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As someone who is not a real fan of shounen, sci-fi or not particularly fantasy either, Aria does not look like the show I’d enjoy a lot. Or to put it in other words, the introductory page of the show with its sci-fi and futuristic elements created a completely different image in my head than my personal experience of it. It is in no way a typical example of the above-mentioned genres and it is always a worthy experience when a show transcends your preconceived ideas.

Aria, as the synopsis already reveals, takes place in Aqua, formerly known as Mars, a completely ‘man-made’ world. Within ... this brave new world, the story centers on a young girl who aspires to be a great undine in the canals of Neo Venezia, a place that reminisces Venice in Manhome. Contrary to what you’d expect from a futuristic show, the series does not offer a world that is a continuation of life on earth but rather a re-start, (even the names of the characters all starting with A gives us an Adam-like sense of a fresh beginning) thus, offering a world devoid of the robotic experiences of the technological urban life. Here, you are exposed to beautiful scenery of Neo Venezia, like a guest in the gondolas of sweet undines, gazing through the city surrounded by nature and the serenity that comes with it. Not to mention the relaxing music that accompanies you in every step of the way.

Another interesting aspect of the series that I did not expect is the way the ‘story’ is revealed. If you expect to get curious about what is going to happen next, it is not the case with Aria. The whole experience is like the acknowledgement of little things in life that are more than enough to make someone happy. Instead of a storyline, the series reflects an alternative dream-like world, an anime version of Neverlamd,so to speak. The imaginary elements such as gondoliers being called undines - mythological nymphs - and the top three gondoliers being the three water fairies add to the man-made, dreamy nature of Aqua. Here, you can get away from the worries of mundane life affairs and take it easy. If anything, it is not a travel to the future but to the depths of human nature, revealing its secrets, wishes, and dreams.

As can be inferred from what I already mentioned, thematically, the show focuses on what it means to be human, how to appreciate the small things we normally take for granted in life and more than anything, what it means to be able to dream without any boundaries of the adult perspective on life.

If you need some tranquility and recharge for your soul, this show surely feels like a warm hug and the whole experience will tickle you all the way to the end, letting you take a taste of exploring the future in the most nostalgic manner possible. Wish you all a good sappy time!

Maison Ikkoku... One of the rare shows I dropped in the first episode as I thought it seemed like the kind of show that is full of loud characters without offering any emotional or psychological depth. I was very wrong in my first impression. Thankfully, a year later, I gave it another try and as I was in the right mood to watch it, I enjoyed it dearly.

As already known, it is a very old show. It definitely captures the aura of the 80s both in art-style and overall aura. People who yearn for a good quality old anime might really enjoy it.

It is ... no secret that Maison Ikkoku is a love story as well as a coming of age story. However, there are some particular aspects that make it unique for its time. The male lead, Godai, is a ordinary young man who has a very decent personality and a dream world of his own. But, unlike most love stories, he does not meet a sweet girl and has a high school / college affair. Kyoko is a woman who is older than him and a widow. Despite having a lot of comedic moments, the show revolves around this relationship between a young college student who dreams about his happy future and a widow who is torn between her past and present. It explores the complexities of human nature, what it means to love someone, and how to let go and move on.

The plot is not limited to the two main leads. The show has a heartwarming aura and includes the sub-stories of all the tenants of Maison Ikkoku. It might get a bit too much at times but the side characters are explored in a mostly comedic manner which balances out the serious matters regarding the couple.

Another important thing is, the show reveals the ‘flaws’ of its characters - main and side - but no one is portrayed as completely good or bad. There is no ‘evil’ in the show. Rather, each and every character is displayed as a human with both sides. It goes beyond the simplicity of a slice of life anime and leads you to question the values and inner psyche of human beings.

If you want to watch a coming of age / romance story with a heartwarming undertone, Maison Ikkoku is definitely a good choice. Even the length of the show is not hard to deal with because it serves as a relaxation and can very well be watched along with other shows. I consider it as a very unique production with its emphasis on the dilemmas of real life problems and comedic moments that make you laugh at the tragic situations the characters find themselves in and help you see things in a different light.