The appeal and reputation of URAHARA: A unique worldview and in-depth character exploration

"URAHARA": An anime depicting the charm of Harajuku and the brilliance of youth

"URAHARA" is a 12-episode anime TV series that aired from October 4 to December 20, 2017. It is based on the novel "PARK: HARAJUKU Crisis Team!" by Patrick Macias, directed by Amika Kubo, and produced by Shirogumi x EMT Squared. It aired on AbemaTV and TOKYO MX, with each episode running for 30 minutes. The anime depicts the brilliance of youth and friendship against the backdrop of Harajuku fashion and culture.

story

URAHARA is set in Harajuku, the world-famous fashion capital of Japan. The protagonist, Rimi Eri, is fascinated by Harajuku street fashion and forms a team called URAHARA with her friends. They face various challenges in their quest to win the Harajuku fashion show. But the story is much more than just about a fashion contest. Eri and her friends experience friendship, self-discovery, and growth as they pursue their dreams.

As the story progresses, Eri and her friends gain a deeper understanding of the "Ura-Harajuku" culture from which the name "URAHARA" is derived, and begin to incorporate it into their own fashion. They also come face to face with a mysterious organization called "PARK," which puts their beliefs to the test. "PARK" is a force that seeks to dominate Harajuku street culture, and Eri and her friends must confront its ambitions.

character

Rimi Eri: The main character. Fascinated by Harajuku street fashion, she leads the team as the leader of "URAHARA". She has a bright and positive personality and inspires her teammates. Sakurai Mari: Eri's best friend and a member of "URAHARA". She has a cool and intelligent personality and is a good confidant for Eri. She also has an excellent fashion sense. Takahashi Yuki: Eri's childhood friend and a member of "URAHARA". She has a gentle personality and is a person who puts her teammates at ease. She is good at making handmade accessories. Yamamoto Risa: Eri's classmate and a member of "URAHARA". She has a lively and active personality and is the mood maker of the team. She is good at dancing.

The appeal of anime

The biggest appeal of "URAHARA" is its realistic portrayal of Harajuku street fashion. The production was handled by staff with extensive knowledge of Harajuku street culture, and the show is detailed with attention to detail. In particular, the outfits worn by Eri and her friends reflect the latest trends in Harajuku, providing a fresh surprise to viewers.

The story's themes of youth and friendship are also not to be missed. The growth of Eli and her friends and the deepening of their friendship will warm the hearts of viewers. The difficulties and setbacks they face, and the way they overcome them, will resonate with many people. Eli's speech in the final episode is particularly moving, and will move viewers to tears.

Another big attraction of "URAHARA" is the music. The opening theme "URAHARA JUNCTION" is an up-tempo song that evokes the energy of Harajuku, raising the excitement of the viewers. The ending theme "Hikaru no Uta" is a beautiful ballad that sings of the brilliance of youth, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. These songs are symbolic of Harajuku street culture, and make the worldview of the anime even more profound.

Background

"URAHARA" was produced by staff who love Harajuku street culture. Director Amika Kubo has a deep knowledge of Harajuku fashion and used that knowledge to create a realistic portrayal. In addition, production company Shirogumi x EMT Squared brought out the charm of Harajuku to the fullest with their animation production skills and creative ideas.

The original author, Patrick Macias, is an American writer who had a strong interest in Harajuku street culture. His novel "PARK: HARAJUKU Crisis Team!" is a story about Harajuku fashion and youth, and the staff spent a lot of time and effort to recreate that worldview in the anime.

Evaluation and response

"URAHARA" was highly praised for its realistic portrayal of Harajuku street fashion. It was especially praised by viewers with an interest in the fashion industry and street culture. The themes of youth and friendship also resonated with many viewers, and the show was praised as a moving story.

However, some viewers felt that the story development was a bit monotonous. In particular, in the later episodes, there were more fashion show scenes, and the story progressed slowly. However, these opinions were in the minority, and the series received high praise overall.

Recommendations and related works

For viewers who enjoyed "URAHARA," we also recommend the following works:

• "NANA": A coming-of-age drama set in Harajuku. A touching story of friendship and love.
• "Paradise Kiss": A fashion-themed coming-of-age anime that depicts the protagonist diving into the world of fashion.
• "A Place Further Than the Universe": An anime about youth and friendship. It's moving to see friends pursue their dreams together.

These works, which share the same themes of youth and friendship as "URAHARA", are sure to impress viewers. Also, for those who are interested in fashion and street culture, we recommend reading the original novel "PARK: HARAJUKU Crisis Team!" to gain a deeper understanding of the world of "URAHARA".

Conclusion

"URAHARA" is a wonderful anime that depicts Harajuku street fashion and the brilliance of youth. The realistic depiction of fashion and the moving storyline leave a strong impression on the viewer. This is a must-watch, especially for those who are interested in Harajuku street culture and those who love stories of youth and friendship. Experience the charm of Harajuku and the brilliance of youth through "URAHARA."