the Otherside and acts as a broker between explorers and DS Research Society.

Kozakura avoids direct contact with the Otherside, fearing its dangers deeply.

Satsuki Uruma

A mysterious researcher and the catalyst for Toriko’s quest.

Disappeared months prior to the start of the series, she was a driving force behind Otherside investigations and holder of many secrets.

Akari Seto

Voiced by Miyu Tomita (anime).

A cheerful karate practitioner and underclassman who becomes entangled with Otherside phenomena after being stalked by supernatural ninja cats.

She is loyal to her friends and persistent in the face of the unknown.

Natsumi Ichikawa

Voiced by Miyuri Shimabukuro (anime).

Akari’s childhood friend, an auto mechanic with a strong sense of duty toward Akari and their hometown.

She helps upgrade equipment vital for Otherside exploration.

Supporting Cast

There are various quirky researchers, survivors, and antagonists, each contributing different perspectives or threats related to the Otherside, including cult leaders, artifact guardians, and otherworldly children.

DS Research Society:

A formal foundation devoted to studying unknown phenomena as "dark science".

Its mission shifted heavily towards research and medical care for those harmed by the Otherside, often backed by powerful sponsors.

Fourth Kind Contactee:

Borrowing from UFO research, this refers to those physically altered by the Otherside—such as Sorawo’s blue eye and Toriko’s transparent hand.

Otherside Artifacts:

Strange items retrieved from the Otherside, often with dangerous properties or mysterious functions.

Exploration Equipment:

Characters use a wide array of firearms and custom vehicles, such as the AP-1 agricultural vehicle for safe traversal, and Makarov pistols, AK-101, and M4 CQB-R rifles for defense.

Novels

Written by Iori Miyazawa with illustrations by Shirakaba, the Otherside Picnic light novel series is ongoing, with ten volumes published as of March 2025.

A junior version also exists with illustrations from the anime staff, targeting younger readers.

Manga

Adapted and drawn by Eita Mizuno, serialized in Monthly Shonen Gangan since 2018.

As of March 2025, fourteen volumes have been published, expanding on the novel's stories with dynamic art and additional scenarios.

Anime Series

Produced by LIDENFILMS and FelixFilm, the anime aired from January to March 2021, totaling twelve episodes.

Directed and scripted by Takahiro Sato, the anime adapts key arcs from the novels, emphasizing the eerie atmosphere and growing bond between the protagonists.

The show was simulcast across multiple Japanese channels and major streaming services.

The anime production brought together talent from various studios, with LIDENFILMS handling primary animation and FelixFilm supporting.

Takahiro Sato served as both director and series composer, ensuring a consistent narrative and visual style.

Music and sound were crucial elements, providing tension and immersiveness for the horror and mystery themes.

Opening:

"Ugly Creatures" by CHiCO with HoneyWorks.

Ending:

"You & Me" by Miki Sato, with lyrics co-written by Miki Sato and Misako Sakazume.

Insert Song:

“Walking Through the City” by rionos, featured in the final episode.

The series is celebrated for creatively fusing internet urban legend horror with science fiction and yuri romance.

It ranked 7th in the 2018 "Best SF" list in Japan and surpassed 500,000 cumulative sales by March 2021.

Fans and critics praise the authentic female leads, eerie atmosphere, and unique adaptation of folklore into speculative fiction.

Web specials and promotional videos have supported the franchise, including a web program hosted by the anime’s main voice actresses, sharing insights and extra stories with fans.

The series continues to attract new readers and viewers, expanding its presence in both print and visual media.