Download Aria the Animation
Introduction
“Aria the Animation” is a beautiful and relaxing animation that transports viewers to the fascinating world of Neo-Venezia, a city on the planet Aqua (formerly known as Mars). With slow narratives, stunning visuals, and heartwarming themes, this series is a daily treasure trove of the iyashikei (revival) genre. Adapted from Kozue Amano’s “Aria” manga, viewers will be immersed in a tranquil atmosphere filled with the beauty of gondola rides, lovers, and personal growth. In this blog we will find out why “Aria the Animation” is such a beloved series and why it continues to captivate viewers with its simple characters.
Story
In the 24th century, “Arya the Animation” is in Neo-Venezia, a city inspired by Venice, Italy, on the planet Aqua. The city retains the old-world charm of Venice, with its beautiful canals, bridges and narrow streets. The story follows Akari Mizunashi, a cheerful and thoughtful girl. He moves to Neo-Venezia to fulfill his dream of becoming a free man. The Ondinas are women boatmen who guide tourists through the canals of the city.
Akari, the Aria Company model, is played by Alicia Florence, one of the most skilled and respected surfers in town. Akari’s journey is one of self-discovery, learning, connecting with people and the beauty around her. Along the way, he befriends Aika S, two other interesting characters. Granzchesta from Himeya Company and Alice Carroll from Orange Planet.
The series follows the girls as they train to become professional Waves, but the real beauty lies in the moments of calm, wonder, and reflection that fill their everyday lives. Through Akari’s eyes, we see the magic and serenity of Neo-Venezia, even the simplest moments become profound.
Main Characters
- Akari Mizunashi: The protagonist of the series, Akari is a bright, kind-hearted girl who is endlessly optimistic and curious. She has a deep love for Neo-Venezia and often finds joy in the smallest details of life. Akari’s gentle nature and open-mindedness allow her to see the world in a way that inspires those around her.
- Alicia Florence: Alicia is Akari’s mentor and one of the three “Great Water Fairies” of Neo-Venezia, known for her exceptional skill as an Undine. Calm, graceful, and wise, Alicia serves as a guiding figure for Akari, offering sage advice and encouraging her to appreciate the journey of life.
- Aika S. Granzchesta: Aika is Akari’s friend and fellow apprentice Undine from Himeya Company. She is hardworking, straightforward, and has a strong admiration for Alicia. Though she can be a bit brash, Aika is deeply caring and values her friendships.
- Alice Carroll: Alice is a younger but highly skilled apprentice from Orange Planet. She initially appears shy and reserved but gradually opens up to Akari and Aika, forming a strong bond with them. Alice’s talent as an Undine is undeniable, but she struggles with balancing her responsibilities and personal emotions.
- President Aria: The mascot of the Aria Company, President Aria is an adorable, pudgy cat who provides comic relief and lighthearted moments in the series. Though he doesn’t speak, his presence adds to the warmth and charm of the story.
Background Information
- Creator and Studio:
- Creator: The series is based on the manga Aria by Kozue Amano, originally serialized in Monthly Comic Blade. Amano’s storytelling focuses on the beauty of everyday life and the connections between people, themes that are deeply woven into the fabric of the anime.
- Anime Studio: The anime adaptation was produced by Hal Film Maker, a studio known for its work on other gentle, slice-of-life series like Sketchbook: Full Color’s and Princess Tutu. Their attention to detail and ability to create calming atmospheres shines in “Aria the Animation.”
- Source Material: “Aria the Animation” is the first season of the anime adaptation of Amano’s manga. It sets the tone for the two subsequent seasons, Aria the Natural and Aria the Origination, which further explore Akari’s journey and Neo-Venezia’s wonders.
- Release Date: “Aria the Animation” originally aired in Fall 2005 and consists of 13 episodes.
- Genres:
- Slice of Life: The series focuses on the day-to-day lives of Akari and her friends, capturing the beauty in ordinary moments.
- Iyashikei: Often referred to as a “healing” anime, “Aria” provides a sense of peace and relaxation through its calm pacing and soothing tone.
- Fantasy: Set in a futuristic world where Mars has been terraformed into a water-covered planet, the series has a subtle fantasy element that enhances its serene atmosphere.
Themes
- Appreciation of the Present: One of the core themes of “Aria the Animation” is the importance of living in the moment and appreciating the beauty of the present. Akari’s curiosity and wonder for the world around her remind viewers to find joy in even the smallest, most mundane aspects of life.
- Personal Growth: The series subtly explores the personal growth of Akari, Aika, and Alice as they work toward becoming full-fledged Undines. Their journey isn’t just about mastering the skills of gondoliers but also about maturing as individuals and understanding their place in the world.
- Connections and Friendship: The relationships between the characters, particularly the bond between Akari, Aika, and Alice, are central to the story. Their friendship grows naturally through shared experiences, and the series emphasizes the importance of human connections in finding happiness.
Visuals and Animation
- Art Style: The art in “Aria the Animation” is one of its most striking features. Neo-Venezia is brought to life with gorgeous, pastel-colored backgrounds that perfectly capture the city’s serene and picturesque atmosphere. The attention to detail in the architecture and canals enhances the sense of immersion in this tranquil world.
- Animation: While the animation is generally slow-paced to match the tone of the series, it’s fluid and well-executed. The peaceful water, graceful gondola rides, and soft lighting all contribute to the relaxing mood that “Aria” seeks to evoke.
- World-Building: Neo-Venezia is almost a character in itself. The world-building in “Aria” is meticulous, blending the futuristic with the traditional. The setting is inspired by Venice, with its canals, gondolas, and ancient charm, but the addition of advanced technology and subtle fantasy elements gives the world a unique, almost magical feel.
Sound and Music
- Opening and Ending Theme: Yui Makino’s opening theme “Undine” really sets the tone for the series with its soft music and soothing vocals. The ending theme song “Round Table” sung by Nino continues this calm and uplifting mood, leaving the audience calm at the end of each episode.
- Background Music: The soundtrack, composed by Choro Club and Takeshi Senoo, plays an important role in enhancing the calm atmosphere of the series. The music often includes acoustic guitar, piano, and string instruments, creating a quiet and calm sound that complements the visuals.
- Voice acting: The voice acting in “Animation Aria” is a simple, thoughtful voice that suits the tone of the show. Akari’s voice is full of warmth and curiosity, which helps to show her very positive and open personality.
Review
“Aria” is a perfect example of how animation can create a calm and immersive experience for the viewer. Its slow pace, combined with beautiful visuals and soundtrack, allows viewers to relax and absorb the peaceful world of New Venice. The show does not rely on action or drama, but focuses on the small, meaningful moments in life that bring joy and peace.
All characters are good and equal and have their strengths and weaknesses. Akari’s positive attitude and enthusiasm are contagious, and her interactions with the people and the world around her are always inspiring. The friendship between Akari, Aika, and Alice is an important part of the series, offering both humor and emotional depth.
Although the series may not appeal to those looking for fast-paced or action-packed stories, “Theories of Anime” is a masterpiece for fans of various slice-of-life and house-stream type. This is an anime that can be watched again and again, so that you can enjoy, relax and have a meditative experience in a beautiful world.
