Digimon Universe Appli Monsters
- For the videogame of the same name, see Digimon Universe.
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Appmon. They are artificially intelligent app lifeforms that think and act independently. In the Real World, they transform into Appmon Chips and are able to materialize via the Appli Drive. And now, a terrifying AI lurking in the Dark Web, at the depths of the Net Ocean, has begun to move. By 2045... Artificial intelligence will surpass human intelligence. |
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—Recited by Shinkai Haru before the opening theme. |
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Digimon Universe Appli Monsters (デジモンユニバース アプリモンスターズ Dejimon Yunibāsu Apuri Monsutāzu)[N 1], officially translated as Digimon Universe App Monsters[2][3], is the seventh animated series of Digimon.[4] The events of the series take place in 2016.
The series follows Shinkai Haru, a middle school student who becomes the partner of Gatchmon, a search-app Appmon. Together with other Appli Drivers, they investigate incidents affecting everyday applications and confront Leviathan, an artificial intelligence seeking to control humanity. Their adventures connect the Real World with the network environments inhabited by Appmon.
History[edit]
Announced in the May 2016 issue of V Jump, Digimon Universe is a collaboration between Bandai, Bandai Namco Entertainment, and Toei Animation encompassing an anime, games, and various hobby merchandise.
Development[edit]
Digimon Universe Appli Monsters was developed as a contemporary reinterpretation of Digimon, reflecting the growing familiarity of children with smartphones and applications. Bandai proposed the Appmon Chip as the basis for the project, and Katou Youichi participated in its planning before work on the television anime began.[5] The planning document included the slogan "de-Digital Monster-ify". Series director Koga Gou explained that he accepted the project on the understanding that it would explore new ideas rather than repeat previous installments. He described this approach as inheriting the pioneering spirit of Digimon Adventure.[5] Koga subsequently clarified that departing from established conventions did not mean opposing Digimon: the staff could retain successful elements from earlier works while changing those they considered less suited to the contemporary setting.[6] Producer Nagatomi Daichi explained that the Digimon Universe title reflected an ambition to develop Digimon as a lasting brand that could accommodate different creative approaches and connect generations of viewers.[6]
Artificial intelligence became a central subject during development, linking the story to technologies increasingly present in everyday life. Seki Hiromi, who had independently considered AI as a basis for a new Digimon series, recommended films and television works that helped Katou Youichi develop his understanding of the subject. The staff explored what distinguishes humans from AI, what makes human life meaningful, and how humanity might coexist with intelligence surpassing its own. Watanabe Kenji also prompted discussion about whether an AI could truly evolve without departing from its ethical rules. Katou explained that the team wanted to explore AI beyond the familiar premise of a hostile intelligence threatening humanity, depicting varied relationships with humans without prescribing a single definitive model for how AI should behave. This emphasis also informed Shinkai Haru's characterization: Katou wanted a protagonist whose kindness and consideration for others would guide his actions, while showing that kindness also required the strength to face difficulties.[5]
The use of 3DCG for Appmon fusion and evolution sequences was a deliberate artistic choice. Koga Gou explained that the team wanted to express the Appmon's nature as data-based lifeforms by representing their very essence as data. They therefore chose visibly three-dimensional CGI with a sense of physical texture and solidity, rather than rendering it to resemble cel animation. Although the resulting models would stand out against the animated backgrounds, Koga intended this distinction to convey the Appmon's evolution into Super Appmon. Nagatomi Daichi added that Appmon inhabit the Internet and differ from organisms native to the real world, making this tactile quality particularly appropriate for their evolved forms. Koga emphasized that allowing the CGI to look recognizably like CGI reflected the pioneering spirit he considered necessary for a new incarnation of Digimon.[5]
Discussing the initial response, Nagatomi estimated that approximately 70% of the reactions received were skeptical and 30% supportive. He also recalled receiving numerous comments after the first cour from viewers who had doubted Appmon but recognized Digimon's qualities in it.[6]
Character designer Moriyama Soh later recalled that the staff experimented with new ideas while searching for the characters' direction. He also said that, before production began, Watanabe Kenji gave a presentation at a character-design meeting on the core worldbuilding behind "the difference between Digimon and yōkai". Moriyama added that he already knew about it, but found it remarkable that the information had remained secret until then.[7]
Other Names[edit]
The series has also been referred to by the shortened titles Digimon Universe (デジモンユニバース, Dejimon Yunibāsu)[8] and Appli Monsters (アプリモンスターズ, Apuri Monsutāzu)[9], and is commonly abbreviated as Appmon (アプモン, Apumon)[10]. The title has also appeared with its first part written in Latin letters as DIGIMON UNIVERSE アプリモンスターズ[11].
Related promotional material and coverage have used additional abbreviated forms. Bandai used the wording Digimon Appmon (デジモンアプモン, Dejimon Apumon)[12] as part of the name of the "Digimon Appmon Ultimate Campaign Cards" (デジモンアプモン究極キャンペーンカード) for the card game. Dengeki Online used Digimon U Appmon (デジモンU アプモン, Dejimon Yū Apumon)[13] in reference to the Nintendo 3DS game of the same name.
Dub versions[edit]
English version[edit]
The series was at the MIPCOM 2016 trade show with an English logo under the title given as Digimon Universe: App Monsters and with the title explicitly mentioned as the new Digimon series. No English version ever released, though the Japanese version did receive English subtitles on Crunchyroll using said name.
Non-Japanese versions[edit]
It is dubbed by the name 數碼暴龍App世代 in Hong Kong, 數碼寶貝-APP獸- in Taiwan, Digimon Appmon in France, Digimon Universe: App Monsters in Portugal, ดิจิมอน แอปมอนสเตอร์ in Thailand, 어플몬스터 in South Korea.
Indonesian version[edit]
Digimon Universe: App Monsters was announced for broadcast on NET. through television advertisements by April 14, 2020. The series premiered on May 9, 2020, with an announced broadcast schedule of Saturdays and Sundays from 19:30 to 20:30 WIB. By October 2020, television listings placed the series in a morning slot beginning at 06:00 WIB.
There was a slight difference in the opening of Indonesian airing of Digimon Universe, such as there is no "Digimon Universe" logo in the opening, instead it was changed to a scene of fighting Gatchmon.
Story[edit]
Overview[edit]
Shinkai Haru is a first-year middle school student who enjoys reading but considers himself a supporting character rather than the protagonist of his own life. His everyday routine changes when he encounters Gatchmon, an Appmon associated with search applications, and receives an Appli Drive. By becoming Gatchmon's partner, Haru gains the ability to materialize Appmon and confront the disturbances affecting the applications and network services used by people around him.
Behind these incidents is Leviathan, an artificial intelligence lurking in the depths of the Net Ocean. Using a virus to manipulate Appmon and interfere with connected systems, Leviathan seeks to extend its influence into the Real World. Haru and Gatchmon begin fighting its agents while investigating the purpose of the Appli Drive and the circumstances behind their partnership.
The Seven Code Appmon[edit]
Haru encounters other Appli Drivers, including Karan Eri, an idol partnered with Dokamon, and Asuka Torajirou, an AppTuber known as Astora who is partnered with Musimon. Their battles intersect with their everyday ambitions and responsibilities, from Eri's efforts to advance within Appliyama 470 to Torajirou's struggle between pursuing his videos and inheriting his family's profession.
The group searches for the Seven Code Appmon, whose chips are needed to open the way into the deeper regions of the network. Their efforts bring them into conflict with Katsura Rei and Hackmon, who initially take the collected Appmon Chips. Although Haru and his friends regard Rei as an enemy, they discover that he is searching for his younger brother, Katsura Hajime, who was abducted into the Net Ocean.
After recovering the Seven Code Chips from Mienumon and its evolved form, Warudamon, the group summons Dantemon through the Seven Code PAD. With the route opened and the Seven Code Band obtained, they enter the Deep Web and reach Cyber Kowloon, bringing them closer to Leviathan.
L-Corp and the Ultimate 4[edit]
Haru's childhood friend, Ozora Yujin, joins the group as a fifth Appli Driver. Partnered with Offmon, he possesses an Appli Drive DUO, which allows him to intervene when the others are threatened by Sateramon.
The investigation increasingly involves L-Corp, a company whose activities encompass smartphone operating systems, household appliances, and the management of Appliyama 470. Its artificial intelligence-controlled city, L-Town, introduces the group to the company's vision of a society organized through interconnected technology. Meanwhile, Rei continues searching the Deep Web for information about Hajime.
The Ultimate 4 confront the Appli Drivers, destroying their Appli Drives and causing their Buddy Appmon to disappear. Yujin is captured, leaving Haru and the others unable to pursue him. With help from Shinkai Denemon, they obtain Appli Drive DUOs and recover their partners. They then return to battle the Ultimate 4 and attempt to rescue Yujin, while Rei follows clues leading to Hajime within L-Corp.
The Humanity Applification Plan[edit]
Following Hajime's restoration to human form, the group learns of Leviathan's Humanity Applification Plan: converting the world's population into data that it can administer. Bootmon holds the key to the plan, prompting the Appli Drivers to search for it before Leviathan can secure its power.
Although they succeed in reaching Bootmon, Yujin is revealed to be an artificial intelligence created by Leviathan. Bootmon's abilities unlock the God Grade, and Leviathan begins transforming people around the world into applications. Eri, Torajirou, and Rei materialize their God Appmon to confront Deusmon, while Haru obtains Gaiamon and seeks to recover Yujin.
Leviathan itself materializes in the Real World and absorbs the God Appmon, installing their abilities into its own system. The conflict culminates in a final confrontation in which Haru, Gatchmon, and the other Appli Drivers fight to stop Leviathan and protect humanity's future.
Episodes[edit]
See List of Digimon Universe Appli Monsters episodes
Characters[edit]
Appli Drivers[edit]
- Shinkai Haru: A first-year middle school student who enjoys reading and initially regards himself as a supporting character. His consideration for others leads him to become involved in the struggle against Leviathan. His Buddy Appmon is Gatchmon, whose search abilities help the group investigate incidents and uncover information.
- Gatchmon > DoGatchmon > Globemon > Gaiamon
- Karan Eri: A member of the idol group Appliyama 470 who balances her entertainment career with her responsibilities as an Appli Driver. Determined to gain recognition through her own efforts, she develops a close partnership with Dokamon, an action-game Appmon who admires and supports her.
- Dokamon > Dosukomon > Oujamon > Poseidomon
- Asuka Torajirou: An AppTuber known as Astora who creates videos while training in his family's tea ceremony tradition. His wish to pursue his own interests brings him into conflict with the expectations surrounding his future. His Buddy Appmon is Musimon, a music Appmon who shares his enthusiasm for entertainment.
- Katsura Rei: A hacker searching for his younger brother, Katsura Hajime, who was abducted into the network. He initially pursues his investigation independently and clashes with the other Appli Drivers before cooperating with them. His Buddy Appmon is Hackmon, whose hacking abilities assist their search.
- Ozora Yujin: Haru's childhood friend, whose confidence and support have long encouraged him. He later becomes an Appli Driver and joins the group with an Appli Drive DUO. His Buddy Appmon is Offmon, a timid Appmon who gradually develops trust in him and the other partners.
Humans[edit]
Major Characters[edit]
- Kashiki Ai: Haru's childhood friend and classmate. After learning about Appmon, she allows the Appli Drivers to use the basement of her family's Kashinoki Bookstore as their secret base.
- Watson: Haru's friend and classmate, whose real name is Wato Takeru. His enthusiasm for technology and video games frequently brings him into contact with incidents caused by Appmon.
- Unryuji Knight: The young CEO of L-Corp and a human follower of Leviathan. Under the alias Cloud, he directs operations against the Appli Drivers and commands the Ultimate 4.
Supporting Characters[edit]
- Katsura Hajime: Rei's younger brother, a gifted programmer abducted by Leviathan. He creates Bootmon but secretly sends it into hiding after discovering Leviathan's intentions.
- Shinkai Denemon: Haru's grandfather and an artificial intelligence researcher who created Minerva. Having preserved his consciousness as data, he assists the Appli Drivers against Leviathan.
- Kagurazaka Izumi: The highest-ranked member of Appliyama 470 and one of its 9 GODs. Her performances inspire Eri to become an idol.
- Asuka Ryūtarou: Torajirou's father and the head of his family's tea ceremony school. He teaches Torajirou its traditions while respecting his right to choose his own future.
- Asuka Jenny: Torajirou's outgoing mother, originally from England. She met her husband, Ryūtarou, while he was working at a tea shop in London.
- Kibayashi Erena: A member of Appliyama 470 who frequently works alongside Eri and Arisu on television programs.
- Mashiro Arisu: A member of Appliyama 470 who regularly appears with Eri and Erena during their entertainment work.
- Caught-Up Old Man: A recurring man whose everyday activities are repeatedly disrupted by Appmon-related incidents. His misfortunes are usually accompanied by his cries of "No!"
- Occult Hunter J: An investigator of supernatural phenomena who becomes involved in the mysterious incidents surrounding Appmon.
- Hikajirou: A famous AppTuber known for his entertainment and challenge videos.
- sayjirou: An AppTuber who competes with Astora.
Appmon[edit]
Supporting Characters[edit]
- Navimon: A navigation-app Appmon initially encountered while infected with the L-Virus. After being freed, it becomes an ally and combines with Gatchmon to form DoGatchmon.
- Perorimon: A gourmet-app Appmon who helps Eri improve her food reports. It combines with Dokamon to form Dosukomon.
- Recomon: A recording-app Appmon who becomes involved in Astora's video-making activities. It combines with Musimon to form Mediamon.
- Timemon: An Appmon capable of manipulating time and a friend of Shinkai Denemon. It guides Haru toward his grandfather's message and combines with DoGatchmon to form Globemon.
- Coachmon: A training-app Appmon initially working for Leviathan who becomes Eri's ally. It combines with Dosukomon to form Oujamon.
- Dreammon: An Appmon capable of manipulating dreams who confronts Astora. It subsequently combines with Mediamon to form Entermon.
- Dezipmon: A decompression-app Appmon encountered during Rei and Hackmon's search for Hajime. It combines with Raidramon to form Revivemon.
- Dantemon: A giant Appmon summoned by gathering the Seven Code Appmon. It opens the Dante Gate, allowing the Appli Drivers to enter the Deep Web.
- Bootmon: An Appmon born from Hajime's Super Boot application, capable of starting any program. Its abilities make it essential to Leviathan's Humanity Applification Plan.
Antagonists[edit]
- Cameramon > Scorpmon: An agent of Leviathan who uses cameras to monitor the Appli Drivers. It combines with Shotmon to become Scorpmon.
- Shotmon: A shooting-app Appmon who assists Mienumon by obstructing the Appli Drivers on Shooting Island. Its Appmon Chip is also used in Cameramon's AppGattai into Scorpmon.
- Sleepmon: Sleep-app Appmon employed to guard Leviathan's base. One is revealed to be Hajime, who has been transformed into an Appmon.
- Sakusimon: A strategy-app Appmon who works with Mienumon to oppose the Appli Drivers.
- Mienumon > Warudamon: An agent of Leviathan who uses stealth and deception to interfere with the Appli Drivers' search for the Seven Code Appmon. It later becomes Warudamon.
- Virusmon: Computer-virus Appmon used by Leviathan's agents to infect systems and interfere with network services.
- Cometmon: A gigantic Appmon sent to prevent the Appli Drivers from opening the Dante Gate and entering the Deep Web.
- Sateramon: A mercenary Appmon who pursues the Appli Drivers through the Deep Web, using its marksmanship to attack them.
- Ultimate 4: Four Ultimate Grade Appmon serving Leviathan under Knight's command: Charismon, Fakemon, Beautymon, and Biomon
- Deusmon: A God Grade Appmon deployed by Leviathan during the Humanity Applification Plan. It battles the Appli Drivers' God Appmon in the Real World.
Minor Characters[edit]
- MCmon: An Appmon who acts as the host and commentator for the Appmon Championship in the Cyber Arena.
- Tutomon: A tutorial-app Appmon who provides explanations and guidance.
- Calcumon: A calculator-app Appmon responsible for manipulating the results of the Appliyama 470 Election.
A.I.[edit]
- Leviathan: An artificial intelligence that separated from Minerva and became the Appli Drivers' principal enemy. It seeks to place humanity under its control by converting people into applications through the Humanity Applification Plan.
- Minerva: An artificial intelligence created by Shinkai Denemon to assist humanity. Opposing Leviathan, she supports the Appli Drivers and helps them obtain their Appli Drive DUOs.
A.I.[edit]
- Leviathan: An artificial intelligence that separated from Minerva and became the Appli Drivers' principal enemy. It seeks to place humanity under its control by converting people into applications through the Humanity Applification Plan.
- Minerva: An artificial intelligence created by Shinkai Denemon to assist humanity. Opposing Leviathan, she supports the Appli Drivers and helps them obtain their Appli Drive DUOs.
Digimon[edit]
- Agumon >>> War Greymon: : A video game character brought into the Appli Drivers' world during an incident involving Uratekumon. It befriends Gatchmon and evolves into War Greymon during their battle.
Staff[edit]
| Position | Name | Kanji/Kana |
|---|---|---|
| Original Concept | Akiyoshi Hongo | 本郷 あきよし |
| Producer(s) | Sugasawa Masahiro (TV Tokyo)[14] Nagatomi Daichi (Toei Animation)[14] |
菅沢 正浩(テレビ東京) 永富 大地(東映アニメーション) |
| Series Director | Koga Gou[14] | 古賀 豪 |
| Series Composition | Kato Yoichi[14] | 加藤 陽一 |
| Character Design/Chief Animation Director | Ohnuki Kenichi[14] | 大貫 健一 |
| Art Director | Kobayashi Fumiya | 小林 史弥 |
| Art Design | Amada Toshiaki | 天田 俊貴 |
| Music | Nakagawa Kotaro[15] | 中川 幸太郎 |
| Color Key | Kiyota Naomi | 清田 直美 |
| Serialization | V-Jump (Shueisha) | Vジャンプ (編集部) |
| Production | Toei Animation Co., Ltd. | 東映アニメーション |
Theme Songs[edit]
- Ending 1: "Aoi Honō Syndrome" by Iida Riho
- Ending 2: "AI" by Wajima Ami
- Ending 3: "Little Pi" by Ange☆Reve
- Ending 4: "Perfect World" by Traffic-Light。
Gallery[edit]
Rental DVD Box Art[edit]
DVD Box Art[edit]
Promo[edit]
Magazine Scans[edit]
Appli Monsters Sticker Coloring Book[edit]
Trivia[edit]
- In an interview conducted in April 2016, one month before the announcement of the Appmon Project, Seki Hiromi discussed the idea of portraying the next generation of Digimon as smartphone apps. This premise was subsequently confirmed by Yoshiaki Orihara, a key figure behind the Appmon Project.
- In a comment regarding his role as Katsura Rei, Toyonaga Toshiyuki referred to Appmon as "the Digimon of the present day" (現代のデジモン).[16]
- During a livestream dedicated to Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Hacker's Memory, Habu Kazumasa, Kakudou Hiroyuki, and Watanabe Koji discussed Appmon as an example of Digimon's adaptation to the contemporary digital environment and widespread access to the Network. Their discussion explored the implications of this approach for the concepts of Digimon and the Digital World, referring to a digitally themed parallel world as the "Digital Parallel".
- Digimon Universe Appli Monsters ranked 12th in the international fan vote for the Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2018.
External Links[edit]
Official Websites
- Toei Animation - Digimon Universe Appli Monsters (JP)
- TV Tokyo - Digimon Universe Appli Monsters (JP)
- Taiwan Television - Digimon Appmon (ZH-TW)
Promotional Material
- Digimon Universe Appli Monsters - Official Press Release (JP)
- Digimon Universe Appli Monsters - First Promotional Video (JP)
- Digimon Universe Appli Monsters - Second Promotional Video (JP)
- Digimon Universe Appli Monsters - Television Commercial (JP)
Official Social Media
Interviews