Ep 4. Real Reality, Fabricated Reality

In this episode of the anime series Eden of the East, titled "Real Reality, Fabricated Reality", we see Saki finally meet up with Takizawa in person again, after their initial reunion in front of the King's statue. However, things are not quite as simple as they seem, as Takizawa has completely lost his memories and has no idea who Saki is, or indeed who he himself is.

Meanwhile, we find out more about the Seleção game that Takizawa is taking part in - there are 12 players in total, each with a phone that they use to interact with the game's strange and elusive "Supporter". It turns out that the players have been given a huge amount of money to play the game, but they are also competing against one another in order to win the ultimate prize - the chance to become the 'King of Japan' and transform the country in any way they see fit.

As Saki and Takizawa try to figure out what is going on, they come across some strange and unsettling footage of Takizawa on the internet, in which he claims to be able to destroy any of the other 11 Seleção players if he wants to. It soon becomes clear that the Seleção game is much more dangerous than anyone first realized, and that Takizawa may be in grave danger if he continues to play.

As the episode progresses, we see Takizawa trying to piece together his memories and figure out who he really is. He visits locations that he finds familiar, such as a shopping district in Tokyo, hoping that he will be able to trigger some kind of flashback to his past. Meanwhile, Saki does her best to support him and help him navigate this confusing world, even though she too is starting to feel as though everything is spiralling out of control.

There are some exciting action sequences in this episode, such as when Takizawa and Saki are chased through an underground car park by a group of armed men. We also see some of the other Seleção players start to come into the picture, such as Kondou, a businessman who seems to have some kind of grudge against Takizawa.

In terms of themes, "Real Reality, Fabricated Reality" deals with the idea of perception, reality and the way that we construct our own versions of events. Takizawa's memory loss means that he has to rely on other people to help him put together the pieces of his life, and this becomes even more complicated when he realizes that some of the information he has been given may not be entirely accurate.

Overall, this is a gripping and thought-provoking episode that builds on the previous three installments of the series. It leaves us with many questions about the Seleção game, the mysterious 'Supporter' and the true nature of Takizawa's past. The animation is stylish and atmospheric, and the voice acting is top-notch. Fans of Eden of the East will not be disappointed.