Yuru Camp.
Studio: C-STation
Genre: Slice of life. Iyashikei
Hello my friends.
Right now, as of January, 2021, the second season of a very beloved anime series has been released, a series that I am convinced it has its large number of fans, especially because it is about really peaceful moments, travelling around many campsites of Japan.
Man!!!! I am making it sound like a documentary. But I am actually talking about…
But before I start with my entry, I must ask you guys, the typical question.
Are you people ok? Feeling good and staying safe?
If the answer is yes, then I am happy. Nevertheless, I must apologise beforehand, because in these times of pandemic, reviewing an anime that urges us to go in camping can be a really bad idea; on the other hand, Yuru Camp is very feel-good, and that means you can enjoy it either indoors or in the comfy of your tent, near the pool. In any case, I apologise.
What do you say Nadeshiko? Do you forgive me?
Now. On to Yuru Camp.
PREMISE
If I am to describe Yuru Camp in one sentence; it will be…
«Cute girls doing cute things at camping.»
Based on the manga written by Afro, and published by Houbunsha, Yuru Camp takes place in the Yamanashi Prefecture, and tells the story of Nadeshiko, Rin, Chiaki, Aoi and Ena as they go to different parts of Yamanashi, having camping adventures, learning about camping and giving us some facts about camping. In other words, it is a simple, yet fascinating slice-of-life anime that makes feel the warmth of nature and the peace of landscaping. The manga was first released in July, 2015, and as of January 13, 2021, it has 11 volumes.
The opening of the first season is Shiny Days, performed by Asaka, and the ending is Fuyubiyori, performed by Eri Sasaki, who, unfortunately, does not voice any of our protagonists. Finally, the first season was released from January to March 2018, for a total of 12 episodes and three OVAS.
As i mentioned before, Yuru Camp released its second season this month. But I missed most of the first season and I am rewatching it again. So No!!!! The second season has nothing to do on my decision of writing this entry. Nevertheless, what I watched before really hooked me, and Yuru Camp stayed with me since then.
One funny fact is that, until today, I thought that Yuru Camp was written and illustrated by the same team that created Non Non Biyori. But no!!!! Yuru Camp was created by Afro, while Non Non Biyori was created by Atto; although both series have a lot in common.
I hope I make a My Own Impressions of Non Non Biyori anytime soon, but first, I must say that Yuru Camp has become a personal favourite, not just for its atmosphere, but also for its educational value regarding camping. And since I haven’t done camping in years, I think I can reconsider doing that.
Because…
How can you say NO to camping after seeing Yuru Camp. Look at her, she is so happy she is crying.
STORY
Yuru Camp starts with our protagonist, Nadeshiko Kagamihara, who recently moved with her family to Yamanashi; shortly afterwards, she ventures with her bicycle to see Mount Fuji, meanwhile, Rin Shiima, or Shimarin, is having another of her trademark solo campings, when she crosses to Nadeshiko, watched her like this.
He!!!! That instant in which Nadeshiko is sleeping always cracks me up.
Unfortunately, for her, it becomes very late and she gets scared of the darkness of night. But then Rin helps Nadeshiko, offers her part of her noodles, and both see the Mount Fuji, in all it’s amazing glory. Inspired by this joyful experience, Nadeshiko joins the Outdoor Activities Camp, in order to be part of more camping.
From this moment on, we see another eleven episodes of three OVAs of absolute camping extravaganza. And each episode presents camping from a particular perspective, with new trivia that you must know about camping, and about the beautiful landscapes of Yamanashi. And trust me, each episode is as beautiful as the previous one; with the great job done in the colour scheme and the animation, both creating visually stunning landscapes that, despite not being as beautiful as many of the works done from studios like A-1 Pictures or Kyoto Animation, allows you to feel that you are physically there too.
Furthermore, the peaceful music adds more sauce to the feeling. By the way, the composer of Yuru Camp is Akiyuki Tateyama, who previously worked in series like Kemono Friends and Are You Lost?, both of them praised for its beautiful, atmospheric build-up.
For those who have read my previous entries, you will know that I always appreciate a feel good history in an anime, or slice-of-life, because we not only have other great options for the already massive anime lineup of 2018 and beyond, but also because we learn very useful and great things about life and Japan itself.
And if you can have a peaceful, warm feeling, like the one you will find by watching Yuru Camp, even better. It reminds me of the nice sensation that I found in anime like Monster Girl Doctor and Violet Evergarden, the former for its original plot and the latter for its amazing animation.
But what about the…
CHARACTERS
Sometimes, a story is as good as its characters. And with Yuru Camp, that also applies. We have our main protagonists, Nadeshiko, who contrary to what her name represents (a perfect maiden for those who don’t know), she is an absolute ditz, who cheerful, curious personality is one of the driving forces of the adventures of the Outdoor Activities Club, while Rin Shiima is the calm, reserved girl who knows everything about camping. And the combination of these two, making for a solid odd, yet engaging couple.
But we got the top members of the Outdoor Activities Club, the two that invite Nadeshiko, Chiaki Ogaki, who likes adventure, fun and calling Rin «Shimarin», and Aoi Inuyama, who is always finding creative ways to make camping even better. Finally, we got Ena Saitou, one of the closest friends of Rin.
And of course our supporting characters, Sakura (Nadeshiko’s older sister), Minami (our sensei who likes alcohol), and more. All these characters have a personality and a present that definitely gives Yuru Camp its uniqueness, especially from most slice-of-life anime.
One fun fact, every time I think of Chiaki, I can help but remember Ikuno, from Darling in the Franxx, because…
…Are they twins? They really look alike!!!
So there you go!!! Great story, a solid feel-good atmosphere, and a roster of entertaining characters you can choose from.
CONCLUSION
To sum up, I really enjoyed Yuru Camp. And despite living in times of COVID-19 Pandemic, it offers a good time, either for having a break of the real world, or just learning about camping, or any other purpose you got, but one thing is for sure. Yuru Camp will not disappoint.
So if you want to feel the comfy of camping, and have some good laughs with cute girls doing cute camping, Yuru Camp is definitely for you.
And for those who want adventure, we got…
THE CAMP FOR DAREDEVILS, ADVENTURE SEEKERS, OR THOSE WHO WANT TO EXPERIENCE DEATH!!!! WITH OUR OFFICAL MASCOT.
so… WHAT ARE WAITING FOR? COME TO CRYSTAL LAKE CAMP…
YOU’LL DEFINITELY FIND ONE HELL OF AN ADVENTURE.
Jainituos Presents 