Analysis: Anohana
Today, we go into an in depth analysis of Anohana, a popular anime. This article was written with no spoilers so you can read the review and still get the surprises when you watch it! ;)
Analysis
Anohana
Basics
Manga: Written by Okada Mari, Illustrated by Izumi Mitsu.
Title: Anohana translates to “That flower”. The english title is based along those lines as “The Flower We Saw That Day” or “We Still Don't Know the Name of the Flower We Saw That Day”.
Genre: Fiction, Supernatural, Loss, Family, Friendship, Romance.
Setting
Most people are aware that the setting of Anohana is a very real city in Japan, more specifically Chichibu city. Throughout the series there are multiple shots that are of widely known places and hotspots in Chichibu city. One of these shots is of Shibazakura-No-Oka a place known for it’s breathtaking view, this is also where they bid their friend goodbye in the final episode. A prominent one is Chichibu Bridge, Menma and her friends have countless memories tied to that specific place, some believe that is is shown to be the bridge between their childhood and adulthood. Lastly, Jourinji Temple is a significant one because of the scene where all of the characters come to terms and accept their and other’s feelings.
Character Personality, Development & Progression
Meiko Honma (Menma):
Menma is grade A cinnamon roll material, 100% smol. All tumblr speak aside, because of her circumstances she has clearly developed all that she could in her younger years, despite this she is one of the most well-rounded characters. She is kind, joyful, and very optimistic. In my personal opinion, she is the embodiment of childhood. She captures the essence of youth; the purity, the energy, and countless other things, but the trait of childhood she displays most of is how she values friendship. Friendship was vital in helping to fulfill her promise, just as friendship is vital in progressing childhood. She acts as a guiding spirit to the other characters and in a sense, she finishes guiding them through the childhood (by making them help fulfill her promise) that they lost so they can finally let go and move on.
Jinta Yadomi (Jintan):
Jintan is a character that makes large strides in terms of development and progression. Before the incident his personality was like every other child’s, happy, energetic but after the events that occurred it changed to something that had very evident tones of trauma. He shuts himself away and becomes reclusive to the point that he no longer attends school. After Menma’s return he slowly reverts back to his old self and his leader persona and works diligently to regather his past friends.
Tetsudō Hisakawa (Poppo):
Poppo’s character is one of the sweetest and one of my favorite. His character is one of most trauma riddled characters. He gives an illusion of normality but on the inside struggles with guilt because of the accident. He acts childish to compensate for times lost. In the end however, he matures to some degree but still maintains his almost child-like purity. He is vital as a mediator and in many ways is a character that stands out in the memory.
Naruko Anjou (Anaru):
Anaru was at first one of the characters I disliked the most. She is passive and irritating with her snobbish-like nature. She contains a large quantity of immaturity and invests herself ardently in titles. However my opinion on her did change as she does still care deeply for her past friends (a greatly redeeming trait), especially Jintan. As she grows in her development she begins to lose these qualities, or at the very less they decrease to a smaller level. Her character is growing but she has great potential.
Atsumu Matsuyuki (Yukiatsu):
Yukiatsu is a character with many faults and complexes but we love him nonetheless. The accident took a very hard toll on Yukiatsu, and as displayed through the series it manifest itself in different ways, one of which borderlines on granting psychological concern; these have also accumulated to a less than pleasant side of Yukiatsu. He is academically brilliant and very distant, yet in the end grows warmer towards his former friends. His torment is prominent but he continues to embrace the closure those around him provide, even growing closer to Tsuruko in the process.
Chiriko Tsurumi (Tsuruko):
Tsuruko acts as a sane voice of reason for the other characters, mainly for Yukiatsu. She is critical of others, and often very cynical. She feels sometimes inferior to others, though she is very smart and a great character. She tends to keep to herself aside from Yukiatsu, and spends some of her time drawing. She maintains an air of silent passion and emotion for those she cares about but still has pent up feelings, this subtlety and her wise and moving words is what makes her significant.
Overall:
In the beginning we can clearly observe the state of the characters. While older, these characters displayed a very childish nature and their methods of grieving predominantly. Throughout the series they grow and process greatly while depending on others and improving each other. These characters are memorable and tailor fitted for each other.
Plot
Anohana takes the plot of reuniting, and loss into a unique and supernatural direction. It contains a plot that not only brings a journey but many memorable themes. It’s powerful, immersive, beautiful and uplifting. That being said this series is not one for those hoping for pure happiness, there is depressing and heart wrenching revelations as well as confessions. While there is a childish mask over the series it deals with serious issues and themes. Some of which being youth and family dealing with the aspect of loss. We see how loss can affect people in multiple ways and how it affects the relationships with the people have. Friendship is also vital to the plot and we see the ups and downs of this group. The series has a plot that is not only easy to follow but allows for the viewer to make a connection and thoroughly invest in the plot; since loss is a universal aspect of humanity many can relate to it. The character’s have their emotional walls broken and rebuilt from the ground up. The exploration of their loss isn’t all for naught, the result is one of love, letting go and doing the right thing for the right reason, but most of all one of morality and humanity. The plot is so painfully real, emotionally raw, and truly takes a toll on the emotions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this series is one of the most touching and saddest. The setting is tailor fitted for this anime. The characters are colorful and diverse and compliment the plot. Speaking of which, is untraditional and truly one of a kind. It is very moving and almost made me cry, almost. I would recommend this anime to everyone-but only if they are ready to cry.
~Jane
