Someday's Dreamers II Sora

Someday's Dreamers II Sora, alternately known as "Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto: Natsu no Sora," is a 12-episode Japanese anime series that aired in 2008. This show is considered a spin-off or a sequel of sorts to the 2003 anime series "Someday's Dreamers." However, it stands apart from its predecessor by putting forward an entirely new cast of characters and a different, albeit equally enchanting, narrative arc. Created by the respected J.C. Staff studio and aired in North America by Anime Network, this heartfelt drama masterfully combines elements of fantasy, slice-of-life, and coming-of-age storylines.

Someday's Dreamers II Sora introduces us to a sweet and gentle 17-year-old girl, Sora Suzuki, as the central protagonist. Hailing from small-town Biei in Hokkaido, Sora stands out from her peers in a magical way – she is a mage, a being who possesses the power to use magic to accomplish great feats, immeasurably benefiting society. However, learning to harness this magic requires rigorous formal training and governmental licensure. As such, Sora leaves the tranquillity of her idyllic rural hometown behind, journeying to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo to start her vocational training as an apprentice mage.

Sora's mystical journey through Tokyo serves as the backdrop for exploring human emotion, personal growth, and the all-too-familiar struggles that come with transitioning into adulthood. The hectic life in the city, filled with its own triumphs and tribulations, starkly contrasts the pastoral paradise of her upbringing. She resides in a boarding house with other mage apprentices who quickly become her closest confidantes, navigating through a world where magic is as ordinary as brushing teeth.

As a part of her training, Sora must learn not only how to hone her magical abilities but also to manage the ethical implications of wielding such power. The assignments she undertakes deal with various social issues that provide poignant commentary on the human condition and the power and responsibility of affecting lives.

A noteworthy aspect of the anime is the distinct shift in art style compared to the first series. Sora's world is lavishly painted with bright, vivid, and detailed artwork. One could say that the exceptional visualization is a form of storytelling in itself, echoing with the characters' feelings, further enhanced with a meticulously crafted atmospheric soundtrack.

Furthermore, the series does a remarkable job depicting the realities of modern urban Tokyo, thereby grounding the magic-driven narrative in the reality of day-to-day life. Such attention to detail, from shuttling through Tokyo's underground rail system to bustling crosswalks, lends a multi-dimensional perspective to the plot.

Like its predecessor, Someday's Dreamers II Sora reverberates with the recurrent motif of exploring what it truly means to be a "magician." However, instead of just focusing on the awe-inspiring spectacle of magic, the series delves deep into the psychological, emotional, and moral stakes that come with such a profession. The show doesn't shy away from asking hard questions - What is the purpose of magical power? Is it a boon or a bane, or perhaps a bit of both?

Interestingly, whereas in most animes, the magical elements tend to provide an escape from personal responsibility, in Someday's Dreamer II Sora, they instead add to the burden, showcasing the trials and tribulations of responsibility and maturity. Whether it's the bittersweet tang of love, the pain of loss, or soaring joy, the storyline effortlessly intertwines the magical elements with true-to-life human experiences, creating a unique narrative blend that's gripping and thought-provoking.

Someday's Dreamers II Sora is sure to appeal to anime viewers who love a thoughtful, slow-burning, and character-driven story. It offers an enchanting world where magic doesn't stand apart as fantastic or awe-inspiring but blends seamlessly into the hustle and bustle of city life. It's a show about growing up, all the while learning to wield not just the magic one can conjure with their hands, but more importantly, the magic that lies within the human spirit. A step away from conventional magical anime, it's profoundly personal, deeply introspective, and unassumingly philosophical.