Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou

Girls' Last Tour

Characters

Chito

MAIN

Yuuri

MAIN

Ishii

SUPPORTING

Kanazawa

SUPPORTING

Nuko

SUPPORTING

Jiritsu Kikai

SUPPORTING

Ojii-san

SUPPORTING

Eringi

SUPPORTING

Girls’ Last Tour Season 1: A Poignant Journey Through a Post-Apocalyptic World

Girls’ Last Tour (Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou), a 12-episode anime series that aired in 2017, is a hauntingly beautiful adaptation of Tsukumizu’s manga of the same name. Directed by Takaharu Ozaki and produced by White Fox, the anime blends minimalist storytelling with profound philosophical undertones, creating a unique viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Season 1 follows the journey of two young girls, Yuuri and Chito, as they navigate a desolate, post-apocalyptic world aboard their trusty Kettenkrad, a half-track motorcycle. With its blend of existential musings, heartwarming camaraderie, and stark yet captivating visuals, Girls’ Last Tour Season 1 stands out as a contemplative masterpiece in the anime landscape.

Plot Overview

Set in an unspecified future, Girls’ Last Tour presents a world ravaged by an unknown catastrophe, where crumbling megastructures and snow-covered ruins hint at a once-thriving civilization. Yuuri, the carefree and optimistic blonde, and Chito, the studious and pragmatic brunette, are seemingly the last remnants of humanity. The series follows their aimless travels through this bleak world, scavenging for food, fuel, and supplies while encountering remnants of the past and pondering life’s big questions.

Each episode is episodic yet interconnected, with the girls facing new challenges or discoveries in their journey, from navigating labyrinthine cities to encountering mysterious machines or other survivors. The narrative doesn’t rely on a traditional plot arc but instead builds its emotional weight through the girls’ interactions, their reflections on existence, and the world they inhabit. Themes of survival, companionship, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world are woven throughout, making the series as thought-provoking as it is melancholic.

Characters

The heart of Girls’ Last Tour lies in its two protagonists, whose contrasting personalities create a dynamic that anchors the series:

• Chito (Chi-chan): The more serious and intellectual of the duo, Chito is the de facto navigator and mechanic. She carries a love for books and often reflects on the remnants of human culture they encounter, offering a grounded perspective on their circumstances.
• Yuuri: Cheerful, impulsive, and sometimes clueless, Yuuri brings levity to their dire situation. Her carefree attitude and love for food and naps balance Chito’s seriousness, making their banter a highlight of the series.

Their relationship is the emotional core of the show, blending sibling-like bickering with an unspoken, deep bond forged by their shared isolation. The few other characters they meet—like Kanazawa, a cartographer, and Ishii, an aspiring pilot—add brief but meaningful glimpses into others’ attempts to find purpose in this dying world.

Themes and Symbolism

Girls’ Last Tour Season 1 excels in exploring existential themes through its minimalist narrative. The desolate setting serves as a canvas for meditations on life, death, and humanity’s legacy. The girls’ conversations often touch on profound questions—What is the purpose of living? What does it mean to be human?—yet these are presented in a way that feels organic, often sparked by mundane discoveries like a can of food or a forgotten photograph.

The series also subtly critiques humanity’s self-destructive tendencies. The decaying cities, littered with relics of war machines and forgotten technology, suggest a civilization that collapsed under its own weight. Yet, there’s a quiet hope in Yuuri and Chito’s resilience and their ability to find joy in small moments, like sharing a warm meal or watching the stars.

The Kettenkrad itself becomes a symbol of their journey—a fragile, noisy machine that carries them forward despite the odds, much like their determination to keep going in a world that offers little reason to do so.

Visuals and Sound Design

White Fox’s animation brings the manga’s stark aesthetic to life with a muted color palette dominated by grays, whites, and browns, reflecting the bleakness of the world. The sprawling, dilapidated megastructures and snow-covered ruins are rendered with meticulous detail, creating a sense of scale that emphasizes the girls’ smallness in the vast emptiness. Moments of beauty, like a glowing sunset or a field of glowing machines, punctuate the desolation, offering visual reprieves that mirror the show’s emotional beats.

The sound design is equally evocative. The hum of the Kettenkrad, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the eerie silence of abandoned cities amplify the atmosphere. Kenichiro Suehiro’s minimalist soundtrack, with its soft piano and string melodies, complements the show’s tone, while the opening theme, “Ugoku, Ugoku” by Inori Minase and Yurika Kubo (the voice actresses for Chito and Yuuri), captures the series’ bittersweet essence. The ending theme, “More One Night,” is a gentle lullaby that perfectly encapsulates the girls’ fleeting moments of warmth.

Reception and Impact

Upon its release, Girls’ Last Tour Season 1 was praised for its unique tone and emotional depth. Critics lauded its ability to balance existential dread with moments of levity, as well as its nuanced portrayal of its protagonists. The series resonated with audiences for its introspective storytelling, standing out in a medium often dominated by action-packed or overly dramatic narratives. Fans of the manga appreciated the faithful adaptation, though some noted that the anime’s pacing could feel slow due to its episodic nature.

The show’s exploration of hope and human connection in the face of despair struck a chord, particularly in a world grappling with uncertainty. Its cult following continues to grow, with many fans hoping for a second season, though the anime covers much of the manga’s story, leaving little material for continuation.

Conclusion

Girls’ Last Tour Season 1 is a rare gem—an anime that dares to be quiet, contemplative, and deeply human. Through Yuuri and Chito’s journey, it invites viewers to reflect on life’s fleeting joys and enduring questions, all while wrapped in a visually striking and emotionally resonant package. Whether you’re drawn to its philosophical depth, its heartwarming character dynamics, or its hauntingly beautiful world, the series offers a journey worth taking. For those seeking an anime that challenges the heart and mind, Girls’ Last Tour Season 1 is a must-watch.

Where to Watch: As of 2025, Girls’ Last Tour is available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video (availability may vary by region).