The appeal and reviews of "Tamayura ~hitotose~": A story of healing and growth

The appeal and impressions of "Tamayura ~hitotose~"

Tamayura ~hitotose~ is a 12-episode TV anime series that aired from October 3rd to December 19th, 2011. The original story and anime was written by Junichi Sato, who also served as director. It was broadcast on a wide range of networks, including AT-X, TV Shin-Hiroshima, tvk, Anime One, TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting, Sun TV, Mie TV, and TOKYO MX, and was delivered to viewers in 30-minute slots. Set in Takehara City on the Seto Inland Sea, this work tells the story of girls who create "happiness" through photography and connect hearts.

Story and Characters

The main character, Sawatari Kaede, moves to Takehara City when she becomes a high school student. She is 145cm tall and has a small gait, and is nicknamed "Potte" because her walking style sounds like "potte potte." Kaede takes photos using her father's keepsake, the Rollei35S, and aims to connect with the people around her. Her childhood friend, Hanawa Kaoru, is a character who is always worried about Kaede, but sometimes shows a mischievous side. Kaoru's hobby is making potpourri, and she loves feeling the scents of the seasons.

Sakurada Asanon becomes friends with Kaede after seeing her photograph hanging in the Hinomaru Photo Studio. She is not good at talking, so she tries to express her feelings by whistling. Okazaki Norie is a high-spirited girl who aims to become a pastry chef. Her hobby is making sweets, and she often gives them original names. Shihomi Riho is a photographer whom Kaede admires, and continues to take photographs with the theme of "sky". She gives Kaede a light blue ticket as a present, and cares about her.

Sawatari Kaori is Kaede's younger brother, a very cute boy who looks like a girl. Momoneko is Kaede's favorite, a mysterious cat who lives in Takehara. Hanawa Sayomi is Kaoru's older sister, a female college student who loves photography. She is addicted to "mini-explorations of hidden places" and explores islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Miji Chihiro is Kaede's friend, and they communicate with each other by letter and email. She is a crybaby, and her hobby is making stuffed toys of original characters. Shinoda Komachi is an elementary school student who likes Kaori, and is a battle-type girl. She considers Okazaki Norie to be her rival.

Episodes and subtitles

Each episode depicts the daily life of Kaede and her friends. Episode 1, "My Beginning Town, So", depicts Kaede's move to Takehara City. Episode 2, "A Day Wrapped in Gentle Fragrances, So", shows Kaoru making potpourri. Episode 3, "Appearance! Fighting Girl, So", features Shinoda Komachi and challenges Kaoru to a fight. Episode 4, "The Sound Heard on Shiomachi Island, So", features Kaede and her friends visiting Shiomachi Island. Episode 5, "Chihiro-chan Came! So", features Chihiro visiting Takehara. Episode 6, "A: It Was One Day, So / B: And Then One Day, So", depicts Kaede's past and present. Episode 7, "The Bamboo Lantern Promise, So", depicts the bamboo lantern event. Episode 8, "Time for the Unchanging Person to Change, So", depicts Kaede's growth. Episode 9, "A: Momoneko-sama's Melancholy, So / B: Heartbreak Camera, So," depicts Momoneko and Kaede's heartbreak. Episode 10, "What kind of person will I be tomorrow, So," considers Kaede's future. Episode 11, "A Christmas Eve Story♪ So," depicts a Christmas episode. Episode 12, "A New Year, So," depicts the beginning of a new year.

music

The opening theme is "Okaerinasai" by Maaya Sakamoto, with lyrics by Maaya Sakamoto, music by Yumi Matsutoya, and arrangement by Toshiyuki Mori. The ending theme is "Kamisama no Itazura" by Megumi Nakajima, with lyrics and music by Senri Oe, and arrangement by Nobuyuki Shimizu. These songs further enhance the atmosphere of the work.

Production Staff

Many staff members are involved in the production of "Tamayura ~hitotose~". The original story, director, and series composition are by Junichi Sato, and the scripts are by Reiko Yoshida, Tatsuhiko Urahata, Yuka Yamada, and Mamiko Ikeda. Character design is by Haruko Iizuka, animation director is Hajime Watanabe, art is by Kenichi Tajiri, and color design is by Yoshimi Kawakami. Music is produced by Flying Dog, animation is by TYO Animations, and production is by the Tamayura Production Committee.

Impressions and reviews

Tamayura ~hitotose~ is a work that depicts the small joys of everyday life. Through Kaede's photographs, the emotional connection between her and her friends is depicted. The beautiful scenery of Takehara City, where the work is set, and the warm interactions between the characters provide viewers with a comfortable time. In particular, the process of Kaede's growth and the deepening bonds with her friends is moving and heartwarming.

The music in the work is also a big attraction. Maaya Sakamoto's "Okaerinasai" is a gentle melody that symbolizes Kaede's return home and the beginning of a new life, while Megumi Nakajima's "Kamisama no Itazura" is an emotional song that expresses the emotions of the characters. These songs further enhance the atmosphere of the work.

The characters' personalities are also appealing. Each character's unique characteristics are well-drawn, such as Kaede's nickname "Potte," Kaoru's potpourri making, Asano's whistling, and Norie's sweets making. In addition, the charms of the characters, such as Shihomi Riho's attitude as a photographer, Kaori's adorable mannerisms, and Momoneko's mysterious presence, add color to the entire work.

Furthermore, the subtitles of each episode also add to the appeal of the work. The theme of each episode is clearly indicated, such as "Because this is the town where I began" and "Because the day was enveloped in a gentle fragrance," making it easy for viewers to become immersed in the story.

Recommendations and how to watch

"Tamayura ~hitotose~" is recommended for those who want to enjoy a work that depicts the small happiness of everyday life. It is especially perfect for those who love photography and landscapes, and those who are looking for a heartwarming story. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy the personalities and growth of the characters.

You can watch it on various video distribution services. It is distributed on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, d Anime Store, etc., so if you are interested, please check it out. Blu-ray and DVD are also available, so if you want to keep it, we recommend purchasing it.

"Tamayura ~hitotose~" is a heartwarming story about everyday life. Through the story of Kaede and her friends, viewers will be able to feel a little happiness. Please give it a watch.