Blue Period

The stand out of this show is the wonderful animation. However, it stills holds some substance behind it's pretty face. It's a very relatable story and i think a lot of people can connect with the character and the hardships he goes through.

8.6/10.

Aoi Aoi Ano Sora

Amidst of all the art talk, I never expected the direction of this anime nor did I expect to be moved by it this much. Even though it's ironic that the animation was pretty mediocre for an art anime, the masterful character odyssey more than made up for it.

The main characters were high school students who were trying to get into art schools. Through the process of learning about art, each one faced their own struggle in trying to figure out who they are. Again the theme of identity vs role confusion was at the forefront. The journeys that were displayed all led to another common theme that resonated more with me: self-doubt. Our main guy, Yaguchi, constantly felt insecure about himself. Multiple times I can't help but reflect on myself, and it didn't feel so comfortable.

Another aspect was the difference between hard-work, innate talent, and the expectation that came with each label. The character Yotasuke brought out this theme the most. Sometimes being labeled as having talent or already good at something doesn't feel as satisfying as expected.

Overall, an unexpectedly dark, personal, yet satisfying exploration that I never thought I would love so much. 9-9.5/10.

I read the first volume of the manga and thought this need an anime.

It's been a while I gave it 10 to a show, this one not a perfect show in many aspects but emotions I feel make this show 10.

Just with the second episode I fall in love with it and realize again I have this certain taste.

If a show has someone finding their purpose in life or finding a way to express themselves or someone motivated for something very hard to achieve I am easily hooked and rooting for them.

I am someone that never painted but after watching this anime I wanted to buy a sketch book and paint all day.

I recommend this to anyone that lost in life and need little help to moving forward.

Great narration. First episode is enough to make a strong impression in viewers' heart and mind. I loved the concept and execution overall. Wonderful 👍

Based on a manga series that won the Grand Prize of the 13th Manga Taisho Awards, this revolves around popular second year high school student Yatora Yaguchi. Hard-working Yatora spends his nights hanging out with his friends but still manages to be an honor student. He didn't have an idea what to put on his career planning survey form until he saw an artwork created by Maru Mori, a member of their school art club. He develops a fascination for the arts and joins the club.

Since his parents are not moneyed, he could only hope to go to a public school in college. He sets his sights on Tokyo University of the Arts. To be able to pass the entrance test to TUA, Yatora goes to a prep school where the knowledge he learns in high school is augmented with more advanced techniques.

I love Yatora's introspective journey as he gains more confidence in his talent. The lectures and processes (sketching, use of colors, reviews, etc) are extremely interesting, if not informative. I looked forward to seeing the finished artworks. Yatora does not consider himself talented but is willing to work hard. The support he gets from his teachers push him in the right direction. His friendships with his buddies as well as art classmate cross-dresser Ryuji "Yuka" Ayukawa and the snobby art genius Yotasuke Takahashi are heartwarming.

All in all, this is a lovely and enjoyable watch.