Encouragement of Climbing Season 2: A moving sequel depicting the charm of mountain climbing and the deepening of friendship

Encouragement of Climbing Season 2: A story of charm and friendship in mountain climbing

Overview

"Encouragement of Climb Second Season" is a TV anime series that aired from July 9 to December 24, 2014. It is based on a manga by Hashiro that is serialized in the monthly Comic Earth Star magazine. The first season of this work was well received, and the second season was expanded to 15 minutes and had a total of 24 episodes. The story of the main characters Aoi and Hinata, who challenge themselves to climb a mountain to see the sunrise from the top of a mountain that they saw as children again, moved and inspired viewers.

■Broadcast information

"Encouragement of Climb Second Season" was broadcast on the following stations:

• TOKYO MX: July 9, 2014 - December 24, 2014, Wednesdays 22:00 - 22:15
• KBS Kyoto: July 9, 2014 - December 24, 2014, Wednesdays 22:00 - 22:15
• Shizuoka Daiichi TV: July 10, 2014 - December 25, 2014, Thursdays 2:34 - 2:49
• BS11: July 10, 2014 - December 25, 2014, Thursdays 3:00 - 3:15
• AT-X: July 11, 2014 - December 26, 2014, Every Friday from 22:30 to 22:45

It was also streamed online, updated every Thursday at 12:00 on Bandai Channel, d Anime Store, GyaO!, and Niconico Channel.

■ Story

The main character, Aoi, is an indoor enthusiast with a fear of heights, and Hinata loves mountains and is always messing around with people. The two childhood friends decide to try mountain climbing in order to see the sunrise they saw together at the top of a mountain when they were young. With the help of friends they make through mountain climbing, they aim to reach the summit they saw back then.

■Explanation

"Encouragement of Climb" is a "girls-only, loose and fluffy outdoor" story drawn by popular illustrator Shiro and serialized in the monthly Comic Earth Star magazine. The second season of the popular TV anime "Encouragement of Climb" was finally broadcast in the summer of 2014. The second season was extended to 15 minutes and consists of 24 episodes. Keep an eye on Aoi and her friends as they finally take on serious mountain climbing, such as Mt. Fuji and Mitsutoge Pass.

■Cast

• Blue: Yuka Iguchi
• Hinata: Kana Asumi
• Maple: Yoko Hikasa
• Kokona: Yui Ogura
• Yuuka: Yui Makino
• Honoka: Nao Toyama
• Light: Yuko Gibu
• Aoi's mother: Aya Hisakawa
• Hinata's father: Haruo Ogino

■ Main staff

• Original author: Shiro (Serialized in Monthly Comic Earth Star)
• Director: Yusuke Yamamoto
• Character design and chief animation director: Yusuke Matsuo
• Screenplay: Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
• Art Director: Kenichi Tajiri (Mukuo Studio)
• Color design: Yukari Fujiki
• Art setting: Kazushi Fujii
• Director of photography: Hiroshi Sato (Eight Bit Rocket)
• Edited by: Megumi Uchida
• Music: Tom-H@ck, yamazo
• Music Production: FMF
• Animation Production: Eightbit
• Production: Encouragement of Climb Production Committee

■ Main Characters

• Aoi: The protagonist is an indoor person who is not good at socializing. She has a fear of heights since falling off a jungle gym. After reuniting with her childhood friend Hinata, she slowly begins to discover the charm of the mountains, albeit reluctantly.
• Hinata: A childhood friend of Aoi's who is full of energy and loves mountains. She reunites with Aoi in high school and enthusiastically invites her to "see the sunrise on the mountain again, the same one we saw together so long ago." Her father is knowledgeable about mountain climbing.
• Kaede: Aoi and Hinata's senior in high school. She met Aoi at a mountain equipment store and became close friends with her. She is a serious mountaineer who also does traverses, and gives Aoi advice about the mountains. She is a reliable older sister.
• Kokona: A forest girl in her second year of junior high school. She meets Aoi and Hinata on a mountain path and becomes good friends with them. She has a warm and gentle demeanor, but is surprisingly reliable. She loves cute things and animals.

■Subtitle

• New First Station/Stay in a Tent!
• New Second Station/Let's go see Mt. Fuji!!
• New Third Station / Climbing a Mountain
• New Fourth Station / Fun after getting off
• New 5th Station / I won't forgive you!
• New Sixth Station / To do what you love
• New Seventh Station/Kawano's Recommendation?
• New 8th Station / Wonderful Memories
• New 9th Station / Nice to meet you, Mt. Fuji
• New 10th Station/Mount Fuji is not an easy climb...
• New 11th Station / No way!!
• New Twelfth Station/Dear My Friend
• New 13th Station / The Mysterious Story of Fireflies
• 14th Station/Kirigamine with Mom!
• 15th Station / Memories of Rain Gear -Hey, Yuuka. What are you doing now?
• 16th Station / Carrying on the Feelings
• 17th Station/Are you okay with heights?
• 18th Station/Starting a part-time job!
• 19th Station / I can't finish my homework
• 20th Station / Kokona's Great Adventure in Hanno
• 21st Station / To the mountain of memories
• 22nd Station/Let's be friends?
• 23rd Station/Promise
• 24th Station / Goodbye, Our Summer

■ Theme songs and music

• OP1 "Summer Color Present" (episodes 1-15)
  • Lyricist: Emi Inaba
  • Composer: Tom-H@ck
  • Arrangement: Tom-H@ck
  • Sung by: Aoi (Yuka Iguchi), Hinata (Kana Asumi), Kaede (Yoko Hikasa), Kokona (Yui Ogura)
• OP2 "Everyday Koharu Biyori" (episodes 16-22, 24)
  • Lyricist: Emi Inaba
  • Composer: Tom-H@ck
  • Arrangement: Tom-H@ck
  • Sung by: Aoi (Yuka Iguchi), Hinata (Kana Asumi)
• ED1 "Tinkling Smile" (episodes 1-12)
  • Lyricist: Yoshie Isogai
  • Composer: Takamitsu Ono
  • Arrangement: Kaoru Okubo
  • Vocals: Ogura Yui
• ED2 "Staccato Days" (episodes 13-15)
  • Lyricist: Emi Inaba
  • Composer: Tom-H@ck
  • Arrangement: yamazo
  • Sung by: Aoi (Yuka Iguchi), Hinata (Kana Asumi)
• ED3 “Cocoiro Rainbow” (episodes 16-24)
  • Lyricist: Emi Inaba
  • Composer: Kosuke Okui
  • Arrangement: Momoishi Gen
  • Vocals: Kyoko Narumi

■ Review

"Encouragement of Climb Second Season" is a work that depicts friendship and growth through the theme of mountain climbing. The main character Aoi overcomes her fear of heights and aims to reach the summit with her childhood friend Hinata, inspiring viewers. Another part of the appeal is the interactions with the new friends she meets through mountain climbing. In particular, Kaede's reliability and Kokona's cuteness add depth to the story.

Eightbit, the animation production company, has succeeded in depicting beautiful natural scenery, making viewers feel as if they are climbing the mountain themselves. In addition, the pleasant background music by Tom-H@ck and yamazo livens up the story and draws viewers in.

The appeal of this series is that it depicts the tough sport of mountain climbing from the perspective of girls. While it realistically depicts the fun and rigors of mountain climbing, it also stands as a story of friendship and growth, which is why it has been accepted by a wide range of audiences. In particular, the gradual growth of Aoi, a beginner at mountain climbing, resonates with viewers.

The subtitles for each episode are also unique and designed to draw the viewer's attention. For example, "New 1st Station/Let's Stay in a Tent!" and "New 9th Station/Nice to Meet You, Mt. Fuji" allow viewers to enjoy the story as it progresses with each step of the climb.

The theme songs are also an important element in livening up the atmosphere of each episode, and the OP1 song "Summer Color Present" is a wonderful song that expresses the freshness of summer and the fun of mountain climbing. The ED1 song "Tinkling Smile" is also impressive as a song that brings out Kokona's cuteness.

■Recommendation

"Encouragement of Climb Second Season" is recommended not only for those who are interested in mountain climbing, but also for those who want to enjoy a story of friendship and growth. In particular, the mountain climbing story told from the girls' perspective is fresh and attractive. In addition, you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and pleasant music, so it is perfect for those who want to spend a relaxing time.

Furthermore, although this work is a continuation from the first season, you can still enjoy it even if you start from the second season. If you want to feel the fun and rigors of mountain climbing and the depth of friendship, be sure to watch "Encouragement of Climb: Second Season."

Related information

The following is related information about "Encouragement of Climb Second Season."

• The manga "Encouragement of Climb" by Shiro is currently being serialized in the monthly Comic Earth Star magazine. Some episodes are told from a different perspective than the anime version, making it a must-see for fans.
• Merchandise: A variety of merchandise featuring anime characters and climbing goods are on sale. Replicas of climbing equipment and character goods are especially popular.
• Events: Even after the anime ended, fan events and mountain climbing tours have been held. You can enjoy the world of the work while actually experiencing mountain climbing.
• Sequels: The "Encouragement of Climb" series has continued to spawn sequels, such as "Encouragement of Climb: Third Season" and "Encouragement of Climb: Next Summit," which allow you to enjoy an even deeper story.

Conclusion

"Encouragement of Climb: Season 2" is a wonderful work that depicts the charm of mountain climbing and a story of friendship. You will definitely be moved by the beautiful natural scenery, pleasant music, and the characters' growth. This work is recommended not only for those who are interested in mountain climbing, but also for those who want to enjoy a story of friendship and growth. Please give it a watch.