ARIA The NATURAL #2 Review: A story of the charm and growth of the water city

The appeal and reviews of ARIA The NATURAL

"ARIA The NATURAL" is a TV anime series that aired in 2006, based on the manga "ARIA" by Kozue Amano. Set on the water planet "Aqua," the story follows a group of girls who aim to become gondola guides (Undines) in the tourist city of Neo-Venezia. This work is loved by many fans as a healing anime set in the future that depicts the beauty of everyday life and heartwarming human relationships.

story

Neo-Venice, a tourist city on the water planet "Aqua," is a beautiful city with a network of waterways. Gondolas are the main means of transportation here, and the gondoliers who row the tourists are called "Undines" and are idols of the city. The main character, Mizunashi Akari, is from the planet Manhome and lives in the boarding house "ARIA Company," where she trains hard every day to become a full-fledged Undine. She is surrounded by kind seniors and unique friends, and their interactions are depicted against the backdrop of beautiful scenery in this heartwarming, healing story set in the future.

Commentary

"ARIA The NATURAL" is the second season of "ARIA The ANIMATION," and the staff and cast, including director Junichi Sato, are continuing on from the original. This series offers viewers a more natural and gentle worldview, and takes up the theme of "encounters." The city of Neo-Venice is depicted as a place where encounters are valued, and the protagonists' tender yet sad story unfolds.

cast

• Akari Mizunashi - Erino Hazuki
• Ai - Kaori Mizuhashi
• Alicia Florence - Sayaka Ohara
• Aria Pokoten - Chinami Nishimura
• Aika S. Granchesta - Chiwa Saito
• Akira E. Ferrari - Junko Minagawa
• Alice Carroll - Ryo Hirohashi
• Athena Glory - Tomoko Kawakami

Main Staff

• Original story: Kozue Amano ("ARIA" serialized in Monthly Comic Blade, published by Mag Garden)
• Director, Series Composition - Junichi Sato
• Screenplay: Reiko Yoshida, Ayuna Fujisaki, Mari Okada, Tatsuhiko Urahata
• Assistant Director - Kenichi Takeshita
• Character design - Makoto Koga
• Chief animation director: Tetsuya Kumagai
• Art Director: Hirofumi Yoshikawa
• Color design - Yoshimi Kawakami
• Director of photography - Hiroshi Yoshida
• Edited by Shigeru Nishiyama (REAL-T)
• Music - Choro Club feat. Senoo
• Producer - Tetsuo Uchida
• Animation Production - Hal Film Maker
• Produced by ARIA Company

Main Characters

• Akari Minami - A "half-baked" guide at ARIA Company. A lively 15-year-old girl with a bright personality who is always smiling to those around her.
• Ai - A girl who lives in Manhome. At first she hated Aqua, but after meeting Akari, she began to love Aqua. She keeps in touch with Akari through email.
• Alicia Florence - Akari's senior at her company, she is one of the top guides known as the "Three Great Fairies." She is the object of everyone's admiration.
• Aria Pokoten - The president of ARIA Company. In the pilot industry, it is customary to appoint a blue-eyed cat as the president. She is an aqua cat who travels with Akari.
• Aika S. Granchesta - A "half-baked" guide at Himeya, in the same position as Akari. She is the leader among the three junior girls, and reacts strongly to Akari's embarrassing remarks.
• Akira E. Ferrari - A member of Himeya, he is one of the top guides known as the "Three Great Fairies" along with Alicia and Athena. He is Alicia's childhood friend and considers her a rival.
• Alice Carroll - An apprentice guide at Orange Planet. She is a genius, and everyone respects her skills. Her catchphrase is "big ____".
• Athena Glory - A clumsy girl belonging to Orange Planet. Even her junior Alice is often annoyed by her, but her skills as a guide and her boatmanship are acknowledged by everyone.

subtitle

• Episode 1 - That carnival encounter... (2006/04/02)
• Episode 2 - Searching for that treasure... (2006/04/09)
• Episode 3 - On the night of the meteor shower... (2006/04/16)
• Episode 4 - The Neo-Venezia Heart... (2006/04/23)
• Episode 5 - What's nice on that rainy day.../What I found that spring... (2006/04/30)
• Episode 6 - That smile reflected in the mirror... (2006/05/07)
• Episode 7 - To the Kingdom of Cats... (2006/05/14)
• Episode 8 - On that Boccolo Day... (2006/05/21)
• Episode 9 - The Real Faces of the Stars... (2006/05/28)
• Episode 10 - The Warm Town and Its People... (2006/06/04)
• Episode 11 - To that precious sparkle... (2006/06/11)
• Episode 12 - Chasing the Flood.../The Light of the Luminous Bell... (2006/06/18)
• Episode 13 - That Big Rule for You... (2006/06/25)
• Episode 14 - To that newest memory... (2006/07/02)
• Episode 15 - In that wide circle... (2006/07/09)
• Episode 16 - Farewell to that gondola... (2006/07/16)
• Episode 17 - When the Rainy Night Breaks... (2006/07/23)
• Episode 18 - That new me... (2006/07/30)
• Episode 19 - That crybaby.../That girl's heart... (2006/08/06)
• Episode 20 - The Shadowless Beckoning... (2006/08/13)
• Episode 21 - On That Night on the Galactic Railroad (2006/08/20)
• Episode 22 - In that mysterious world.../The one who protects Aqua... (2006/08/27)
• Episode 23 - The Sea, Love, and Feelings... (2006/09/03)
• Episode 24 - To Tomorrow's Undine... (2006/09/10)
• Episode 25 - The fruit of that encounter... (2006/09/17)
• Episode 26 - From that white, gentle town... (2006/09/24)

Related Titles

• ARIA The Animation
• ARIA The OVA ARIETTA
• ARIA The ORIGINATION
• ARIA The AVVENIRE

Theme songs and music

• OP1 - Euphoria
  • Lyricist: Eri Kawai
  • Composer - Mina Kubota
  • Arranged by: Mina Kubota
  • Sung by: Yui Makino
• OP2 - Undine
  • Lyricist: Eri Kawai
  • Composer - Mina Kubota
  • Arranged by: Mina Kubota
  • Sung by: Yui Makino
• ED1 - Waiting for Summer
  • Lyricist: Kitagawa Katsutoshi
  • Composed by: Kitagawa Katsutoshi
  • Arrangement - ROUND TABLE, Yasushi Sakurai
  • Song: ROUND TABLE feat. Nino
• ED2 - Smile Again
  • Lyricist: Takeshi Senoo
  • Composer - Takeshi Seno
  • Arrangement - Takeshi Seno, Yoshi Haneoka
  • Sung by: Erino Hazuki
• ED3 - Rainbow
  • Lyricist: Kitagawa Katsutoshi
  • Composed by: Kitagawa Katsutoshi
  • Arrangement - ROUND TABLE, Yasushi Sakurai
  • Song: ROUND TABLE feat. Nino
• IN1 - Shiosai
  • Lyricist: Rieko Ito
  • Composed by: Kitagawa Katsutoshi
  • Arrangement - ROUND TABLE, Yasushi Sakurai
  • Song: ROUND TABLE feat. Nino
• IN2 - Barcarolle
  • Lyricist: Eri Kawai
  • Composer - Mina Kubota
  • Arranged by: Mina Kubota
  • Sung by: Eri Kawai
• IN3 - Kokoro
  • Lyricist: Eri Kawai
  • Composer - Mina Kubota
  • Arranged by: Mina Kubota
  • Sung by: Eri Kawai
• IN4 - Raindrops
  • Lyricist: Yui Makino
  • Composer: F.GIRAUD
  • Arranged by Shin Kono
  • Sung by: Yui Makino
• IN5 - Hair, Hairpins and Me
  • Lyricist: Mai Takahashi
  • Composer: F.GIRAUD
  • Arranged by: Mina Kubota
  • Sung by: Chiwa Saito

Evaluation and Impressions

"ARIA The NATURAL" has been highly praised for its depiction of the beauty of everyday life and heartwarming human relationships. In particular, the beautiful scenery of Neo-Venice and the kindness of the people who live there deeply move viewers. The growth and interactions of the characters, including the protagonist Akari Minami, are carefully depicted, allowing viewers to accompany them in their lives. The music and art also enhance the atmosphere of the work, providing an overall sense of healing and comfort.

This work provides a temporary break from busy daily life and a time to relax. It is especially recommended for those who are feeling stressed or seeking healing. Furthermore, by watching the entire series, you can gain a deeper understanding of the characters' growth and the development of the story. By enjoying the series along with related works, you will be able to experience the world of "ARIA" even more.

Recommendation

To enjoy "ARIA The NATURAL," we recommend that you pay attention to the following points when watching.

• Beautiful Scenery - Take time to soothe your soul and gaze upon the beautiful waterways and streets of Neo-Venice.
• Character Development - Follow the development of protagonist Akari Minashi and other characters and get closer to their lives.
• Music - Listen to music that enhances the atmosphere of the work and get a deeper emotional response.
• Related Works - You can enjoy the story of the entire series by watching related works such as "ARIA The Animation" and "ARIA The ORIGINATION".

"ARIA The NATURAL" is loved by many viewers as a healing anime set in the future that depicts the beauty of everyday life and heartwarming human relationships. Please enjoy spending some time healing and relaxation through this work.