Watch Tsukigakirei

Tsukigakirei is a heartwarming and coming-of-age anime that revolves around the lives of three high school students, Akane Mizuno, Kotarou Azumi, and Chinatsu Nishio, as they navigate through the ups and downs of adolescence and their first romantic experiences. Set in a small town in Japan, the anime begins with Akane and Kotarou, who are both in their third year of junior high school, attending the same school for the first time. They happen to be in the same class and become classmates. Initially, they hardly talk to each other and do not know each other's name. But, after a few classes together, they begin to develop feelings for each other, and their relationship blossoms slowly. Throughout the anime, there is a strong focus on how the couple interacts with each other and develops romantically.

Chinatsu, on the other hand, happens to be Akane's best friend and is quite popular among boys. However, she soon realizes that she has feelings for Kotarou, which leads to awkward situations and jealousy between the friends. Although Chinatsu's unrequited love adds a touch of drama, the show primarily focuses on Akane and Kotarou's story and how they overcome the challenges that come with being in a relationship for the first time.

The anime stands out for its use of subtle gestures and expressions in conveying the characters' emotions. For instance, even the way Kotarou adjusts his glasses becomes a telltale sign of his emotions. The show also portrays the struggles of teenage life realistically, such as the pressure of studies, exams, and the importance of getting into a good college.

Another highlight of the anime is the depiction of the characters' families. Akane and Kotarou both come from warm and supportive families who play an essential role in their lives. The parents' involvement in the teens' lives feels authentic and adds depth to the characters. In contrast, Chinatsu's family background is not as fleshed out, and she is a bit of a lonely figure, which helps to distinguish her from her two best friends.

Although the anime has a slower pace, it focuses on the progression of Akane and Kotarou's relationship, and how their individual goals and ambitions impact their relationship. As they mature, the couple faces several obstacles in their journey, such as infidelity, social pressures, and even dream careers that may take them away from each other. However, they both learn to adapt and communicate with each other, ultimately making their relationship stronger.

In terms of animation, the show has a gentle color palette and a wholesome vibe. The backgrounds are highly detailed and capture the nostalgia of growing up in a small town, with several scenes featuring familiar landmarks and cultural festivals. The character designs are simple yet engaging, with each character having their unique quirks and personalities.

The soundtrack of the show is a standout feature, with its soothing piano and violin pieces, reflecting the emotional journey of the characters. The opening and ending themes also have a calming and melodic tone and complement the visuals well.

Overall, Tsukigakirei is an excellent anime for anyone looking for a wholesome and realistic romantic story. The show beautifully captures the innocence, awkwardness, and excitement of adolescence, and the progression of the relationship between Akane and Kotarou is realistic and relatable. The portrayal of family dynamics, school life, and social pressures adds depth to the show, making it a must-watch for fans of the slice-of-life genre.

Tsukigakirei is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on April 6, 2017.