Ep 1. Winter Collage

Hidamari Sketch is a slice-of-life anime series that revolves around the lives of five girls who live in a small apartment complex called Hidamari Apartments. The first episode of season 1, titled 'Winter Collage', introduces us to the main characters and sets the tone for the rest of the series.

The episode begins on a snowy day as a young girl named Yuno moves into Hidamari Apartments to attend an art school nearby. She meets her eccentric neighbor, Miyako, who is both friendly and a little strange. Despite not knowing each other for very long, Yuno and Miyako quickly become good friends.

The two girls decide to explore the town and come across a ramen shop where they meet their neighbor, Hiro, who is also a fellow art-school student. Hiro invites Yuno and Miyako to join her and her friend Sae for a visit to the school's art gallery.

During their visit to the art gallery, the four girls discuss their classes and what they hope to achieve through their artwork. Sae is a serious student who is highly dedicated to her craft, while Hiro is more pragmatic and focused on achieving her goals in a more practical manner. Miyako, on the other hand, is more interested in using art as a means of expressing herself.

The group also meets a fifth girl, Nazuna, who is a first-year student like Yuno. She is initially shy and reserved, but becomes more comfortable as the group gets to know her.

The remainder of the episode shows the girls creating a "winter collage" art project together in their free time. They scan in photos of their favorite winter memories and create a beautiful collage that they hang on the wall of their apartment.

Throughout the episode, the viewer gets a sense of the close-knit relationships that are forming between these five girls. They are all different in their own ways, but their shared love of art and their proximity to each other create a sense of camaraderie that is both heartwarming and relatable.

The animation style of Hidamari Sketch is unique and charming, with bright colors and whimsical character designs that help to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The show's soundtrack is also a standout element, featuring a mix of upbeat and relaxing tracks that perfectly complement the show's tone.

Overall, the first episode of Hidamari Sketch sets a strong foundation for what is sure to be an enjoyable and heartwarming series. With its lovable characters, charming animation style, and relaxing tone, it's a show that's perfect for anyone looking for a little slice of life in their viewing habits.