"Kuma Miko" review: A story of rural charm and growth

The appeal and reviews of Kuma Miko - Kuma Miko -

"Kuma Miko: Girl Meets Bear" is a TV anime series based on the manga by Yoshimoto Masume, which aired from April 3 to June 19, 2016. The 12-episode series was broadcast on TOKYO MX and AT-X, entertaining audiences with its compact 30-minute episodes. Animation was produced by Kinema Citrus and EMT Squared, and the series was directed by Matsuda Kiyoshi. Copyright belongs to "©2016 Yoshimoto Masume, KADOKAWA/Kuma Miko: Girl Meets Bear Production Committee".

Story and Characters

"Kuma Miko" is set in a village deep in the mountains, rich in nature. The main character, Makisaki, is a girl who has lived with the bear Machi since she was a child. While she fulfills her sacred role as a shrine maiden at the village festival, she longs for city life. Then she meets her classmate, Tachibana Nachiko, who has transferred from the city, and her longing for the city grows even stronger under her influence. However, while confused by the gap between city life and village life, Makisaki finds her own path in this story.

The main characters are Makisaki, the bear Machi, Tachibana Nachiko, and the villagers. Makisaki's purity and growth, and her friendship with Machi are at the center of the story. Nachiko's urban perspective also plays an important role in broadening Makisaki's horizons and encouraging her growth.

Animation and Music

The animation of "Kuma Miko: Girl Meets Bear," produced jointly by Kinema Citrus and EMT Squared, is detailed with beautiful nature and village scenery. In particular, the scenes depicting Maki Saki and Machi's daily lives and festivals are colorful and warm, and the city scenes effectively contrast the hustle and bustle of the city with the tranquility of the village.

In terms of music, the opening theme "Welcome to Japari Park" has a bright and fun melody that draws the viewer's attention, enhancing the atmosphere of the story. The ending theme "Welcome to Japari Park" also leaves a deep impression on the viewer with its gentle melody that evokes Maki Saki's growth and the warmth of the village. The background music is also used appropriately to match the development of the story, playing a role in enhancing the viewer's emotions.

Evaluation and Impressions

"Kuma Miko" is a heartwarming story that depicts the coexistence of humans and nature, as well as growth and friendship. In particular, Makisaki's purity and growth touch the hearts of viewers, while the scenes that depict the gap between city and village life provide an opportunity for viewers to reexamine their own lives. Also, the way Makisaki finds her own path through her friendship with Machi and her interactions with the villagers is inspiring to viewers.

The animation quality is also high, with beautiful natural and village scenery that can be enjoyed visually, while the characters' expressions and movements are carefully drawn down to the smallest detail. The music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story, and the opening and closing theme songs are sure to stay in the viewers' hearts.

Overall, "Kuma Miko" is a wonderful work that combines a heartwarming story, beautiful animation, and moving music. In particular, the themes of symbiosis between nature and humans, and growth and friendship will deeply touch viewers. Scenes depicting the gap between city and village life will also give viewers an opportunity to reexamine their own lives, and the story of Maki Saki's growth and friendship will move viewers. The animation quality is also high, and while the beautiful nature and village scenery are visually enjoyable, the characters' expressions and movements are carefully drawn in detail. Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story, and the opening and closing theme songs will remain in the viewers' hearts.

Recommendations and related works

For viewers who enjoyed "Kuma Miko: Girl Meets Bear," we also recommend the following works:

• "K-ON!" - This is also a work that depicts youth and friendship, and its appealing story is about girls growing up through music.
• "Non Non Biyori" - Set in a countryside rich in nature, this work depicts a girl from the city adapting to a new life.
• "ARIA" - A soothing work set in a water city, a beautiful story about the coexistence of nature and humans.

Just like "Kuma Miko," these works also feature heartwarming stories and beautiful animation, so be sure to check them out.

summary

"Kuma Miko" is a heartwarming story that depicts the coexistence of nature and humans, as well as growth and friendship. Viewers are deeply moved by Maki Saki's purity and growth, her friendship with Machi, and her interactions with the villagers. The animation quality is high, and while the beautiful natural and village scenery can be enjoyed visually, the characters' expressions and movements are carefully drawn in detail. Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story, and the opening and ending theme songs will remain in the viewers' hearts. For viewers who enjoyed "Kuma Miko", we also recommend related works such as "K-ON!", "Non Non Biyori", and "ARIA". Be sure to check out these works and enjoy the heartwarming stories and beautiful animation.