Nagi no Asukara

Nagi no Asukara is a beautifully animated, 26-episode series that premiered in 2013 on Animax. Created by the talented group at P.A. Works and directed by visionary Toshiya Shinohara, the series brings forth a unique intertwining of terrestrial and marine environments, coupled with a soft infusion of fantasy and magical-realism elements.

The story initates with an emphasis on exploring challenging themes of change, identity, and diverse cultural dynamics, while raising profound questions about love, friendship, traditions and societal expectations.

In terms of setting and background, the show presents a world divided into two very distinct societies. One is a human society on land, generally following the familiar norms of the terrestrial world we know. The second is a unique underwater society known as Shioshishio, inhabited by a race of sea people known as the Sea Dwellers, able to breathe and live comfortably under the water due to a special protective skin-cover called Ena.

When their undersea school closes due to lack of students, four Sea Dwellers adolescents - Hikari Sakishima, Manaka Mukaido, Chisaki Hiradaira, and Kaname Isaki - are compelled to attend a school on the surface, becoming one of the first of their kind to mingle with the Land Dwellers.

The tale evolves beautifully as it maps the journey of these four brave Sea Dwellers navigating a strange and unfamiliar world, facing prejudice, understanding cultural differences, and coping with social challenges while grappling with their very own adolescence and the complicated emotions it brings.

Among the protagonists, Hikari Sakishima stands out as the young, impulsive character with an unrequited love for his childhood friend Manaka Mukaido. The quartet is completed by their friends Chisaki Hiradaira and Kaname Isaki who are attempting to navigate their budding affections towards one another, painting a poignant picture of young love.

Nagi no Asukara does a fantastic job of portraying character development, providing the viewers an opportunity to witness the growth of each character as they face the complex challenges that come with change and adaptation. The interaction between the protagonists and secondary characters, as well as the conflicts and resolutions that arise, add depth to the story. The characters' emotions are beautifully captured and expressed in such a way that lends a genuine authenticity to their struggles and experiences.

Moreover, the series incorporates aspects of magical realism into both the story and world-building. The Sea Dwellers are shown to have a strong cultural and spiritual connection with the sea, and their traditions and rituals often involve a fascinating blend of mythology and spirituality. The show does not shy away from subtly incorporating traditional Japanese folklore into its narrative, lending a rich cultural dressing to the make-believe world.

The visuals of Nagi no Asukara deserve a particular note of commendation. The animation is stunningly beautiful, with a lot of attention given to the detailed portrayal of the undersea world. The colour palette is vivid and the lighting effects create an almost ethereal aura to the underwater city of Shioshishio. The land, too, is beautifully rendered, with vibrant depictions of nature, townscapes, and school environments.

Additionally, the music and soundtracks play an essential role in enhancing the overall viewing experience. The show boasts of a beautiful opening theme, "lull ~Soshite Bokura wa~", which perfectly encapsulates the series' mood with its soft melodies and melancholic tones. The score throughout the series complements the tone of the narratives, resonating with the viewers' emotions.

Nagi no Asukara is an aesthetically pleasing series that unites magic realism and contemporary drama, poignant love stories and deep-seated societal conflict. It skillfully revitalizes the oftcited genre of 'coming-of-age' tales, making it engrossing and memorable. The series is a poignant representation of adolescence, life's trials, the pain of change, and the enduring power of love and friendship. Throughout its run, viewers traverse through a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences that makes Nagi no Asukara an unmissable journey worth undertaking.