In deep space, four astronauts discover that their colleague Makimura has mysteriously died shortly following a cryptic note about his imminent murder. Though horrified by the news, the inoperable state of their spaceship leaves the crew no time to grieve, and they evacuate via escape pods. Determined to identify the culprit, the survivors begin to suspect fellow crewmate Kizaki, on account of a rivalry between himself and Makimura regarding the only female team member, Nana Ichinomiya. However, to their bewilderment, they notice Makimura's pod following them, yet failing to respond to attempts at contact. As the astronauts try to interpret their perplexing circumstances, they learn there are more inconceivable stories about their lost teammate, one involving the Phoenix, a mysterious bird said to have the ability to grant immortality. It is not until they crash into a seemingly deserted planet that the crew will finally uncover the sinister truth behind Makimura and his suspicious pod. Set in a distant future, Hi no Tori: Uchuu-hen illustrates the cruelty of human beings passionately in pursuit of their own desires without any regard to the consequences.

During an Outdoor Activities Club meeting, Nadeshiko Kagamihara, Aoi Inuyama, and Chiaki Oogaki debate what it means to be a real Yamanashi native. Somewhere along the line, Chiaki brings up the Yamanashi Kids' Stamp Rally, which Nadeshiko has never heard of. The rally encourages one to visit famous places in the prefecture and collect stamps; those who complete the rally will win a year's worth of Minobu steamed buns. Enticed by the humongous food prize, Nadeshiko is set on participating. Follow the Outdoor Activities Club as they travel around the Yamanashi prefecture to collect stamps and explore what the region has to offer!

Greece continues to struggle with his nation's financial woes, leaving it up to the other nations to brainstorm ways to restart his economy. This soon kicks off what would be known as the Industrial Revolution, wherein America rises to completely surpass the rest of the world in both technology and economic strength. Fearing that he is losing his influence on the global scale, England begs the other nations for ideas to restore his country's image. At the same time, smaller nations are eager to make their mark with their newfound independence. Czechoslovakia has officially been split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, leaving the two nations at odds with each other but with a lot of free time.

A collaborative anime between Hi no Tori and the Dougo Onsen hot spring bath house. The anime is part of a revitalization project for the Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture bath house that began on January 15. The Dougo Onsen building is 125 years old and certain areas were due for a facelift. (Source: ANN)