Bokurano (2007)
A haunting psychological mecha anime where fifteen children discover that saving the world comes at an unthinkable personal cost.
Bokurano - Series Information
- Original Title: ぼくらの
- First Air Year: 2007
- Last Air Year: 2007
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (23 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 8, 2007 (United States - TV-MA), April 8, 2007 (Canada - 18+), April 8, 2007 (Australia - MA 15+), April 8, 2007 (Mexico - C)
- Networks: TV Aichi, Tokyo MX, tvk, Sun TV
- Alternative Titles: 보쿠라노 (KR), Ours (US)
- Production Companies: GONZO
- Production Countries: Japan
Bokurano - Plot
During a summer camp, 15 children, 8 males and 7 females, find a grotto by the sea. Deep within they discover working computers and some electronic equipment, and later the owner, a man called Kokopelli. Kokopelli claimed to be a programmer working on a brand new game, in which a large robot has to defend the Earth against fifteen alien invasions. He persuades the children to test the game and sign a contract. All but one of them signs; barely a moment later they mysteriously awaken on the shore believing what happened was just a dream.
Bokurano - Trailer
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Bokurano - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Junko Minagawa
- Akira Ishida
- Naomi Shindo
- Yuko Sanpei
- Kana Asumi
- Shinji Kawada
- Mamiko Noto
- Kenji Nojima
- Shintaro Asanuma
- Yui Makino
Writers
- Natsue Yoguchi
- Daisuke Nishida
- Hiroyuki Kawasaki
- Keiichiro Ochi
Bokurano - FAQs
What is Bokurano about?
Bokurano follows 15 children who stumble upon a mysterious grotto during summer camp and unwittingly sign a contract to pilot a colossal robot called Zearth. Each child must take a turn defending Earth from alien invaders, but the contract hides a horrifying secret: the pilot dies after every battle.
Why does the pilot die after every battle in Bokurano?
Zearth is powered by the life force of its pilot. Each battle consumes the pilot's remaining lifespan entirely, meaning every child who takes the controls is already fated to die. This mechanic transforms the series from a standard mecha show into a deeply tragic meditation on mortality and sacrifice.
Is Bokurano worth watching for anime fans?
Bokurano is a compelling watch for fans of dark, psychological storytelling. It subverts mecha genre conventions with unflinching emotional weight, exploring themes of death, identity, and what it means to fight for something larger than yourself. It's not easy viewing, but it's genuinely unforgettable.
How does Bokurano differ from the original manga?
The anime adaptation by GONZO diverges notably from Mohiro Kitoh's manga, particularly in tone and certain character arcs. Director Hiroyuki Morita pursued a somewhat different thematic direction, which drew criticism from Kitoh himself. Fans of the source material often recommend reading the manga alongside or after watching the series.
Where can you stream Bokurano?
Bokurano is available to stream on Crunchyroll, including via the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. Both options offer the full series as part of a subscription. For a complete overview of viewing options in your region, JustWatch is a reliable resource to check current availability.
How many episodes does Bokurano have?
Bokurano consists of 24 episodes across its single season, with each episode running approximately 23 minutes. There is also one special episode included in Season 0. The series aired in Japan in 2007 on TV Aichi, Tokyo MX, tvk, and Sun TV.
Is Bokurano based on a manga?
Bokurano is adapted from the manga of the same name by Mohiro Kitoh, serialized in Monthly Big Comic Spirits from 2003 to 2009. Kitoh is also known for Narutaru, another dark series exploring children in extraordinary and disturbing circumstances. The manga is widely regarded as even bleaker than the anime.
What is the content rating for Bokurano?
Bokurano carries a TV-MA rating in the United States, reflecting its mature and often disturbing themes. The series deals with child death, psychological trauma, and existential despair, making it unsuitable for younger audiences despite its animated format and seemingly child-friendly premise.
More About Bokurano
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