Watch Aiura

Aiura is an anime television series produced by Liden Films, directed by Ryōsuke Nakamura, and broadcast by TV Tokyo in 2013. The show revolves around the daily lives of three high school girls - Kanaka Amaya, Saki Iwasawa, and Ayuko Uehara - as they go about their routines in school and outside of it.

Kanaka Amaya is the energetic and impulsive member of the trio. She is known for her boundless energy and passion for sports, especially track and field. Saki Iwasawa, on the other hand, is the polar opposite of Kanaka. She is reserved, introverted, and prefers to keep to herself. Ayuko Uehara is the middle ground between Kanaka and Saki. She is level-headed, practical, and always tries to maintain harmony between her two friends.

The show starts by introducing us to the three girls and their individual personalities. We see them in school, chatting with each other during breaks, and participating in class activities. However, the show's pacing is slow, and it takes a while for the plot to pick up. There is no overarching storyline that ties the episodes together.

Instead, each episode is a self-contained story that focusses on the girls' everyday activities. Some episodes feature comedic moments, while others have a more serious tone. One of the recurring themes throughout the show is the girls' transition from high school to adulthood. Aiura touches upon the uncertainty and apprehension that many teenagers feel as they approach this critical milestone.

Despite its slice-of-life genre, Aiura manages to keep things interesting thanks to the dynamic between the three main characters. Kanaka's infectious enthusiasm is a constant source of comic relief, while Saki's dry wit provides a balance to Kanaka's boisterousness. Ayuko acts as the glue that holds the group together, using her level-headedness to mediate any disputes between her two friends.

Aiura also benefits from its visual style. The show uses a minimalist art style that emphasizes simplicity over complexity, with clean lines and muted color palettes. The animation is smooth and fluid, making every movement feel natural and lifelike. This style complements the show's laid-back tone, and the lack of clutter in the visuals allows the audience to focus on the characters and their interactions.

The show's music is another highlight. The opening theme, “Kani Do-Luck!,” is an upbeat and catchy song that perfectly captures the show's energetic spirit. The ending theme, “Ichigo Ichie,” is a slower, more contemplative song that serves as a counterpoint to the opening. The background music is understated but effective, using piano and guitar to accompany the action on screen.

One critique of Aiura is that it is too short. The show has only twelve episodes, each lasting around four minutes. This brevity limits the show's ability to develop its characters fully or to explore more complex storylines. Still, this limitation doesn't detract from the simple joys that Aiura provides, and fans of slice-of-life anime will likely find the show charming and enjoyable.

In conclusion, Aiura is an excellent slice-of-life anime that revolves around the daily lives of three high school girls. While the show lacks an overarching storyline or complex character development, it makes up for it with its enjoyable characters, minimalist art style, and delightful music. The show's message of cherishing the present moment and enjoying the little things in life is a welcome reminder for all viewers.

Aiura is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on April 9, 2013.