The appeal and evaluation of "Φnaru Approach": A deep review

Comprehensive evaluation and recommendation of the Final Approach

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

game

■ Broadcast period

October 3, 2004 - December 26, 2004
tvk October 2, 2004 to December 25, 2004 (Episodes 1 to 13) Every Saturday 25:30 to 26:00

■Broadcasting station

TVK, UHF

■Frequencies

12 mins

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 13

■Original Story

Princess Soft

■ Director

Tenshi Yamamoto

■ Production

Animation production: TriNet Entertainment, ZEXCS
・Production: Φnaru Approach Production Committee

■Works

©2004 PrincessSoft/ΦNaru Approach Production Committee

■ Story

A mysterious beautiful girl, Masuda Nishimorika, suddenly appears before ordinary high school student Mizuhara Ryo and his sister Akegane. "I'm Ryo-sama's fiancee," she says with a smile, but what is the secret plan of a nation hidden behind that face...?!

*Quoted from Bandai Channel

■Explanation

One day, suddenly,
A mysterious beautiful girl fell from the sky!?
Full of conventions? The definitive slapstick romantic comedy!

*Quoted from Bandai Channel

■Cast

・Ryo Mizuhara/Daisuke Kishio/Nishimori Masuda/Sakura Nogawa/Akegane Mizuhara/Miyu Matsuki/Emi Mutsu/Chiaki Takahashi/Miki Moriya/Yukari Tamura/Yurika Mei/Yuko Minaguchi/Haruki Takekasa/Kosuke Okano

■ Main staff

・Original work by Princess Soft・Director: Yamamoto Tenshi・Series composition: Hasegawa Katsumi・Character concept: Nishimata Aoi・Character design and chief animation director: Shimazawa Noriko・SD character design: Ibe Yukiko・Color setting: Akahori Kumiko・Art director: Hariu Katsufumi・Director of photography: Kondo Yasunao・Editor: Uchida Megumi・Sound director: Iizuka Koichi・Music: Angel Note
Producers: Saburo Omiya, Tomoko Kawasaki Animation: TriNet Entertainment, ZEXCS
・Production: Φnaru Approach Production Committee

■Subtitle

Episode 1: The Great Arrival of a Beautiful Girl of Love and Destiny! (2004/10/02)
Episode 2: The Birth of a New Transfer Student! (2004/10/09)
Episode 3: Big Clash!! Love and Ambition of Dragon and Tiger! (2004/10/16)
Episode 4: Big decision!! A voyage of love and hope!? (2004/10/23)
Episode 5: Close Encounter!? Love and Death in the Steamy Hell! (2004/10/30)
Episode 6: Big Shock!! The End of Love and Sorrow! (2004/11/06)
Episode 7: A Tragic Love Story! Love and Affection in the Snow (2004/11/13)
Episode 8: Fever!! Love and Memories of "Ahhh" (2004/11/20)
Episode 9: The Great Battle! Beyond Love and Gunfire! (2004/11/27)
Episode 10: The Great Move!! A Summoning of Love and Mercy! (2004/12/04)
Episode 11: The Great End!? Love and Farewell Dolls! (2004/12/11)
Episode 12: Applause!! Love and Blessings to the Fool! (2004/12/18)
Episode 13: Great Competition! A Wedding of Love and Glory (2004/12/25)

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1
・Kimiiro Palette ・Lyrics by rino
・Composition: Hironobu Kageyama ・Arrangement: Kenichi Sudo ・Singer: Sakura Nogawa

・ED1
・Love, Fate, Love
Lyrics: Miyuki Hashimoto Composition: Miyuki Hashimoto Arrangement: Jun Kageya Vocals: Miyuki Hashimoto

・IN1
・Tears Tiara・Lyrics by rino
・Composition: Hironobu Kageyama ・Arrangement: Kenichi Sudo ・Singer: Sakura Nogawa

■Detailed evaluation

"Final Approach" is a TV anime series that aired in 2004 and is based on a game by Princess Soft. This work is a romantic comedy that revolves around a mysterious beautiful girl, Masuda Nishimorika, who suddenly appears in the daily life of Mizuhara Ryo, an ordinary high school student, and his younger sister, Akegane. The story begins with her declaring, "I'm Ryo-sama's fiancee," and unfolds with a mixture of laughter and emotion against the backdrop of a national-level secret plan.

The appeal of this anime is, without a doubt, its slapstick nature and its cliched romantic comedy elements. The setting of a beautiful girl suddenly falling from the sky has the power to draw viewers in immediately. Also, the subtitles of each episode start with exaggerated expressions such as "Great Introduction" and "Great Birth," which symbolize the tone of the work. Viewers will laugh and sometimes cry at the unpredictable developments that occur one after another.

The charm of the characters is also not to be missed. The protagonist, Mizuhara Ryo, is an ordinary high school student, but is depicted as growing up while being tossed about by strange events around him. In particular, Nogawa Sakura's performance as Masuda Nishimorika brings out the charm of her character to the fullest. The supporting cast, including Matsuki Miyu as Mizuhara Akekane and Takahashi Chiaki as Mutsu Emiho, are also unique and add excitement to the story.

Director Yamamoto Tenshi has skillfully controlled the tempo of this romantic comedy, keeping viewers engaged. Series composer Hasegawa Katsumi has also skillfully constructed the story of each episode, capturing the viewers' hearts. Character designer Shimazawa Noriko has also created endearing characters, providing plenty of visual appeal.

Musically, this work is also excellent. The opening theme, "Kimiiro Palette," features Sakura Nogawa's voice, lifting the hearts of viewers. The ending theme, "Love, Fate, Love," features Miyuki Hashimoto's gentle voice, enhancing the story's lingering impression. The insert song, "Namida no Tiara," is also used effectively in important scenes in the story, stirring the emotions of the viewer.

■Recommendation details

"Final Approach" is a work that I would especially recommend to those who like romantic comedies. In particular, those who like elements such as sudden encounters and national-level secret plans will definitely enjoy it. It is also recommended for those who want to pay attention to the personalities and acting of the characters. Furthermore, the theme song and insert songs of this work will be attractive to those who like music.

When watching this work, pay attention to the subtitles of each episode. They contain a condensed version of the story's development and the characters' feelings. Also, if you pay attention to the character growth and changes in relationships, you will be able to enjoy the work more deeply. And by listening to the music, you can become even more immersed in the world of the story.

"Final Approach" is a romantic comedy that is a mix of laughter and emotion, and is loved by many viewers. Please watch this work and experience its charm.