The appeal and reviews of "Refrain Blue": The depth of an anime that depicts the brilliance of youth

"Refrain Blue": A sad and beautiful memory of one summer

■Overview of the work

Refrain Blue is an OVA series based on the R18 game by Elf, with three episodes released by Pink Pineapple between June 23rd and October 27th, 2000. The total length of each episode is about 75 minutes, and it was directed by Norio Kashima and written by Takao Yoshioka. Featuring beautiful visuals and sensitive storytelling, the work depicts the bittersweet experiences of one summer at Toyo Academy's summer school.

■ Story

"I'll be waiting by the sea."

The story of "Refrain Blue," which begins with this sentence, unfolds when the protagonist, Matsunaga Yoshihiro, participates in Toyo Gakuen's summer school. Through his interactions with the girls he meets there, Yoshihiro experiences a wide range of emotions and grows as a person. This story, which combines beautiful seaside scenery with the bittersweetness of youth, deeply moves viewers.

■ Characters

Yoshihiro Matsunaga

Voice actor: Katsuyuki Konishi

The main character. She participates in Toyo Academy's summer school and grows through her interactions with the girls she meets there. She has an appealingly honest and kind personality.

Nao Morisawa

Voice actor: Yumi Kikuchi

Yoshihiro's childhood friend. She has a bright and cheerful personality and is always there to support Yoshihiro. The relationship with her is an important element of the story.

Chinatsu Iwasaki

Voice actor: Ishikawa Shizuka

A cool and mature girl. She has complicated feelings towards Yoshihiro. Her past adds depth to the story.

Tsukashima Thrush

Voice actor: Mari Adachi

A girl with a gentle personality. The story depicts the process of her meeting Yoshihiro and opening up to him. Her purity touches the hearts of viewers.

Kawana Yuori

Voice actor: Ruri Asano

An active and curious girl, she discovers a new side of herself through her encounter with Yoshihiro. Her growth is one of the attractions of the story.

Hayase Shizuku

Voice actor: Ai Uchikawa

A mysterious girl. Her encounter with Yoshihiro changes her fate. Her presence gives the story a mysterious atmosphere.

Mysterious Girl

Voice actor: Mie Sonozaki

She holds the key to the story. Her true identity and her relationship with Yoshihiro will build up excitement for the story's climax.

■ Staff

・Original work: Elf

・Director: Norio Kashima

・Screenplay: Takao Yoshioka

・Direction: Ueno Fumihiro

・Character design: Aya Kadoi

・Character design and animation director: Mayumi Watanabe

・Art director: Nobuto Sakamoto

Director of photography: Takashi Yasutsuba

・Sound Director: Koichi Iizuka

・Producer: Saburo Omiya

・Produced by: Pink Pineapple

■ Episode

Chapter 1: Scarlet Memories (June 23, 2000)

The story begins with Yoshihiro attending summer school and meeting the girls. This episode depicts their first meeting and their subsequent interactions, and is an important chapter that lays the foundation for the story.

Chapter 2 Under the Moonlight... (August 25, 2000)

As Yoshihiro's relationship with the girls deepens, each girl's past and worries are revealed. This episode depicts rising emotions and conflicts, and gets to the heart of the story.

Chapter 3: Eternity of the Blue Waves (October 27, 2000)

This episode marks the end of summer for Yoshihaku and the girls. It depicts the growth of each character and the beauty of parting, bringing the story to a moving finale.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Refrain Blue" has captivated many fans with its beautiful visuals and delicate storytelling. In particular, the scenes where the seaside scenery and the bittersweetness of youth intertwine will leave a deep impression on viewers. In addition, the backgrounds and emotions of each character are carefully depicted, allowing viewers to empathize with and be moved by their growth and change.

The voice actors' performances are also excellent, especially Katsuyuki Konishi as Yoshihiro Matsunaga and Yumi Kikuchi as Nao Morisawa, who express the emotions of their characters realistically. Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story, and the background music and theme songs enhance the emotions of the viewer.

However, since the original work is an 18+ game, it is important to note that it does contain adult scenes. However, these scenes are naturally incorporated as necessary elements to the progression of the story, and do not disrupt the overall balance.

■ Recommendation points

"Refrain Blue" is a work that depicts the sadness and beauty of youth, and can be recommended to many people. It is especially recommended for the following people:

• People who like youth dramas and romance stories
• Those who enjoy beautiful visuals and detailed storytelling
• People who want to empathize with the character's growth and changes in relationships
• Those who want to experience the seaside scenery and summer atmosphere

■ Related works

The original 18+ game by Elf, which is the basis for "Refrain Blue," is also interesting, and by watching the OVA and then playing the original work, you can gain a deeper understanding and be moved by it. Also, the anime works "Elf's Spring" and "Elf's Spring: Green Spring Edition," which are also based on Elf's original work, are also worth checking out, as they offer beautiful visuals and delicate storytelling.

■ Summary

"Refrain Blue" is an OVA series that depicts the bittersweet and beautiful memories of one summer, set at Toyo Gakuen's summer school. The beautiful visuals, delicate storytelling, and character growth and change will capture the hearts of viewers and move them deeply. This work, which combines the bittersweetness of youth with seaside scenery, is one that can be recommended to many people. Please watch it and feel its charm.