Tsukigakirei

Tsukigakirei, also known as "As the Moon, So Beautiful" and released in 2017, is a thoughtful, tender, and poignant coming-of-age romance anime series that explores the intimate journey of two young teenagers navigating through the intricate and confusing labyrinth of adolescence, emotions, and relationships in modern Japan.

Its narrative revolves around two primary school students, Kotarou Azumi and Akane Mizuno, both aged fourteen. They cross paths in their third year of junior high for the first time, despite being in the same school. The gentle exploration of their emotional world forms the main plot of Tsukigakirei. The anime showcases their innocent and awkward approaches towards self-expression as they gradually discover and reignite the spark of young love between them. These adolescents, through little interactions, accidentally shared possessions, after-school walks, text conversations, and subdued confessions, lay the foundation of a heartwarming romance that beautifully captures the essence of youth and relationships.

Kotarou, a toxically shy and introverted boy who aspires to be a novelist, is quiet and reticent about his feelings. Meanwhile, Akane, a diligent student, is also a track and field athlete who has her share of insecurities and reluctance that she hides behind her small lucky charm. The series diligently portrays their internal monologues, their thoughts and emotions behind their every action, and the bashful demeanor, thus accentuating their multi-faceted characters.

The creators have masterfully crafted the growing fondness between Kotarou and Akane. They beautifully buttress the entire plot with subtle cues and gestures, honoring the modesty and simplicity of teenage love. Additionally, the series intersects their narrative with numerous other subplots and minor characters, each contributing their unique personal stories of adolescence. This intersection of narratives enriches the central plot and provides an interesting view on the complexity of teenage relationships.

The setting of Tsukigakirei adds another layer of depth. Set in modern-day Kawagoe City of Saitama Prefecture in Japan, the detailed artwork and the urban landscape immerse the viewer into the world of Kotarou and Akane: the cherry blossom-lined streets, the historic clock tower ringing in the evening, the local shrine brightened by lanterns, the quiet cobbled pathways, their school, the bustling track field, and the quaint restaurants. The exquisite backdrop not only complements the evolving story but also enhances the overall emotional quotient in capturing the ephemeral nature of youth and the fleeting moments of adolescence.

Animation-wise, Tsukigakirei is meticulously crafted. Characters' expressions, subtle movements, time-specific changes in the environment are showcased impressively. This attention to detail helps viewers perceive the hesitations, the shyness, and the silent affection that Kotarou and Akane nurture for each other.

Another key element of Tsukigakirei is its background score. The soft, ambient music accentuates the emotional depth of the series, overflows with nostalgia, and deeply resonates with the viewer’s sentiments. The rhythmic, soft opening theme sets the tone for the show, whereas the ending theme song changes in each episode, emphasizing the emotional development between Akane and Kotarou.

Tsukigakirei brings freshness to the romance genre, breaking the clichéd and oft-repeated themes associated with teenage love stories. The anime is devoid of needless melodrama, exaggerated plot twists, and unnatural reaction shots that typically characterize this genre. Instead, the storyline is simple, realistic and quiet, just like the title, which translates to "As the moon, so beautiful," a phrase epitomizing the tranquil beauty of the series and the deep love blossoming between the characters.

The charm of Tsukigakirei lies within its simplicity and authenticity. The characters, their worldviews, aspirations, and their handling of relationships all exhibit the purity and earnestness that is reminiscent of early youth. This heartfelt anime celebrates young love in its most innocent form, and it is a perfect choice for viewers who enjoy realistic, sentimental, and aesthetic narratives. Through Tsukigakirei, one gets to journey through the beautiful chaos of adolescence, leaving behind an ache of nostalgia and a smile of fond reminiscence.