The appeal and reviews of ONE: Towards a Shining Season: A thorough explanation of the moving story and the depth of the characters

ONE: Towards a Shining Season: A story of eternal promises and fleeting youth

"ONE: Towards a Shining Season" was released as an OVA in 2001 and is based on the 18+ game "Tactics". It was directed by Morino Yousei, produced by TripleX, and published and distributed by KSS. The work consists of 4 episodes, each about 27 minutes long, and was released between August 10, 2001 and May 24, 2002. Copyright © 2001 Nexon/KSS.

story

Kohei Orihara, a second-year high school student, meets girls such as his childhood friend Mizuka Nagamori, Akane Satomura, Rumi Nanase, Misaki Kawana, and Mio Kozuki, and makes a promise with them. However, Kohei leaves for the "Eternal World" and is forgotten by them and the people around him. Will Kohei be able to return from the "Eternal World"?

Commentary

"ONE: To the Shining Season" was produced as an OVA based on the popular game. It has been highly praised not only by fans of the original game but also by anime fans, and its moving story and beautiful visuals have attracted many viewers. The OVA firmly retains the essence of the original work while bringing out new charms with its own interpretation and direction.

cast

• Kohei Orihara: Kisho Taniyama
• Mizuka Nagamori: Ayako Kawasumi
• Akane Satomura: Sayuri Yoshida
• Utako Yuzuki: Akiko Yajima
• Rumi Nanase: Haruhi Terada
• Misaki Kawana: Machiko Toyoshima
• Mio Kozuki: Masumi Asano
• Shiina Mayu: Mika Kanai
• Shun on Ice: Soichiro Hoshi

Main Staff

• Planning: Nabezou, Yasuyuki Oda
• Director, Screenplay, Sound Director: Yosei Morino
• Character design: Jun Sato
• Animation director: Tomohiro Shibayama
• Animation Production: Triple X
• Produced by: KSS (Softgarage)

Main Characters

• Kohei Orihara: A high school boy who is a member of the light music club. He sets off on a journey to the "Eternal World" and is forgotten by the girls he meets.
• Mizuka Nagamori: Kohei's childhood friend and best friend with Rumi. Although she doesn't realize it, she met Rumi when she came to school to complete the transfer procedures.
• Satomura Akane: A girl who attends Kohei's school, she has been waiting in the "vacant lot" since her childhood friend disappeared.
• Utako Yuzuki: Akane's childhood friend who attends a different school than Akane. She comes to her school for a club social event.
• Nanase Rumi: A girl who transfers to Kohei's school, she quits the kendo club and aims to become a "girly girl."
• Misaki Kawana: A blind girl and Kohei's senior. She meets Kohei playing the flute on the school rooftop at sunset.
• Mio Kozuki: A girl who cannot speak, she communicates by writing using a sketchbook. She is a member of the drama club.
• Shiina Mayu: A girl whom Mizuka met at the cherry tree, who was sad after her pet ferret died.

subtitle

• Episode 1: Rain Chapter Akane and Utako (August 10, 2001)
• Episode 2: The Wind Chapter - Rumi and Mizuka (November 22, 2001)
• Episode 3: Snow Chapter Misaki Mio (February 22, 2002)
• Episode 4: Sakura Chapter - Mizuka and Mayu (May 24, 2002)

Related Titles

• ONE ~To the Shining Season~ Adult Version

Theme songs and music

• OP1: Eternity (episodes 1-4)
  • Lyricist: Shota Namikawa
  • Composer: Ritsuko Okazaki
  • Arrangement: Hiroshi Igarashi, Masaaki Michio
  • Sung by: Millio
• ED1: Rose (Episode 1)
  • Lyricist: Shota Namikawa
  • Composer: Ritsuko Okazaki
  • Arrangement: Kazuyuki Takahashi
  • Vocals: Sayuri Yoshida
• ED2: Impurity (episode 2)
  • Lyricist: Shota Namikawa
  • Composer: Ritsuko Okazaki
  • Arrangement: Masaaki Michio
  • Sung by: Haruhi Terada
• ED3: The Day the Wind Can Be Seen (Episode 3)
  • Lyrics: Ritsuko Okazaki, Shota Namikawa
  • Composer: Ritsuko Okazaki
  • Arrangement: Akiko Iwamuro
  • Vocals: Toyoshima Machiko
• ED4: It's good the way it is (episode 4)
  • Lyricist: Shota Namikawa
  • Composer: Ritsuko Okazaki
  • Arrangement: Kazuyuki Takahashi
  • Vocals: Ayako Kawasumi

Review

"ONE: Towards a Shining Season" is a moving work that depicts the transience of youth and the promise of eternity. For fans of the original game, the OVA version delves even deeper into the worldview and allows you to enjoy the story from a new perspective. Each episode tells the story of the protagonist Kohei Orihara and the girls around him, set against the backdrop of a different season. In particular, the ending theme of each episode plays a role in enhancing the atmosphere of the story and resonates deeply with the viewer.

Director Morino Yousei has retained the essence of the original work while drawing viewers in with the unique direction of the OVA. The collaboration between character designer Sato Jun and animation director Shibayama Tomohiro has produced beautiful visuals, especially in the depictions of the backgrounds, which express a rich sense of the seasons. Morino Yousei, who also served as sound director, also paid close attention to the BGM and sound effects, allowing viewers to enjoy the story not only visually but also aurally.

The cast is also impressive, with Kisho Taniyama as Kohei Orihara, Ayako Kawasumi as Mizuka Nagamori, and Sayuri Yoshida as Akane Satomura, all of whom express the emotions of each character realistically. The singing ability of the voice actors who sing the different ending themes for each episode is particularly impressive, further enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

Recommendation

"ONE: Towards a Shining Season" is recommended for those who like works that depict the sadness of youth, friendship, and love. In particular, those who have played the original game will be able to enjoy the story from a new perspective in the OVA version. It is also recommended for anime fans who are looking for beautiful visuals and a moving story. The seasonal feel of each episode and the ending theme are also points not to be missed, so be sure to watch all episodes.

In addition, there is also an adult version of "ONE: To the Shining Season," so if you want more in-depth content, check that out too. By comparing the OVA version with the adult version, you will be able to better understand the differences in the story and the character development.

This work is a moving story that depicts the brilliance and transience of youth, and is sure to give viewers a lot of emotion and empathy. We hope you will all experience the world of "ONE ~To the Shining Season~".