A thorough review of the emotional and soothing Forest Bear's hibernation!

"The Bear in the Forest is Hibernating" - A story of healing and love

"The Bear in the Forest, Hibernating" is a TV anime series that aired from July 4 to September 12, 2022, and is based on the manga by Haruchika. This work depicts the heartwarming story of Nowa, a bear who lives in the forest, and Airi, a puppy he picked up. Although each episode is short, lasting only 5 minutes, it is filled with stories of deep love and growth.

story

Nowa is a bear who lives in the forest. One day, he finds a puppy. He names it Airi and decides to raise it with care. Although he is confused about raising a child for the first time, Airi grows into an obedient and kind child. The two live together happily, but Noa has one worry. Airi will not wean from her breast, even though hibernation is approaching. Feeling uneasy about Airi's clinginess, Noa wakes up a few months into hibernation to find a large adult dog in front of him... It is Airi, now grown up. This is a heartwarming story that depicts the bond and growth between Noa and Airi.

Commentary

"The Bear in the Forest, Hibernating" is a soothing, kemonomimi BL story about a doting puppy and a doting, gentle bear. Through the relationship between Noa and Airi, the story depicts familial love and the process of growing up, deeply moving viewers. The characters' feelings and growth are carefully depicted in short episodes, making it a work well worth watching.

cast

• Airi: Kohei Amazaki
• Noah: Kazuyuki Okitsu
• Ko: Kengo Kawanishi
• Watari: Seiichiro Yamashita

The voice actors for each character deliver superb performances that bring out the individuality of the characters. Amazaki Kohei's Airi captures the hearts of viewers with her lively and adorable voice. Okitsu Kazuyuki's Noa has a laid-back and gentle voice that brings out the best in the doting bear. Kawanishi Kengo's Kou and Yamashita Seiichiro's Watari also express the individuality of their characters well, adding excitement to the story.

Main Staff

• Original: Haruchika
• Planning and production: Akiko Segawa
• Director: Kazuomi Koga
• Screenplay: Natsuto Shinobi
• Character design: Onizawa Chikaji
• Chief animation director: Asuka Hayashi, Izumi Yamanaka
• Costume design: Maki Hashimoto
• Color design: Sae Yaguchi
• Art setting: Momoko Sato
• Art director: Ruka Nakatsumi (Makalia)
• Director of photography: Ayumi Itakura
• Edited by: Kouki Shinkai
• Sound Director: Satoko Endo
• Sound Production: Black Flag
• Animation production: studio HōKIBOSHI
• Produced by: Suiseisha

Thanks to the hard work of the staff, we were able to create beautiful visuals and a moving story. In particular, Director Koga Kazuomi's direction carefully portrays the emotions of the characters, deeply moving the audience. In addition, Onizawa Chikaji's character designs express the individuality of each character and are visually appealing.

Main Characters

• Airi: Irish Wolfhound. Birthday is September 23rd (the day she was picked up by Noa). Height 198cm, weight 85kg. She loves Noa and is a lively and mischievous girl. When she is happy, she wags her tail.
• Noa: Asiatic black bear. Birthday is February 14th. Height 187cm, weight 82kg. Airi's foster parent. He is laid-back and a bit timid. He loves to eat and is a glutton.
• Kou: Civet cat. Birthday is August 7th. Height 153cm, weight 46kg. A caring older brother who everyone in town relies on. He can be a bit foul-mouthed and shy.
• Watari: A raven. His birthday is March 20th. He is 170cm tall and weighs 53kg. He goes at his own pace and is quiet. He has no sense of direction and sometimes gets lost. He likes Kou.

The character settings are important to a deeper understanding of the story. Each character adds color to the story, such as Airi's growth, Noa's doting parent, Kou's reliability, and Watari's laid-back attitude.

subtitle

• #1 Bear's Winter Hibernation (2022/07/04)
• #2 Time to leave your parents (2022/07/11)
• #3 First rutting period in years (2022/07/18)
• #4 Dog's request (2022/08/01)
• #5 Nipple Protection Plan (2022/08/08)
• #6 First Job (2022/08/15)
• #7 Date invitation (2022/08/29)
• #8 Bear's Trauma (2022/09/05)
• #9 I want to be your lover (2022/09/12)

The subtitles of each episode indicate the development of the story, making it easier for viewers to follow the flow of the story. In particular, the flow from #1 "The Bear's Hibernation" to #9 "I Want to Be Your Lover" symbolizes the change in the relationship between Noa and Airi.

Related Titles

• Forest Bear Hibernating. Premium Edition
• "Mori Kuma" Special Program ~First footage released since waking from hibernation!? Special program released~
• Bear in the forest taking a break. 1～2

There are also many related works to "The Bear in the Forest, Hibernating," which fans will be happy to watch. In particular, the premium edition and special programs offer footage and behind-the-scenes stories that can't be seen in the regular episodes. "The Bear in the Forest, Taking a Break" depicts the new adventures of Noa and Airi, and is a must-see for fans.

Theme songs and music

• TM1
• With joined hands and warmth
• Lyricist: Hiiragi Rion
• Composer: Hiiragi Rion
• Arrangement: Hiiragi Rion
• Sung by: Airi (Amazaki Kohei), Noa (Okitsu Kazuyuki)

The theme song, "Tsunagitte to Nukumori to," is a beautiful song written, composed, and arranged by Hiiragi Rio, about the bond between Airi and Noa. The singing voices of Amazaki Kohei and Okitsu Kazuyuki further deepen the emotion of the story. This song is an important element in immersing the viewer in the world of the story.

Broadcast information

"The Bear in the Forest is Hibernating" was broadcast on TOKYO MX and BS11. The broadcast period was from July 4 to September 12, 2022, every Monday from 1:00 to 1:05. In addition, the first episode was pre-released on the official "AnimeFesta" website from June 10, 2022.

Production information

The animation was done by studio HōKIBOSHI and the production was handled by Suiseisha Inc. Copyright is ©Haruchika/Suiseisha Inc.

Ratings and Recommendations

"The Bear in the Forest, Hibernating" is a work that deeply touches viewers in a short episode. The story of family love and growth depicted through the relationship between Noa and Airi will move viewers deeply. In addition, the beautiful visuals and the performances of the wonderful voice actors are not to be missed. This work is especially recommended for those who are looking for healing and those who like stories about family love. In addition, it can be enjoyed as a kemonomimi BL work, so it is a must-see for fans.

There are also plenty of related works and theme songs, which fans will be happy to know about. After watching "The Bear in the Forest, Hibernating," be sure to check out the premium version, special programs, and the sequel "The Bear in the Forest, Taking a Break." A new adventure for Noa and Airi awaits you.

This work combines a heartwarming story, beautiful visuals, and the performances of a fantastic voice cast, making it a work you cannot miss. Please watch it and experience the emotions.