Summer 2008
Hidamari Sketch x 365
ShaftAfter passing her entrance exam, Yuno enrolls at Yamabuki High School as part of an art degree. She stays at the Hidamari Apartments along with best friend Miyako, and seniors Hiro and Sae. Each episode follows a day in her life as she mingles with her friends, close peers, overly hyper teachers and closely follows the mundane lives of the high school girls.
(Source: ANN)
Anime Review: Hidamari Sketch x 365 – A Palette of Everyday Life
Synopsis:
Hidamari Sketch x 365 is an anime series that immerses its viewers in the tranquility of daily life, bringing heartwarming stories to life through an ensemble cast of endearing characters. At the heart of the series is the ever-energetic Yuno, an optimistic and determined young girl who dreams of becoming a great artist. She lands a spot at the esteemed Yamabuki Art High School and begins her journey of artistic and personal discovery.
At Yamabuki, Yuno is housed at the Hidamari Apartments, a safe haven for her fellow artistic hopefuls. It is here that she forms close-knit relationships with Hiro, an upperclassman and gifted cook, Sae, an aspiring novelist, Miyako, a lively and crazy-go-lucky girl, as well as their quirky teacher Yoshinoya. Each episode presents an episodic sketch of their ordinary yet poignant lives, painted with a blend of comedy, friendship, and the simple joys of life.
Review:
Hidamari Sketch x 365, the second series of the Hidamari Sketch franchise, continues the slice-of-life allure of its predecessor, but with increased depth and development. The same familiar setting reintroduces a heightened sense of artistry, humor, and sentimentality that threads its characters together.
The four talented ladies and their teacher return with a stronger bond, crafting more memories under the Hidamari skies. The series undertakes a non-linear storytelling approach, filling gaps from the previous season and presenting a more comprehensive portrait of the characters’ lives.
Part of what makes Hidamari Sketch x 365 excel is the visually intriguing animation style of studio Shaft. Their creative framing and use of abstract imagery serve to accentuate each sketch. This, combined with a simple yet appealing color palette, creates a distinct, calming atmosphere that beautifully complements the verdant universality of the characters’ lives.
Sound-wise, Hidamari Sketch x 365 delivers again, its blend of soft, melodic tunes enhancing the serene and soothing aura that the series cultivates. Additionally, the seiyuu (voice actors) performance deserves utmost praise for instilling every dialogue with the right touch of emotion, making each character’s personality sparkle.
If you loved the first season of Hidamari Sketch, there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy this extension. For first-timers, this can be an excellent introduction to the Slice-of-Life genre. Hidamari Sketch x 365, with its charming characters, poignant narrative, and soothing audiovisuals, offers an artistic retreat from the speed of our everyday lives.
If you are into anime that dives deep into the subtle intricacies of life, where friendship and the journey of self-discovery are key, then Hidamari Sketch x 365 is a stellar option and highly recommended to stream. So sit back, relax, and let yourself be transported into the charming world of the Hidamari Apartments with a cup of tea – the perfect companion for this calming series.
Be the first to leave a review.
Natsume Yuujinchou
Brain's BaseDue to an unusual ability to see strange creatures called youkai, Takashi Natsume has never fit in. Passed around from one foster home to another, he was left isolated and lonely. Over time, he has accepted that no one would ever believe him and has closed himself off to his current caretakers and classmates.
When Natsume accidentally breaks an intangible barrier, he frees Madara—a mighty spirit in the form of a lucky cat. Madara notices that Natsume bears a remarkable resemblance to his late grandmother Reiko Natsume, an outcast girl who became known across the youkai world for creating the Book of Friends. It is now in Natsume's possession, along with its power to call upon the written names of the youkai Reiko had defeated.
With no interest in its powers, Natsume decides to keep the book for the sake of his grandmother's memories and to protect it from scheming youkai. Therefore, he makes a deal with Madara: he will hand him the book once his time is up, and in turn, Madara will act as Natsume's unofficial bodyguard, nicknamed Nyanko-sensei. With his newfound goal of freeing those Reiko had sealed, Natsume's relationship with both youkai and humans slowly begins to improve.
Natsume Yuujinchou: A Treasured Blend of Fantasy and Emotion
Synopsis: As with many anime and manga, ‘Natsume Yuujinchou’ or ‘Natsume’s Book of Friends’ takes us to a magical world where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary, the human world melds seamlessly with that of spirits and supernatural beings. Reflected through the eyes of high school student Takashi Natsume, the main character, who has the rare ability to see spirits since his childhood. Inherited from his deceased grandmother, Reiko, is a peculiar artifact known as the ‘Book of Friends,’ which contains the names of spirits she had managed to leverage into servitude during her lifetime.
Set within the modern Japanese rural countryside, ‘Natsume Yuujinchou’ is centred on Natsume’s attempts to free the spirits bound within the Book of Friends, while tackling day-to-day life challenges and delving deeper into Reiko’s mysterious past. Accompanied by a feline spirit protector-come-self-proclaimed-bodyguard, Madara (affectionately referred to as ‘Nyanko-sensei’), Natsume’s high school life becomes anything but ordinary!
Review
Narrative Front: ‘Natsume Yuujinchou’ is a shining example of episodic storytelling done right! The series chronicles Natsume’s encounters and interactions with various spirits. The show manages to tell poignant, self-contained tales within each episode while drawing threads to plait an engrossing overarching narrative. Yet the show never loses focus of its mission – Natsume’s quest to free the spirits from the Book of Friends. The storytelling is delicate, poignant and often moving, capturing the fragility, resilience, and contradictions inherent to both human and spirit worlds.
Characters: To the delight of every viewer, ‘Natsume Yuujinchou’ focuses on character growth. Natsume’s transformation from a lonely teenager to a more sociable and understanding individual is heartwarming to watch. In parallel, the secondary characters like Nyanko-sensei offer plenty of comedies, and it’s hard not to get attached to them. Plus, each spirit introduced has a rich backstory that adds depth to the overall narrative.
Animation and Sound: The series’ animation is fluid and visually appealing. It portrays the tranquil countryside of Japan beautifully and brings a tangible feel to the ethereal world of spirits. Sound-wise, the soothing soundtrack aligns perfectly with the anime’s tranquil vibe to convey emotions effectively.
Final Thoughts: Overall, ‘Natsume Yuujinchou’ is a touching exploration of the supernatural – layered with aspects of friendship, personal growth and relatable life lessons. It is a series that will make you smile, cry and ponder with its heartfelt narratives and well-developed characters. Whether you’re into fantasy, comedy, drama, or simple slice-of-life types of anime, ‘Natsume Yuujinchou’ has it all.
Recommendation: Should you stream, rent, or buy? If you’re a casual viewer looking for an enjoyable, easy-to-digest anime with a healthy dose of fantasy and heart, then streaming it is the best option. However, if you’re like me who easily fell in love with Natsume’s world, buying it for frequent revisits might be worthwhile. Regardless of the viewing medium, ‘Natsume Yuujinchou’ is a standout series that will resonate long after the final credits roll.
Rating: 4.5/5
Be the first to leave a review.
