CITY The Animation Episode 4, which premiered on July 27, 2025, continued to showcase the series’ blend of slice-of-life comedy and surreal humor, culminating in a particularly memorable and frantic chase scene. The episode further develops the quirky residents of City, building on established plot points while introducing new characters and comedic scenarios.
A Deeper Dive into City’s Eccentric Residents
The latest installment of CITY The Animation delves into the lives of various characters, often in seemingly disconnected but ultimately intertwined segments. The episodic nature, coupled with a lack of an overarching plot, creates a “cozy viewing experience” that allows for a focus on individual character interactions and bizarre events.
Nagumo and Niikura’s Financial Woes
A significant portion of Episode 4 centers on the ongoing predicament of penniless college student Midori Nagumo and her roommate Ayumu Niikura. Nagumo is consistently in debt, with her landlady frequently attempting to collect unpaid rent. This episode saw the landlady finally catch up to the duo, leading to another attempt to resolve their financial bind. Their dynamic, where Niikura often kicks away items Nagumo notices, even plays a role in the episode’s climactic chase.
Wako Izumi and Her Sister Riko
The episode also checks in with Wako Izumi, a “genius oddball” who finds unique ways to make the mundane absurd. Her younger sister, Riko Izumi, a spatially unaware student from City South High School, also features prominently, experiencing several close calls throughout her day. One segment sees her nearly slipping on a staircase, only to be saved by a boy who develops a crush on her, misinterpreting her beautiful smile as a sign of affection.
Tsurubishi Makabe’s Diner Dilemmas
Another character highlighted in Episode 4 is Tsurubishi Makabe, recognizable by his handlebar mustache. His segments include a humorous attempt to trick his son by pretending to be his future self and his repeated, yet ultimately frustrating, visits to a local diner. Despite weeks of trying to establish a “regular” order at the diner, he finds the menu illegible, dislikes the food, and ultimately discovers the establishment has closed down.
The Unforgettable Mimineko Chase
The undoubted highlight of Episode 4 is a “gripping, frantic, and FUN” chase sequence involving Mimineko, an adorable rabbit-eared cat. The chase is sparked when Mimineko runs off with Niikura’s locket, which Niikura had kicked away after Nagumo noticed it. This event, hinting at something “adorable and queer-coded” inside the locket (perhaps an early photo of her friend), propels the action.
The animation in this sequence has been lauded for its stellar quality and nonstop hilarity, making it a standout moment in the series. The chase ingeniously utilizes elements from earlier in the episode, such as recurring interstitials of characters at a crosswalk. These seemingly cute transitions prove to be crucial during the chase, as characters are either trapped or take advantage of an intersection blocked for a family of waddling ducks. This crescendo of animation and character-informed writing encapsulates what many viewers appreciate about CITY The Animation.
Production and Reception
CITY The Animation is an anime adaptation of Keiichi Arawi’s manga series, CITY. Produced by Kyoto Animation, it marks the studio’s first non-sequel anime in six years and their second adaptation of an Arawi manga after 2011’s Nichijou. Directed by Taichi Ishidate, the series premiered on July 6, 2025, and is streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime Video. The anime has been highly anticipated by fans of the manga and Arawi’s previous works, with many considering it a “spiritual successor” to Nichijou. The first trailer for the anime was praised for its faithfulness to Arawi’s distinctive art style. Reviews for the early episodes, including Episode 4, highlight the show’s charming, unpredictable, and humorous approach to everyday life. The opening theme, “Hello” by Riho Furui, and the ending theme, “Lucky” by TOMOO, contribute to the series’ unique atmosphere.
