GATE English Sub & Dub

About GATE

Meet GATE (Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri), an action, adventure and fantasy anime by A-1 Pictures (2015). Here is the premise in a nutshell. What the story covers: Off-duty Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) officer and otaku, Youji Itami, is on his way to attend a doujin convention in Ginza, Tokyo when an enigmatic portal in the shape of a large gate suddenly appears. From this gate, supernatural creatures and warriors clad in medieval armor emerge, charging through the metropolis, killing and destroying everything in their path.

From there, with swift actions, Youji saves as many lives as he can while the rest of the JSDF direct their efforts towards stopping the invasion. Three months after the attack, Youji has been tasked with leading a special recon team, as part of a JSDF task force, that will be sent to the world beyond the gate—now being referred to as the "Special Region. They needs to travel into this unknown world in order to learn more about what they are dealing with and attempt to befriend the locals in hopes of creating peaceful ties with the ruling empire.

As an action title, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. This one is best suited to viewers who like fast, high-impact fights.

Production & Appeal

A-1 Pictures is the studio behind GATE, and its direction shapes everything from character design to motion. Because it leans on action, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. At 7.8/10 it earns a solid reception, a safe pick for fans of the genre. It aired in 2015, which makes it easy to place in the wider anime calendar.