Ever feel stuck? Like you’re just… existing? That's kind of where Mari Tamaki, nicknamed Kimari, is at the beginning of A Place Further Than The Universe.
She’s a high schooler, but life feels less like an adventure and more like a carefully planned bus route. Until, that is, she meets a girl named Kobuchizawa Shirase.
A Girl with a Dream (and a Lot of Cash)
Shirase isn't your average high schooler. She's got this intense, almost laser-focused dream: going to Antarctica. Why? Her mom went there years ago as part of a research expedition and went missing.
Everyone thinks she’s crazy, that her mom is gone for good. But Shirase is determined to find out the truth, and she's been working part-time jobs for years to fund her own trip! Talk about dedication.
From Part-Time Jobs to the South Pole
Kimari, seeing Shirase's unwavering passion, gets a serious case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). This isn’t just any trip; it’s a trip to Antarctica!
Suddenly, Kimari decides she’s done with the “safe” route. She wants adventure! She wants to see something incredible. This is the chance she has been waiting for.
So, Kimari, alongside two other girls - the experienced and cynical Hinata Miyake, and the sweet, young Yuzuki Shiraishi – end up joining Shirase on this wild journey. They're a pretty unlikely team, to be honest.
Friendship in Freezing Temperatures
What makes A Place Further Than The Universe special isn’t just the incredible scenery. It’s the friendships that blossom in the face of adversity (and extreme cold!).
These girls, who barely knew each other, are suddenly forced to rely on each other in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. Imagine trying to navigate high school drama while also battling blizzards and seasickness!
There are hilarious moments, like figuring out how to shower in a tiny cabin on a research vessel, or trying to sneak snacks past the strict commanding officer. But there are also deeply emotional moments, as each girl confronts her own insecurities and learns to lean on her friends.
More Than Just Penguins and Ice
The story isn't really about Antarctica. It’s about the journey of self-discovery that these four girls embark on. It's about overcoming fear, embracing the unknown, and the power of friendship. It's about making the most of the present moment.
Kimari starts out as someone afraid of change, but by the end of their adventure, she’s a completely different person. She has more confidence.
And Shirase, while still determined to find answers about her mother, learns to accept help from others and to cherish the bonds she’s formed. She begins to heal and appreciate the present.
The harsh Antarctic landscape acts as a backdrop to explore themes of grief, ambition, and growing up. The journey challenges them, but also allows them to discover strength they never knew they possessed.
Why You Should Watch It
So, if you're looking for a feel-good story that’s both heartwarming and hilarious, give A Place Further Than The Universe a try. It’s a story about four ordinary girls doing something extraordinary.
It's a reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams, and that sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones we never saw coming. You might even find yourself booking a trip to Antarctica... or at least, feeling inspired to try something new!