Yurikuma Arashi

Yurikuma Arashi, also known as "Lily Bear Storm" or "Lesbian Bear Storm", is a highly distinctive and enigmatic anime, which aired in 2015 on Tokyo MX. This brainchild of director Kunihiko Ikuhara is an insightful work of spectacle that uses heavy symbolism and metaphor to handle a great range of profound themes.

The series is set in a world where humanity has locked itself behind a "Wall of Severance" to protect itself from bears who have gained the ability to assume human shapes and are thus capable of blending into human society to satisfy their hunger for humans. The story takes place at an all-girls high school around three characters: Kureha Tsubaki, Ginko Yurishiro, and Lulu Yurigasaki. Revealed through a non-linear plot which interweaves the present with a series of flashbacks, the plot narrates an allegorical tale that blends surrealism, magical realism, and biting social commentary.

Kureha Tsubaki, the protagonist, is a regular student whose love interest (Sumika Izumino) is mysteriously murdered at the beginning of the series. Next, we have Ginko Yurishiro and Lulu Yurigasaki, two bears who have infiltrated human society, disguising themselves as students. As the story progresses, it delves into the complex relationships between the characters as they navigate through the societal structures and expectations placed upon them.

A sea of metaphor and allegory, Yurikuma Arashi is layered in commentary on sexuality, gender, discrimination, and societal exclusion. Much like Ikuhara's previous outings (notably Revolutionary Girl Utena and Mawaru Penguindrum), the series ingeniously uses high-school setting as an apparatus to reflect on broader societal and cultural norms, complexities, and challenges. Yurikuma Arashi's unique aesthetic choice of using anthropomorphic bears is an inventive strategy to symbolize the "other" in society, challenging viewers to question societal norms and prejudices about identity, sexuality, and love.

On the visual side, Yurikuma Arashi embellishes itself with a breathtakingly stark color palette that fluctuates perfectly with the show's changing moods. The imaginative landscape design and architectural details, punctuated by symbolic artifacts and signs, reinforce both the otherness of the bear characters and the isolation imposed by human society. Furthermore, the distinctive character designs manage to be highly expressive yet subdued, aligning neatly with the narrative's amalgamation of realism and fantasy.

Adding another notch to the show's strengths is its commendable soundtrack, which particularly stands out in its use of silence and the careful placement of musical pieces at poignant moments. The opulently crafted opening sequence, filled with esoteric symbolism and stunning visual imagery, all set against the hauntingly captivating opening theme "Ano Mori de Matteru", lyrically sets the underlying mood for the show.

In terms of genre, Yurikuma Arashi is a unique blend of horror, drama, romance, and surrealism, brought together by its avant-garde director. Its heavy reliance on symbolism often makes its narrative a bit abstract, and consequently harder to follow, but also provides the series with a refreshing uniqueness that firmly separates it from typical mainstream anime.

Nevertheless, the show isn't for everyone. It demands from its viewers an active participation in delving into its symbolic universe, and extracting one's own interpretations and conclusions from the dense tapestry of the narrative woven by the series. Due to its distinct thematic choices and narrative style, it can be polarizing for viewers, particularly those unfamiliar with Ikuhara's previous works.

Yurikuma Arashi is a profound exploration of society’s views on homosexuality, discrimination, and the past’s impact on the present. It implements a unique story narrative; an eerie and whimsical aesthetic; a sturdy, yet extraordinary, soundtrack; and an intriguing blend of genres to deliver an absorbing viewing experience. For anyone seeking an engaging and thought-provoking anime enriched with unique visuals and a complex plot, Yurikuma Arashi definitely proves to be a series worth investing in. However, be prepared for its potential disjointedness, overt symbolism, and an unapologetic deep dive into societal commentary. The experience might just leave you questioning the oppressive structures in society and compel you to see the world in a new light.