Saikano: The Last Love Song on This Little Planet. is a manga, anime, and OVA series by Shin Takahashi, creator of Iihito and Kimi no Kakera. Saikano was originally serialized in Shogakukan's Big Comic Spirits magazine.
A live-action movie adaptation was released in Japan on January 28, 2006 with Aki Maeda starring as Chise.
The Saikano manga and anime series has been licensed and is being distributed by Viz Media in English in North America. The anime series is distributed in the UK by Manga Entertainment.
Although the city is not mentioned by name in the series, many of the locations used in Saikano can by all probability be found in Otaru-shi, west of Sapporo. The train station, "Hell Hill", the Asahi Observation Hill, the view over the harbor, and the school all have similar looking counterparts in the city of Otaru.
We Fall in Love (Episode 1) 8.0
Air date: 2002-07-02
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Shuji and Chise have recently begun dating, but Shuji is a bit doubtful about his decision. However, they manage to patch things up and give their newfound love another chance. When Shuji goes to the Sapporo mall with his friends, a group of unnamed bombers attack the city. Injured, Shuji tries to get up only to discover Chise's darkest secret...
I'm Growing... (Episode 2) 9.0
Air date: 2002-07-09
Runtime: 25 min
Together, Alone (Episode 3) 10.0
Air date: 2002-07-16
Runtime: 25 min
Fuyumi (Episode 4)
Air date: 2002-07-23
Runtime: 25 min
Liar... (Episode 5)
Air date: 2002-07-30
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Tetsu follows Chise command, unflinchingly pointing his rifle directly at Chise's head, but stops after she voices her desire to live. In school, Chise senses an earthquake and Shuji desperately takes her outside the classroom so she can transform in secret. When the military helicopter picks her up, Shuji shouts to Chise to meet him tonight at the observatory.
Classmates (Episode 6)
Air date: 2002-08-06
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Chise decides that they'd be better off as regular classmates, when she finds out that Shuji was once again in Fuyumi's house, breaking his promise to her. Atsushi reveals that he wants to join the military to protect the girl he loves, Akemi.
What I Want to Protect (Episode 7)
Air date: 2002-08-13
Runtime: 25 min
Everyone's Changing (Episode 8)
Air date: 2002-08-20
Runtime: 25 min
Akemi (Episode 9)
Air date: 2002-08-27
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Chise didn't have maintenance for at least two days, and her physical condition has grown worse. Satomi begs Shuji to come to Akemi's room because she has been fatally injured...
And Then... (Episode 10)
Air date: 2002-09-03
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Chise holds Tetsu as he slowly dies. Akemi's father gives away party materials, and the school starts to prepare for a Summer festival, but the military wants to cancel it. Chise comes back with Shuji, and the pair happily run off together.
A Time for Us (Episode 11)
Air date: 2002-09-10
Runtime: 25 min
Love Song (Episode 12) 7.0
Air date: 2002-09-17
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Chise has lost her ability to speak and her mental and physical condition has deteriorated gravely. Shuji desperately calls for Kawahara to take her back and save her, but he warns Shuji that Chise will never be the same again. Shuji discovers Chise's exchange diary, and in it there's one simple request for him: To go back to the place where they first kissed.
