Gachiakuta gains traction as Rudo’s fight for survival and revenge unfolds

Fans react to Gachiakuta anime, highlighting themes of waste, class and survival in dystopian world.

The anime adaptation of Kei Urana’s manga Gachiakuta is now streaming on Crunchyroll, bringing its exploration of societal waste and class divide to animation under the direction of Fumihiko Suganuma at Studio Bones.

Gachiakuta follows Rudo, a young protagonist from the slums, who is falsely accused of murdering his foster father, Regto, and sentenced to the Pit, a vast dumpsite below a wealthy city.

Fans note the stark portrayal of the city’s rich discarding objects and people without thought, while Rudo’s perspective values repair and reuse. 

The series uses Shinto folklore, including the concept of Jinki, to depict objects gaining souls over time. Creator Kei Urana recalls, “I had a pen that I really loved, and I broke it in two. Along with the sense of loss, I had a feeling like the pen was pleading with me,” sharing how these themes inspired Gachiakuta.

Fans have praised the stylised visuals and graffiti-influenced art, observing the contrast between the wealthy Spherites in clean attire and the tribesfolk living among waste.

According to fans, Rudo’s character design effectively communicates his hardships and connection to discarded items.

The anime adapts the manga’s approach to show the divide between classes and the environmental impact of waste, aligning with themes of reducing and reusing rather than discarding.

Gachiakuta streams every Sunday on Crunchyroll, with episode 3 airing on July 27.