The Day I Became a God

The Day I Became a God was produced by P.A.Works and Aniplex, premiering in late 2020 as the third original anime project centered on the collaboration between writer Jun Maeda and the studio. Following the thematic foundations of Angel Beats and Charlotte, the series was designed to explore emotional storytelling through the lens of a deity-like protagonist, Hina, who predicts the end of the world. Maeda sought to return to the heartfelt, character-driven narratives that defined his earlier works, focusing on the intersection of human connection and existential tragedy.

The visual direction and character design were overseen by Na-Ga, a long-time collaborator of Maeda. The production aimed for a polished, vibrant aesthetic typical of P.A.Works, intended to contrast the mundane daily lives of the characters with the looming weight of the impending apocalypse. Upon release, the series received a polarized reception, with critics often discussing its tonal shifts between comedic slice-of-life elements and the more somber, melodramatic conclusion that has become a hallmark of Maeda's signature style.