Introduction
Ao Ashi is a Japanese sports anime series that comes from the manga of the same name. Yūgo Kobayashi wrote and drew the manga. The show first aired in April 2022 and has grabbed viewers with its unique take on the sports genre soccer. The well-known studio Production I.G made the anime. It stands out because it shows soccer tactics in detail, builds up its characters, and follows the main character’s emotional journey.
Ao Ashi tells the tale of Ashito Aoi, a high school kid with natural soccer skills but no proper coaching. The story starts in a small Japanese town where Ashito’s world turns upside down after a top soccer club from Tokyo spots him. This show mixes the thrill of sports contests with personal development and the ins and outs of teamwork. It spins a gripping yarn that clicks with both sports nuts and anime lovers alike.
Ao Ashi gets high marks for showing soccer in a true-to-life way. It paints a picture of how tricky the sport can be and what hurdles young athletes have to jump. The show digs into ideas like not giving up, working as a team, and finding yourself. It catches what it’s like to chase your dreams while facing tough competition. With stories that pull you in and eye-catching animation, Ao Ashi has a big influence on sports anime. It sets a new bar for how anime shows soccer.
Story of Ao Ashi
Ao Ashi tells the story of Ashito Aoi, a young soccer star with natural skills but little formal coaching. Even with his innate talent, Ashito’s poor self-control and lack of organized practice slow him down. His world changes when a leading soccer team in Tokyo spots him and gives him the opportunity to join their program for young players.
When Ashito moves to Tokyo, he runs into a lot of hurdles. He has to get used to tougher competition, handle stress from himself and others, and figure out how to be a good team player. The show explores Ashito’s journey as he gets better at soccer, tackles problems, and tries to make his mark in pro soccer. With his teammates, Ashito rides the highs and lows of competitive sports. Along the way, he learns what teamwork, never giving up, and being committed mean.
Throughout the series, viewers see Ashito grow from a gifted but raw player into a focused and capable athlete. His path involves tough training key matches, and building essential bonds with his coaches and teammates.
Main Characters
- Ashito Aoi: The main character of the story, Ashito has a gift for soccer and loves the game. The plot centers on his move from a small town to Tokyo as he grows into a promising player.
- Mizuki Shouhei: A skilled player in the midfield who becomes one of Ashito’s top competitors. Mizuki’s drive to win and top-notch abilities push Ashito to become better.
- Kashiwagi Keiji: The coach for Ashito at the Tokyo soccer club, Kashiwagi used to play and knows the game inside out. He plays a key part in showing Ashito the ropes and helping him sharpen his skills.
- Mikami Hikari: A top-notch forward who plays on Ashito’s team. Hikari’s commitment to soccer and her personal challenges help and inspire Ashito.
- Takumi Hoshino: A smart and seasoned player who guides Ashito. Takumi’s understanding of the game and his ability to lead help Ashito deal with the ups and downs of pro soccer.
Background Information
Creator and Studio:
- Creator: Yūgo Kobayashi
- Studio: Production I.G, which has a reputation for top-notch animation and production quality.
Source Material:
- Ao Ashi comes from the manga series with the same title, which started its run in 2011.
Release Dates:
- The anime version first aired on April 9, 2022.
Episodes:
- Season one of the anime has 24 episodes.
Genre:
- This show fits into the sports, drama, and slice-of-life categories, with soccer as its main focus.
Themes of Ao Ashi
Passion and Dedication:
- Ao Ashi stresses the passion and dedication needed to shine in soccer. The series shows the hard work, commitment, and sacrifices needed to succeed in the competitive sports world.
Personal Growth:
- The story follows Ashito’s path of personal growth and self-discovery. Through his time on and off the field, Ashito learns key lessons about himself and his surroundings.
Teamwork and Friendship:
- Teamwork and player relationships form core themes in Ao Ashi. The series looks at how working together trusting each other, and supporting one another matter in soccer and in life.
Overcoming Adversity:
- Ao Ashi shows the hurdles Ashito and his teammates face in their soccer careers and personal lives. The series stresses how important it is to keep going and bounce back when things get tough.
Competition and Rivalry:
- Soccer’s competitive nature plays a big role in the story. The series digs into the rivalries between teams and players showing how their drive and ambition push them to win.
Visuals and Animation
Animation Quality:
- Ao Ashi gets praise for its top-notch animation in showing soccer matches. The lively and smooth animation catches the thrill and power of the sport making the action scenes eye-catching.
Character Design:
- The character designs show lots of detail and expression reflecting the players’ personalities and feelings. These designs help tell the story better and show off what makes each character unique.
Setting and Atmosphere:
- The series does a good job showing the feel of competitive soccer, from busy stadiums to tough training sessions. The settings help pull viewers into the story.
Sound and Music
Opening and Ending Themes:
- The opening song, “Urami” by Da-iCE, and the closing tune, “Tawawa on Monday” by Ai, help set the mood for the show with their lively and feeling-filled music.
Background Music:
- Masaru Yokoyama created the soundtrack, which has a mix of uplifting and dramatic songs that boost the story’s emotional punch. The music goes well with the action and helps show how characters grow throughout the series.
Voice Acting:
- Ao Ashi has an influence on viewers through its voice acting. The performances breathe life into the characters and enhance their interactions. Kazuya Nakai (Ashito Aoi) and Maaya Uchida (Hana Ichijo) stand out among the voice cast.
Review
Ao Ashi earns praise for its true-to-life soccer depiction gripping plot, and fleshed-out characters. The show blends sports excitement with personal growth crafting a story that strikes a chord with its audience. The top-notch animation and character designs boost the show’s appeal making it a gem in the sports genre.
The show delves into themes of passion, dedication, and personal growth giving soccer and anime fans a rich and satisfying experience. Ao Ashi brings a fresh perspective to the sports genre mixing high-energy action with emotional storytelling.
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