The appeal and reviews of "Lycoris Recoil": A fusion of action and story

Licorice Recoil: The perfect balance between action and everyday life

"Lycoris Recoil," which aired in the summer of 2022, attracted a lot of attention as an original animation produced by A-1 Pictures. This work, which depicts the exploits of "Lycoris," a group of girls belonging to the secret organization "DA (Direct Attack)," captivated many viewers with its story that exquisitely blends light-hearted action with the warmth of everyday life. In this article, we will take a closer look at the appeal of "Lycoris Recoil," its production background, details about the characters, and reactions from viewers.

Story and worldview

The setting of "Lycoris Recoil" is modern-day Japan, where on the surface life seems peaceful. However, behind the scenes, a secret organization called "DA" operates to prevent crime before it happens. The girls who are agents of "DA," known as "Lycoris," are unknown to the general public, but they work hard every day to protect the peace of society.

The protagonists, Chisaku Nishikigi and Takina Inoue, are members of this Licorice gang, and are based out of a coffee shop called "Licorico." At "Licorico," they take on requests that are uncharacteristic of Licorice, such as taking orders for coffee and sweets, looking after children, shopping for customers, and teaching Japanese to foreigners. Chisaku's free-spirited, optimistic personality and Takina's cool, efficiency-oriented personality clash, but the story depicts the chaotic daily lives of this mismatched duo.

The story revolves around the process of Chisaku and Takina meeting and growing together. It includes a variety of elements, including their daily lives and friendship, as well as the internal affairs of "DA" and the fight against terrorists. In particular, the scene where Chisaku's "pacifism" and Takina's "rational" thinking intersect deeply moved viewers.

Character Introduction

Nishikigi Sensoku

Voice actor: Anzai Chika Age: 17 Birthday: September 23rd Blood type: AB

Chisaku is an elite who is said to be the strongest Licorice of all time, and enjoys solving private problems that the DA does not handle. She works cheerfully and energetically as the self-proclaimed poster girl of Cafe Licorico. Her free-spirited personality and pacifist attitude are the central themes of the story. Chisaku's character has brought many smiles and emotions to viewers.

Takina Inoue

Voice actor: Shion Wakayama Age: 16 Birthday: August 2nd Blood type: A

Takina is an excellent Licorice, but due to certain circumstances, she ends up working at the Ricorico Cafe. She is rational and hates waste, and sometimes feels frustrated with Chisaku, who is not like a Licorice, but she wants to achieve results in her work at Ricorico. Takina's growth and her relationship with Chisaku are important elements of the story.

Nakahara Mizuki

Voice actor: Koshimizu Ami Age: 27 Birthday: June 5th Blood type: O

Mizuki is a former member of the DA's intelligence department and has known Chisoku for a long time. She has a strong desire to get married, and it seems she became a cafe waiter in search of a partner. Her routine is reading wedding magazines while having a drink in the evening, and her character made viewers feel close to her.

Walnut

Voice actor: Misaki Kuno Age: Unknown Birthday: December 16th Blood type: AB

Kurumi is known as the strongest hacker "Walnut" and is a character of unknown age. Although she looks young, she can have adult conversations with Mika on an equal footing. She hides in Cafe Ricorico for a while to escape from her pursuers, and her presence brings a new development to the story.

Mika

Voice actor: Kosuke Sakaki Age: 48 Birthday: July 13 Blood type: O

Mika is a former DA training instructor, and is like a teacher and father to Senzoku. On the surface, he is the manager of the Ricorico Cafe, working hard to make delicious coffee and sweets, but behind the scenes, he is an important character who takes on private requests that the DA would not even consider. Mika's presence played an important role in supporting the growth of Senzoku and Takina.

Production background and staff

"Lycoris Recoil" is an original animation produced by A-1 Pictures. Director and series composer Shingo Adachi has provided viewers with a new sense of excitement by exquisitely blending light-hearted action with the warmth of everyday life. A large number of talented staff members, including story creator Asaura, character designer Imigimuru, and assistant director Yusuke Maruyama, came together to complete this work.

In particular, the contributions of Inuji Sawada, who was the main animator and supervised the firearms and action scenes, were significant. Thanks to his supervision, the realistic and powerful action scenes were drawn, which left a strong impression on the viewers. In addition, the beautiful melodies of Shuhei Mutsuki, who was in charge of the music, were also an important element in enhancing the moving story.

Broadcast information and distribution

"Lycoris Recoil" was broadcast on TOKYO MX, AT-X, and other stations from July 2 to September 24, 2022. The broadcast dates and times for each episode are as follows:

• TOKYO MX: July 2, 2022 to September 24, 2022 (every Saturday from 23:30 to 0:00)
• Tochigi TV: July 2, 2022 to September 24, 2022 (every Saturday from 23:30 to 0:00)
• Gunma Television: July 2, 2022 to September 24, 2022 (every Saturday from 23:30 to 0:00)
• BS11: July 2, 2022 to September 24, 2022 (every Saturday from 23:30 to 0:00)
• AT-X: July 4, 2022 to September 26, 2022 (Mondays 22:00 to 22:30)
• Asahi Broadcasting Television: July 8, 2022 to September 30, 2022 (every Thursday 2:14 to 2:44)
• Me-Tele: July 9, 2022 to October 1, 2022 (every Friday from 2:15 to 2:45)

It was also streamed online and could be viewed on ABEMA, GYAO!, Niconico Live Broadcasting, Niconico Channel, Prime Video, Netflix, d Anime Store, U-NEXT, Animehodai, Bandai Channel, Hulu, J:COM On Demand, TELASA, milplus, au Smart Pass Premium, FOD, WOWOW On Demand, Hikari TV, Video Market, DMM.com, music.jp, GYAO! Store, TVer, and other platforms.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme for "Lycoris Recoil" is "ALIVE" by ClariS, and the ending theme is "Flower Tower" by Sayuri. The opening theme, "ALIVE," was written, composed, and arranged by Shigenaga Ryosuke, and ClariS's refreshing singing voices added color to the beginning of the story. The ending theme, "Flower Tower," was written and composed by Sayuri, and arranged by Miyata "Lefty" Ryo. Sayuri's beautiful singing voice played an important role in deepening the emotion of the story. "ALIVE LycoReco Version" was also used as an insert song, and ClariS' singing voice livened up the climax of the story.

Response from viewers

"Lycoris Recoil" has garnered a great response from viewers since it began airing. In particular, the relationship between the mismatched duo Senzoku and Takina, the light-hearted action scenes, and the scenes depicting the warmth of everyday life were highly praised. On social media, there was much discussion about the appeal of the characters and the development of the story, and viewers also actively communicated with each other.

Additionally, the contrast between the work's theme of pacifism and rational thinking left a deep impression on viewers. Scenes where Chisaku's free-spirited personality and Takina's cool personality intersect brought smiles and emotion to many viewers. Furthermore, the story's inclusion of a variety of elements, such as the internal affairs of DA and the fight against terrorists in the latter half of the story, was also highly praised.

Recommendations and ratings

"Lycoris Recoil" was loved by many viewers as a work that exquisitely blends light-hearted action with the warmth of everyday life. In particular, the relationship between the mismatched duo Chisaku and Takina, the appeal of the characters, and the development of the story were highly praised. The reaction from viewers was great, and many discussions were held on social media.

This work provided new excitement as an original animation and left a deep impression on viewers. "Lycoris Recoil," which brings together the production skills of A-1 Pictures and the directorial skills of Shingo Adachi, will surely be remembered as a work that will color the summer of 2022. It is a work that we would like many people to watch.

Conclusion

"Lycoris Recoil" is an original animation work that depicts the exploits of the secret organization "DA" and the girls "Lycoris". The story, which exquisitely blends light-hearted action with the warmth of everyday life, and the charm of the characters deeply moved viewers. This work, which brings together the production skills of A-1 Pictures and the directing skills of Shingo Adachi, was loved by many viewers as a work that will color the summer of 2022. It is a work that we would like many people to watch.