Did you know that the places in takt op. Destiny (pronounced “takt opus“) are actually real-life locations in America? It’s true! When Takt, Anna, and Destiny travel to New York, every episode features a new place and some famous landmarks across the USA. From Las Vegas, New Orleans, to New York City — the anime offers a road trip and sightseeing experience not only for the characters but also for the audience! 391s2g
It’s always nice to know behind-the-scenes stuff in anime, and these creative details in particular are my favorite. And so without further ado, here is a list of some of the real-life locations you can find in takt op. Destiny:
The first episode introduces us to Takt as he plays a lonely piano amidst a lively market. This place is in fact, the Eastern Market in Detroit, Michigan. The building structure is a recognizable and beloved landmark in the city! In the anime, I found that it was a lovely setting to open with. Its large and classic feel made for an awesome introduction, as well as an epic grand entrance for Destiny’s action scene.
Yup, this is a real sign that greets you when you enter Las Vegas! If you’re leaving, the other side of the sign will read, “Drive Carefully, Come Back Soon.”
In episode 4, Lenny takes Takt and the gang to the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas. Except in this world, it’s all cornfields and no more casinos. It’s only fitting for an end-of-the-world kind of thing to have abandoned buildings right? You can actually spot a few in the background. This large building is in fact, the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Paradise, Nevada.
Speaking of abandoned casinos, there’s more! when we were all amazed by how Titan turned scary and badass? When she chases the fleeing corrupt farm owner, they find themselves in the ruins of the copy of Venice’s Rialto Bridge. This canal is an attraction of the real-life Venetian Las Vegas Hotel.
In episode 5, you can catch a glimpse of the distinct logo of the Railway Express Agency on the wall of a train station. Chief Commander Schindler Felix was actually delivering a package to Boston, so it’s very fitting that they use the national package delivery service.
In episode 6, the gang arrives at the birthplace of jazz music — New Orleans, Louisiana. It doesn’t look exactly the same but you’ll be able to spot an eye-catching building, which if you put two-and-two together, is a reference to the real-life St. Louis Cathedral.
Actually, this whole place is called the French Quarter! In episode 6, Takt discovers a bar with his father’s records and that a lot of people appreciated Maestro’s music. The reference here is that New Orleans, or the French Quarter specifically, is a place known for its vibrant live music, nightlife, and rich culture. I honestly find this a very thoughtful and suitable detail, especially when, Takt finds the meaning of his music here. It was at this moment that I really came to appreciate the quote — “Music illuminates hope.”
In episodes 7 and 8, Takt, Destiny, and Anna find lodging in this Motel which happens to be realistically located in Vernon Township, New Jersey. The episode doesn’t show any more particular details about it but if you look at Vernon’s map, the place is surrounded by mountains and forests such as Mountain Creek and Wawayanda State Park. Perhaps one of them is where Takt and Destiny fought Schindler and Hell.
Times Square is a famous and busy intersection/entertainment center in Manhattan, New York. When Anna, Destiny, and Takt finally finish their road trip, you can’t blame them for being amazed by the bright lights, tall buildings, and bustling city life. Episodes 9 to 12 feature most of the real-life locations that you can find in takt op. Destiny!
The anime captures most of the New York aesthetic by showing the city’s wonderful architecture. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most famous symbols of the city, connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan, New York. Of course, they had to squeeze this visual in!
The Flatiron Building is well known for its triangular shape, making it very recognizable among other New York City architectural landmarks.
Another building shown is the 1740 Broadway building in Manhattan, New York City.
The group’s sightseeing begins with shopping, getting gelato, going to the aquarium (most likely the New York Aquarium), and lastly, Central Park. Because what’s sightseeing in New York City without visiting Central Park, right? This urban park is one of the most popular places in New York City, filled with many landmarks and structures, as well as diverse flora and fauna. There are many fields in this park but the one in the center is this one — the Great Lawn.
Takt and Destiny show respect to a famous mosaic memorial in Central Park. It’s another sentimental moment as the show once again gives love and appreciation for music. In real life, the “Imagine” memorial is dedicated to the famous musician, John Lennon, one of the band of the world-renowned English rock band, The Beatles.
It’s too vague to be sure exactly where, but the anime shows a glimpse of a brownstone rowhouse, which can mostly be realistically found around neighborhoods in Brooklyn. It’s a very “New York” feel, and I love that the anime doesn’t fail to include that.
One of the most beloved tourist spots inside Central Park is the Bethesda Terrace. The anime shows this place in episode 10 when Takt and Destiny reunite with Lenny. The stone and architecture make for a romantic feel in this place, and that’s one reason why Titan teases Takt and Destiny together.
At this point in the episode, I came from a “happy-and-wholesome” vibe to “scared-and-worried” real quick. Lenny’s return was very ominous, and we had good reason to be because the dark truth behind Symphonica was revealed. During the confrontation, you can see the focal point of the terrace — the large Bethesda Fountain. The statue there is called the Angel of the Waters. Of all the real-life locations in takt op. Destiny, this was my favorite.
Last but not least, when Takt and Destiny finish their battle, they rest in a place which is (most likely) Brooklyn Bridge Park. In this frame, you can see how the beach overlooks the Manhattan Skyline — from the 120 Wall Street building, the Continental Center, One Seaport Plaza, 70 Pine Street, to One World Trade Center, and many more. This is by far, the most emotional scene with Destiny, and the sunset and view here make it all the more sentimental.
And that’s all the real-life locations we see from the takt op. Destiny! Did you recognize them? I personally find it really amazing that this anime not only delivered stunning visuals but ones with real references behind them as well. We were able to see places from the other side of the world, and I think that’s a charming part of the show. I can’t help but have more appreciation for it. Hats off to MAPPA and MADHOUSE studios.
Lastly, if you want more of takt op. Destiny, the game is currently open for pre-registration. It’s very interesting that the trailer teases how the story “will move on to the next stage in Berlin.” It seems that the franchise will be showing us around Berlin soon!
takt op. Destiny is a mixed-media project about classical music by Bandai Namco Arts and DeNA. DeNA China Co., Ltd. is developing the RPG mobile game while MAPPA and MADHOUSE studios animated the anime. takt op. Destiny follows the story of “Musicarts,” who fight against the D2 monsters while being led by a “Conductor”. Their goal is to bring music back to their destroyed world. The anime is available to watch on Crunchyroll, VRV, Ani-one, and Amazon in select regions.
Images via Ani-one Asia
©DeNA / Takt Opus Philharmonic