Punch Line (2015)
A wildly absurd Japanese anime where one high schooler's out-of-body experience — and a fateful glimpse of underwear — could literally destroy the world.
Punch Line - Series Information
- Original Title: パンチライン
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2015
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 23 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 10, 2015 (United States - TV-14), April 10, 2015 (Canada - 14+), April 10, 2015 (Germany - 12), April 10, 2015 (France - 12), April 10, 2015 (Australia - M), April 10, 2015 (Mexico - B-15), April 10, 2015 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: Punch Line (US), Punchline (DE), Línea final (MX), Родзинка (UA)
- Production Companies: MAPPA, MAGES., Fuji Television Network, Aniplex, dentsu, Kansai Television, Kyoraku Industrial Holdings
- Production Countries: Japan
Punch Line - Plot
High schooler Yūta Iridatsu has experienced "astral projection" i.e. his spirit has been separated from his body. He woke up in a mansion named Koraikan and met a cat spirit named Chiranosuke, who told him "You must find the Sacred Tome of Koraikan in order to return to your physical body." While searching through corridors of Koraikan, Yūta bumped into underpants of its female residents, and doing so would, eh, create some big trouble for planet Earth.
Punch Line - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the chaos ahead:
Where to Watch Punch Line
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Punch Line - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Marina Inoue
- Sora Amamiya
- Minako Kotobuki
- Rie Kugimiya
- Haruka Tomatsu
- Yu-ri Yoshida
- Yui Shoji
- Mariko Honda
- Jun Osuka
- Kenji Akabane
Writers
- Kotaro Uchikoshi
Executive Producers
- Kazuhiro Ichikawa
- Yoshio Yokozawa
- Masuo Ueda
- Chiyomaru Shikura
- Yoko Matsuzaki
Punch Line - FAQs
What is Punch Line about?
Punch Line follows high schooler Yūta Iridatsu after his spirit is separated from his body. Stranded in a mansion called Koraikan, he must find a Sacred Tome to reclaim his physical form — but catching a glimpse of the female residents' underwear triggers catastrophic consequences for the entire planet.
Where can I stream Punch Line?
Punch Line is available to stream on Crunchyroll, including through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. Both options offer the series as part of a subscription (flatrate). For a full overview of viewing options in your region, check JustWatch.
Why does seeing underwear cause the apocalypse in Punch Line?
It's one of the show's central absurdist conceits. When Yūta's disembodied spirit spots a girl's underwear, he becomes so overwhelmed that a meteor is triggered to destroy Earth. The series plays this ridiculous premise completely straight, turning it into both a running gag and a genuine plot driver.
Who wrote the story for Punch Line?
The series was written by Kotaro Uchikoshi, best known for crafting the Zero Escape video game trilogy. His signature style — blending absurd comedy with surprisingly intricate, mind-bending narrative twists — is very much present throughout Punch Line's 12-episode run.
Does Punch Line have a deeper story beneath the comedy?
Absolutely. What starts as outrageous ecchi comedy gradually reveals a layered sci-fi mystery involving time loops, identity, and fate. Writer Kotaro Uchikoshi is known for deceptive storytelling, and Punch Line rewards patient viewers with a surprisingly emotional and plot-twist-heavy second half.
How many episodes does Punch Line have?
Punch Line ran for a single season of 12 episodes, which originally aired on Fuji TV in Japan starting April 10, 2015. Each episode runs approximately 23 minutes, making the full series a compact but eventful watch from start to finish.
Who are the main voice actors in Punch Line?
The principal cast features Marina Inoue as Yūta Iridatsu, Sora Amamiya as Mikatan Narugino, Minako Kotobuki as Ito Hikiotani, Rie Kugimiya as Meika Daihatsu, and Haruka Tomatsu as Rabura Chichibu, among others — a strong ensemble of well-known Japanese voice talent.
What is the content rating for Punch Line?
Punch Line carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, reflecting its mature comedic content, ecchi humor, and some suggestive situations. It is intended for viewers aged 14 and older. Ratings vary slightly by country, including 14+ in Canada and 12 in Germany and France.
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