WatchTillTandava said:duskyboris said:Yeah, I totally get that, it's a fine show, and definitely a hardcore iyashikei, which I'm not entirely sure is really my thing. A lot of my favorites are iyashikei's, like non non biyori, or natsume yuujinchou, or mushishi, or k-on!, but they're not "pure" relaxation like this or Aria, which was another iyashikei that I don't really enjoy. I guess the thing that I don't really enjoy with this is that the characterization isn't that interesting to me. I don't feel like we know very much about who our leads are, because we mostly see them interact with their bikes and the environment, not with other people. And those interactions do offer some insight, but it doesn't really hook me. I guess I just like more elements of either drama or comedy than something like this can offer.
I see. I was intrigued because you mentioned being a fan of certain types of iyashikei in general and I took the liberty of checking your profile. I find it very interesting that you dropped this as well as Houkago Teibou Nisshi, yet rated both a 6. Whereas I completed Houkago Teibou Nisshi yet also rated it a 6 and will also complete this series, but probably will also end up rating a 6 (possibly a 7, but leaning toward a 6 unless there is something in the last several episodes which really upsets the apple cart in some unforeseen way).
I've actually long sought the "pure" or "perfect" iyashikei, but uncertain what that would look like in practice. I think the genres it incorporates are a factor, but the actual premise, world/setting, and characters still play a role in fueling my interest level. Yuru Camp is exceptionally well done (which is why I rated it an 8) and I find it both amusing and relaxing to watch, but a little too "genki" loud or zany at times. Non Non Biyori is similar to me. These have more comedy, though I like that they also aren't taken over by it. Aria is more pure, as you said, but I also don't find the characters too compelling so it's more like an extended ASMR video for me/my senses.
The actual perfect iyashikei for my sensibilities has been Flying Witch and so far nothing has topped or unseated that. There is no drama, no action, no romance, and even the comedy is very dry, understated, and subdued. Yet there is enough going on with the interpersonal character dynamics with a very fun, relaxed and lighthearted chemistry together. Characters are okay individually but as a small group work great. And enough mysteries, details, and little nuances and new things to discover in the world. It feels like the world is very calm and safe, yet there is some element of intrigue which it pulls off by virtue of having magical realism alone without leaning into any one genre.
Hey no worries.The reason for the high rating is that I don't want to give the impression that it's bad, because I don't think it is, it's just not working for me. I try to rate things "accurately" whatever that means, so a 6 to me is more like the low end of good, not the high end of bad. 5 is just okay, neither bad nor good, and the high end of bad is a 4, to me. Much like Super Cub, Houkago Teibou Nisshi just didn't for me, and I dunno why. It's the kind of thing I'd like on paper, but it left me largely uninterested.