Exploring the appeal of "Shining Hearts - Bread of Happiness": Le Coeur Business Journal's impressions and evaluation

Shining Hearts ~Bread of Happiness~ "Le Coeur Business Journal" - In-depth review and recommendation

"Shining Hearts: Bread of Happiness" is an OVA based on the game by SEGA, and was released by Avex Entertainment on July 27, 2012. This work is recorded as a picture drama depicting the daily life of the bakery "Le Coeur" while keeping the worldview of the game intact. Directed by Itsuro Kawasaki and produced by Production IG, each episode is a short but dense story.

Story and setting

"Le Coeur Business Journal" begins with Rick, a castaway who washes up on Windaria Island and ends up working at the bakery "Le Coeur." Rick has lost his memory, so he must search for his past while building a new life through baking bread. The OVA depicts an episode where Rick and his friends go to the beach, emphasizing the fun and bonds they share in their daily lives.

The charm of this work lies above all in the relationships and growth of the characters. Rick has a calm and gentle personality, but because he has lost his memory, he sometimes shows a gloomy expression. Amir is the most reliable person in the store, and is in charge of baking bread together with Rick. Nerys is in charge of serving customers at the store and handling the accounting, and is like a smart older sister. Airy is in charge of deliveries, and has a gentle and natural character that is well-liked by children. Madela is the hostess who taught Rick and his friends how to make bread, and she watches over them sternly but kindly. Lana is a girl who lives in the Elven Forest, and is known for her friendly personality.

Characters and cast

The characters are played by a stellar cast of voice actors, including Kamiya Hiroshi as Rick, Ito Kanae as Amir, Aizawa Mai as Neris, Mikami Shiori as Airy, Emori Hiroko as Madela, and Hirohashi Ryo as Lana. Kamiya Hiroshi's Rick in particular captures the hearts of viewers with his exquisite portrayal of the anxiety and kindness of a castaway who has lost his memory. Ito Kanae's Amir is portrayed as a sensitive person who, while being a reliable person, is unable to express himself honestly.

Production and staff

Itsuro Kawasaki, who directed and composed the series, also wrote the script together with Daishiro Tanimura. Tony is in charge of character design, Hiroki Kikuta is in charge of music, Keita Matsumoto is the character designer, and Yuko Yahiro is the chief animation director. Production IG's high-quality animation brings the characters' expressions and movements to life. The art and backgrounds are also meticulously detailed, allowing viewers to enjoy the visual beauty of Windaria Island.

Music and sound effects

The music was composed by Hiroki Kikuta and plays an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the OVA. The refreshing background music especially in the beach scene enhances the fun of the characters. The sound effects by sound director Yukio Nagasaki and sound effects director Minoru Yamada also play a part in expressing the realism of everyday life.

Related works and recommendations

"Shining Hearts: The Bread of Happiness" is based on the world of the game. The game depicts Rick's adventure to regain his memories, while the OVA is a snapshot of his daily life. Those who have played the game can see new sides to the characters in the OVA and enjoy the work on a deeper level. The OVA alone is also enjoyable, allowing you to feel the charm of the characters and the warmth of the story.

The reason I recommend this work is because of the heartwarming story that depicts the relationships and growth of the characters, the high-quality animation by Production IG, and the performances by the gorgeous voice actors. I especially recommend it to those who like works that depict the small happiness of everyday life and those who want to enjoy the growth of the characters. Also, by enjoying it together with the game version, you can gain a deeper understanding and be moved.

Conclusion

"Shining Hearts: The Bread of Happiness - Le Coeur Business Journal" is a short but dense story and full of charming characters. This OVA, which depicts the daily lives of Rick, Amir, and others, provides viewers with warmth and healing. Enjoying it together with the game version will give you an even deeper impression. Please try experiencing the world of "Le Coeur", a bakery on Windaria Island.