Drift peacefully into Neo Venezia, a city on the planet Aqua (formerly known as Mars). By the 24th century, humans have found a way to colonize the previously uninhabitable planet. As futuristic as that sounds, Neo Venezia is still teeming with rustic beauty; gondolas on wide canals and waterways are the main mode of transportation. The city itself is a faithful replication of Manhome's (the planet formerly known as Earth) Venice.
To make sure that residents and tourists alike get the most from Neo Venezia's many wonders, companies offering guided tours via gondola were formed, one of which is named Aria Company.
This is the workplace of Akari Mizunashi, a free spirited teenager from Manhome who is now a novice Undine (the title given to tour guides). Join Akari as she becomes intimately acquainted with other Undine, tourists, Neo Venezia's residents, and even the city itself, learning many valuable life lessons along the way, such as the wonderful truth that there are such things as manmade miracles.
Aria The Animation: A Tranquil Journey Into A New World
Hi fellow otaku! Today we’re diving into the relaxing and atmospheric world of Aria The Animation. This slice of life anime, based on the manga series by Kozue Amano, provides a serene experience unlike any other.
Story Synopsis
Aria The Animation is set in the 24th century on a terraformed Mars, now known as the planet Aqua. The story revolves around Akari Mizunashi, a young woman from Manhome (formerly Earth) who dreams of becoming an undine — a professional gondolier and tour guide. She currently trains with the prestigious Aria Company and navigates her way through the charming city of Neo-Venezia, a re-creation of a beautiful Venetian cityscape.
Hoopla and action are largely absent from the world of Aria. Instead, the audience is invited to explore everyday life and a warm, hopeful outlook on the future. The series is a swirling mix of nostalgia, friendship, and the simple joys of life that offers an escape from the everyday clamor.
Review: Immersive Serenity
Aria The Animation is a symphony of tranquility and joy, where every subtle moment matters. The pacing is slow — languidly slow — encouraging the audience to stop and soak in the beauty, much like a leisurely gondola ride itself.
The animations are breathtaking, and Neo-Venezia is presented with such detail and care that it becomes a character of its own. Accompanied by the soothing tunes of its Yui Makino-scripted soundtrack, the animation conjures a unique, peaceful realm that you can lose yourself into.
Characters: Brimming with Depth
What sets Aria apart from many slice-of-life anime is its character development. Despite the tranquil routine, every episode contributes to the growth of Akari and her friends Aika and Alice. Their friendships, discoveries, and gentle wisdom become the heartbeat of the series. These relatable, well-rounded characters are undoubtedly what will pull you back episode after episode.
Our Verdict: A Much-Needed Respite
Aria The Animation is a beautiful journey best savored at its own pace. Its leisurely storytelling, outstanding world-building, and nuanced character development make it a genuinely heartwarming experience.
If you’re in the headspace to rent, buy, or stream anime that soothes rather than stimulates, hardly can you go wrong with this one. Aria The Animation is akin to a peaceful gondola ride in the evening, the perfect respite to unwind from our often too hectic reality. It’s not for everyone, but for those who can appreciate its distinct flavor, it will be a rewarding experience.
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