The appeal and reviews of "Sweet Valerian": an invitation to a sweet world

Sweet Valerian: The Charm of the Relaxation Squadron and a Stress-Relieving Journey

"Sweet Valerian," which aired in 2004, was loved by many viewers as a new type of short anime directed by Hiroaki Sakurai. This work is a 5-minute short anime series with original concept and main character design by CLAMP and animation produced by Madhouse. Of the 26 episodes in total, a packaged DVD version was released that included 8 episodes that were not broadcast on TV, which became a hot topic among fans.

Story and Characters

"Sweet Valerian" is set in modern-day Japan. The three main characters, Kanoko, Pop, and Kate, are the superheroines "Relaxation Squadron Valerian" who fight against the evil "Stress Gang." They try various methods to relieve the stress they feel in their daily lives. One of the highlights is the showdown with enemy characters, including Kinjiro Tanuma, the boss of the Stress Gang.

Kanoko (voice: Koshimizu Ami) is a leader-type character with a bright and energetic personality. Pop (voice: Asakawa Yuu) is a kind-hearted girl who cares for her friends, although she can be a bit clumsy. Kate (voice: Nazuka Kaori) is a cool and intelligent character who acts as the brains behind the team. The story follows the intertwining personalities of these three girls as they embark on a journey to relieve stress.

Production background and staff

"Sweet Valerian" is a work created by director Hiroaki Sakurai following the success of "Di Gi Charat". Director Sakurai has succeeded in fusing CLAMP's unique character design and storytelling while taking advantage of the short anime format. Madhouse, which was in charge of animation, has captivated audiences with its high-quality visual expression.

The main staff includes character designer Yoshiki Yamakawa, series composer Koyuri Ohba, art director Hideaki Kudo, color designer Yoshinori Horikawa, cinematographer Koji Takahashi, editor Masahiro Matsumura, music by Double Oats, and sound director Yasunori Ebina. Producers include Masao Morosawa, Atsushi Fujimoto, and Yumiko Masushima, and the project was produced by Valerian Party.

Episodes and themes

The 26 episodes are all about the stress we feel in our daily lives. Starting with episode 1, "Prologue," to episode 26, "Yay! Sweet Valerian," each episode deals with a different type of stress and how to relieve it. For example, episode 2, "Cell Phone Stress," introduces ways to relieve stress caused by poor cell phone reception, while episode 6, "Swaying Stress on a Crowded Train," describes ways to relieve stress on a crowded train.

In addition, in episode 14, "The Stress Gang had a boss too," the boss of the Stress Gang, Kinjiro Tanuma, appears and confronts Valerian. In episode 25, "Super Stress Boss," the final battle unfolds, and Valerian's exploits reach their climax.

Music and theme song

The music for "Sweet Valerian" was handled by Double Oates. The two theme songs are "Valerian Gymnastics Song" and "Sweet Supplement". "Valerian Gymnastics Song" had lyrics by Ooba Koyuri, music by Abe Jun, arrangement by Muto Seiji, and sung by the St. Marianne Choir. "Sweet Supplement" had lyrics by Ooba Koyuri, music by Abe Jun, arrangement by Muto Seiji, and sung by Kanoko Pop Kate. These songs are important elements in creating the atmosphere of the work.

Related works and fan communities

There are eight episodes of Sweet Valerian that were not broadcast on TV, and they are included in the packaged DVD version. These episodes are valuable content for fans, and they play a role in further deepening the worldview of the work. In addition, Valerian cosplay and fan art are actively done in the fan community, and you can feel the love for the work.

Ratings and Recommendations

Although it is a short anime, Sweet Valerian is a work that will bring a smile to the viewers' faces by humorously depicting the universal theme of stress relief. The unique world view that combines CLAMP's character design and director Hiroaki Sakurai's direction is an attractive element for fans. In addition, each episode introduces a different stress and how to relieve it, which resonates with viewers and has a relaxing effect.

The reasons why I recommend this work are as follows:

• Although it is a short anime, it depicts the theme of stress relief in a humorous way.
• A unique worldview that combines CLAMP's character designs with director Hiroaki Sakurai's direction
• Each episode introduces a different stress and how to relieve it.
• The fan community is thriving and you can really feel the love for the series.

"Sweet Valerian" is a wonderful work that provides smiles and relaxation to modern people living in a stressful society. Please give it a watch.