A thorough analysis of the charm and healing power of Yuru Camp△! Impressions and reviews of the first episode of the series

The appeal and full picture of "Laid-Back Camp"

"Laid-Back Camp" is a TV anime series that aired in 2018. It is based on a manga by Afro that is serialized in Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara Forward. It aired from January 4 to March 22, 2018, and consists of 12 episodes. It was broadcast on AT-X and TOKYO MX, and each episode was 30 minutes long. It was directed by Kyogoku Yoshiaki, animated by C-Station, and the copyright belongs to "©Afro, Houbunsha/Outdoor Activities Circle".

story

The story of "Laid-Back Camp" begins with an incident on a winter day. Kakamigahara Nadeshiko, a high school girl who moved from Shizuoka to Yamanashi, goes to Lake Motosu by bicycle to see Mt. Fuji, which is also depicted on the 1,000 yen bill. However, the weather is cloudy and Mt. Fuji is not visible, so Nadeshiko, exhausted, falls asleep on the spot. When she wakes up, it is already night, and Nadeshiko, who is in a new place and does not know the way home, is scared of loneliness. She is saved by Shima Rin, a girl who loves camping. The two warm their cold bodies by the bonfire. The crackling sound of the firewood permeates the silence of the lakeside. Nadeshiko and Rin talk while sipping curry noodles around the bonfire. Eventually, the moment they have been waiting for arrives. "I can see it... Mt. Fuji..." Nadeshiko and Rin's meeting begins an outdoor girls' story.

Commentary

"Yuru Camp" began serialization in May 2015 in Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara Forward, and is a popular work that depicts high school girls going camping and living their daily lives in Yamanashi Prefecture. The original author, Afro, made her debut as a manga artist with "Monday's Flying Orange." After writing "Polar Bear and the Unknown Station" and "Magical Girl Homura Tamura: Parallel Worlds Are Not Always Parallel," she published this work. The camping know-how woven into the work based on the author's own outdoor experience and research, and the beauty of Japan's nature, mainly in Yamanashi, Nagano, and Shizuoka, have become a hot topic, and the work has been featured on NHK Educational TV's "R no Housoku" and in motorcycle and camping magazines, gradually expanding the fan base. The work, which has a theme of "girls x outdoors," is being adapted into a film by a group of up-and-coming creators. Director Kyogoku Yoshiaki has been in charge of storyboarding and directing popular works such as "Kuroko's Basketball", "Tokyo Ghoul", "Seraph of the End", and "Encouragement of Climb", and was selected as the director of "Laid-Back Camp△". Series composition and scriptwriting are handled by Tanaka Jin, who worked on "Go! Princess PreCure" and "Kirakira☆PreCure A La Mode". This is Kirara Forward's second anime work after "An Hap♪" (2016), and in this work too, he weaves a story with a firm brushstroke. Character design is handled by Sasaki Mutsumi. She vividly depicts the unique, life-sized image of a high school girl in "Laid-Back Camp△". Animation production is handled by C-Station, and the staff conducted several location scoutings to thoroughly depict the outdoors, daily life, and scenery.

cast

The main cast of "Laid-Back Camp" is as follows:

• Kagamihara Nadeshiko - Yumiri Hanamori
• Shima Rin - Nao Toyama
• Saito Ena - Takahashi Rie
• Aoi Inuyama - Aki Toyosaki
• Chiaki Ogaki - Sayuri Hara
• Sakura Kagamihara - Marina Inoue
• Narration - Akio Otsuka

Main Staff

The main staff of "Laid-Back Camp" are as follows:

• Original work: Afro (published in Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara Forward)
• Director: Yoshiaki Kyogoku
• Series Composition - Tanaka Jin
• Character design: Mutsumi Sasaki
• Color design - Taeko Mizuno
• Art Director: Yoshimi Umino
• Director of photography - Hiroaki Tanaka

Main Characters

The main characters of "Laid-Back Camp" are as follows:

• Kagamihara Nadeshiko
  After meeting Rin by the lake, she became interested in camping and joined the Outdoor Club in high school. She is always cheerful and positive, and loves fun things. She has a beautiful older sister. Birthday: March 4th
• Shima Rin
  A solo camper who started camping due to his grandpa's influence. It was only after meeting Nadeshiko that he experienced camping with someone else. Although he is not a member of the Outdoor Club, he is a little concerned about Nadeshiko. Birthday: October 1st
• Ena Saito
  Rin's friend. A free spirit who does things at her own pace. Although she is not a member of the Outdoor Club, she often shows an interest in the club's activities. She also gives casual advice to Rin, who is not good at socializing. Her pet dog's name is "Chikuwa". Birthday: September 1st
• Aoi Inuyama
  She has a gentle personality and speaks with a Kansai accent. Among the reckless members of the Outdoor Club, she is the hidden leader who looks out for everyone at crucial times. Chiaki calls her Inuko. Birthday: March 4th
• Chiaki Ogaki
  She is a bright and active person who always thinks of fun things first, such as choosing a camping spot and equipment. She has a lively and cheerful personality, but she also has a sentimental and warm-hearted side. "I want to go camping!" She formed No-Kura with Aoi. Birthday: August 31st

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "Laid-Back Camp" are as follows:

• Episode 1 - Fujisan and Curry Noodles
• Episode 2 - Welcome to Nokuru!
• Episode 3 - A relaxing hotpot camp with Fujisan
• Episode 4 - Nokuru and Solo Camp Girl
• Episode 5 - Two Camps, Two Views
• Episode 6 - Meat, Autumn Leaves, and a Mysterious Lake
• Episode 7 - Lakeside Night and the Campers
• Episode 8 - Test, Caribou, and Delicious Manju
• Episode 9 - Nadeshiko Navi and the Steamy Night
• Episode 10 - A camping meeting with the travelling bad guy
• Episode 11 - Christmas Camp!
• Episode 12 - Fujisan and the Laid-Back Camp Girls

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music for "Laid-Back Camp" are as follows:

• OP1
  
  • Period - 1-8,10,12
  • Title - SHINY DAYS
  • Lyricist: Kento Nagatsuka
  • Composer: Sho Niitamae
  • Arrangement - Shinichi Yuki
  • Song - Asaka
  • It is used as an insert song in episode 9. In episode 11, it is used only as background music.
• ED1
  
  • Period - 1 to 12
  • Title - Winter
  • Lyricist: Eri Sasaki
  • Composed by: Eri Sasaki, Hiro Nakamura
  • Arrangement: Eri Sasaki, Hiro Nakamura
  • Sung by: Eri Sasaki
  • It was also used as an insert song in episode 3.

The appeal of "Laid-Back Camp△"

"Laid-back Camp" is a work that, as the title suggests, has a "laid-back" atmosphere. Although it has the theme of outdoor activities such as camping, it does not have excessive action or dramatic developments, but rather provides healing to viewers by depicting the small happiness and friendship of everyday life. In particular, the story that begins with the meeting of Kagamihara Nadeshiko and Shima Rin gives viewers a warm feeling. Nadeshiko's brightness and Rin's coolness are a perfect match, and the relationship between the two is at the center of the story. The other characters are also unique, and you can enjoy the interactions and growth of the members of No-Kuru (outdoor activities club).

The appeal of this work is that it realistically depicts the fun of camping and the beauty of nature. The camping scenes drawn by the original author Afro, who made use of his own outdoor experience, not only convey the charm of camping to the viewers, but are so realistic that they make you want to actually go camping. In addition, the beautiful scenery of Yamanashi, Nagano, and Shizuoka is depicted, so you can enjoy the visual beauty as well.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of this work. The opening song "SHINY DAYS" features Asaka's refreshing singing voice, and the ending song "Fuyubiyori" features Eri Sasaki's gentle singing voice, which perfectly matches the atmosphere of the story. In particular, "Fuyubiyori" is used as an insert song in episode 3, further deepening the emotional impact of the story.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Laid-Back Camp" has been highly praised by viewers. It has been especially praised for its realistic depiction of camping, the charm of its characters, the beautiful scenery, and its heartwarming story. The original manga is also very popular, and its anime adaptation has gained even more fans. It has been featured on NHK Educational TV's "R no Housoku" and in motorcycle and camping magazines, and is supported by a wide range of people.

Here are some reasons why I recommend this work:

• It depicts the fun of camping in a realistic way, making it a must-see for camping and outdoor enthusiasts.
• The characters are all very unique and relatable to the viewers. The relationship between Nadeshiko and Rin is especially heartwarming.
• The beautiful landscapes are a visual treat, and you can enjoy the natural beauty of Yamanashi, Nagano, and Shizuoka.
• The relaxed atmosphere provides a sense of relaxation and allows you to experience the little joys of everyday life.
• The music also perfectly matches the atmosphere of the story and adds to the viewing experience.

"Laid-back Camp" is recommended not only for those who love camping and the outdoors, but also for those who want to experience the little joys of everyday life and seek healing. Please watch it once and experience its charm.