GATE English Sub & Dub

About GATE

Here is what GATE (Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri) is about, retold in plain terms: an action, adventure and fantasy anime by A-1 Pictures (2015). 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 all at once appears. From this gate, supernatural creatures and warriors clad in medieval armor emerge, charging through the town, killing and destroying everything in their path.

As things develop, 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 realm beyond the gate—now being referred to as the "Special Region. They must travel into this unknown realm 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.

With action at the core, 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. The action focus matters here: 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. Released in 2015, it competed with that season's other new series for attention.