Mono no Aware Roughly translating to the pathos of things mono no aware focuses on an awareness of impermanence. This Japanese idiom is intrinsically related to Buddhist philosophy and highlights the eternal flux of life and the internal acceptance of change. Mono no Aware represents a welcoming embrace of the inevitable not a powerful surge of passion or a mournful submersion into melancholy but a balanced understanding of everything that comes with being. Mono no Aware separates itself form many impractically idealistic idioms and reduces perfectionist thinking whilst encouraging humility by acknowledging simple realities. nothing lasts and nothing is perfect the leaves may fall but they wont necessarily spring. The syncretic nature of traditional Japanese beliefs allows these seemingly grandiose abstractions to be viewed in a more casual light rather than a blessed one. Akwardley Mono no aware is typically best understood through experience rather than words a silent acknowledgement and appreciation of the worlds natural order which this review is definitely part of. 220https://i.pin.com/736x/13/33/00/13330054f3d079d6fef46dd805629596.jpg Wabisabi Mono no aware intertwines with the aesthetic of Wabisabi that accentuates beauty which is commonly perceived as imperfect impermanent or incomplete. Wabisabi presents an environmentally conscious philosophy. Sustainability and simplicity are essential virtues of Wabisabi which values natural materials over manufactured goods. In contrast to the use of minimalism in brutalism which prioritizes functionality honesty and social purpose which nevertheless ironically and intrinsically endorses excess in its inherent design philosophy Overpopulation for the win. In contrast whilst minimalistic Wabisabi highlights and values a warm and rustic characteristic rather than empty cold conformity. The approval and adoption of Imperfection only accentuates the individuality of the creations of Wabisabi. A cracked/chipped coffee cup even if meticulously duplicated by a mathematically precise machine and manufactured for mass consumption wouldnt retain its unanimously unique character. You can recrate the crack or chip but not the story behind it. 220https://i.pin.com/736x/74/e7/0d/74e70de0012459aa664d7de5f99f8096.jpg These schools of thought have found themselves maintaining a prolonged popularity and having persisted despite the Information ages dependency on the immediate. Both having flourished and servicing as a source of contemplative commentary in the sanctuary of manga/anime Specifically the tranquil subgenre of Iyashikei Iyashikei is super chill. The term roughly translates to healing which is super appropriate because these peaceful series are often super relaxing. Slow and steady wins the race and Iyashikei follows a calm mediative pace that showcases the commonplace with much grace MF DOOM. Seriously though these beautiful decorative tapestries of rural magnificence have an astounding ability to welcome the viewer into their atmosphere. No matter how literally or figuratively cold the world may be or how physically or mentally rough it all may seem a great Iyashikei cant blissfully blow those problems away. But a great Iyashikei can help you get down to ground and reestablish a sense of equanimity Or should I say equanimeity As previously mentioned a primary focus of these series is reconnecting with nature. An excellent example of this is Barakamon which focuses on an arrogant calligraph despite the archetypical nature of his work called Sei. Agitated by the rejection of his art Sei straight up KO punches an influential and highly respected director of one of the art exhibits hes presenting at. This lands him straight up banished to an Island that is the complete opposite to the metropolis that is Tokyo. At first crushed by countrified life the intimacy of the islands community and picturesque pastoral landscapes find a very welcome place in Seis heart thanks to the presentence of some particular locals. Barakamon uses Sei to highlight a connection between character development and the characters environment as well as the effects of a close community. A justifiably extremely popular series with these themes at the core is NonNon Biyori. NonNon is a simple showcase of a simpler life and also a breathtaking one too. NonNon also introduces an indispensable and imperative theme that a great deal of Iyashikei share and thats time. No matter how grand the mountain water will always flow down flow through the rivers and the streams to the vast oceans. But thats not the end of the journey. As sure as water makes its way down the mountain its evaporated back to the top. NonNon similarly continuously cycles through a year in the small town of Asahigaoka. A year that just as it began eventually has to end. That aside season 4 please or even just another movie please please Some of the mediums most legendary creators have excelled in Iyashikei. For instance not so significant preeminent visionary Iaso Takahata directed what could be considered potentially the first protoIyashikei in Heidi. Pretty ironic that this Intrinsically Nihonese genre found its animated beginnings in western literature. Takahata would also direct Only Yesterday one of my personal favourite Studio Ghibli films Although Im not sure it surpasses the similarly spectacular My Neighbour Totoro Directed by his protegee Hayao Miyazaki. But screw these old Marxist fogeys Miyazaki hates anime about as much as his son and Takahata couldnt even draw. Id rather focus on legendary creator and undermined yet indispensable industry innovator Junichi Sato. Junichi Satou is mostly known for his work in the mahou shoujo genre of both the light and dark variety. But not so surprisingly Im going to discuss his Iyashikei works. Satou has diligently dedicated himself to the genre helming a multitude of its most notable works. Tamayura is like the perfect mashup of Barakamon and NonNon whilst being equally as visually striking and thematically potent as either. But his most distinguished directorial job in terms of Iyashikei is the slice of life scifi classic Aria. Despite the seemingly contradictory genres Aria is potentially one of the most pleasantly peaceful anime Ive ever seen and manga Ive read. The series also answers the muchasked question of What if Venice was on Mars? Aria may be literally out of this world buts its ability to ground the viewer is unbelievable. Patience is a virtue which is definitely required with these series. Its also defiantly required in terms of this review as youre probably wondering why Ive spent the last 519 words discussing amines that dont have the title of the one you clicked on a review for. Well thats because series such as Barakamon NonNon Tamayura Aria and countless beyond owe a great deal to the incredibly innovative and influential wonder that is Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou The nature of YKK Starting in April 1994 YKK was the first official manga of Hitoshi Ashinano. The story focuses on coffee shop owner Yueqin player and robot Hatsuseno Alpha. YKK is quintessentially slice of life nevertheless its mind blowing how mesmerising YKK makes the mundane. YKK champions the commonplace one day Alpha might get mail the next shes attending a neighbourhood meeting and sometimes shes just basically do nothing. Thanks to the astounding art and its wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere YKK doesnt need to get away with murder because its already getting away with ending humanity. YKK takes place during the twilight years of humankind and in an almost completely unrecognisable Yokohama a Yokohama that has largely been consumed by the ocean after an environmental catastrophe. And everyone has seemingly decided... that its all ok. Its not just Alpha thats cheerfully going about this ataraxy apocalypse theres also Ojisan who runs the local petrol station and Koumiishi the local doctor who works on both humans and robots I dont know if its robotist to also call her a mechanic. The casual acceptance of the apocalypse also extends to the casual acceptance of robots who have seamlessly been integrated into society. Aside from Alpha theres Kokone a reoccurring character of increasing significance to Alpha these two are hyperkawaii together. 220https://64.media.tumblr.com/227089349ba7273d35fac409ddaf280b/tumblrinlineo9iisy7QqA1rx2w4a1280.jpg I mean just look at them they got reverse matching hair and eye colour. But theres plenty more to YKK then adorable androids and the sensational setting. YKK is an emotionally complex and contemplative series its for me personally the crowningjewel of Wabisabi aesthetics and the ultimate representative for the Mono no aware philosophy and style of storytelling that the industry has to offer. It does this through one of the most creative and clever displays of contrast in manga and anime. With the flame of humanity petering out leaving only a few passively burning embers remaining the reality of impermanence has never been so prevalent. Throughout YKK androids are occasionally referred to as Humanitys children. This piece of terminology like many fascinating facets of YKK are purposefully left unanswered. I feel the androids have been created to carry on humanitys legacy although the reasoning Im less certain on. Is their creation one last act of defiance against the inevitable. Are they perhaps like The Golden Record upon the Voyager spacecrafts evidence of are existence. Did we create sentience just to serve as documentation a glorified certificate selfishly proving we were here. Or more optimistically did we simply want to spread the joy of life allow the androids to succeed where we failed and live peacefully and harmoniously on the earth. Permeance and transience. Humanity may fade out but our memory will carry on Welcome to the Black Parade faintly plays in the distance through the scars weve inflicted upon the earth the cities buried beneath the oceans and the stories told by those who remain. Well carry on Welcome to the Black Parade intensifies as surly as Alpha Kokone and many others will reminisce. Whilst bittersweet in nature wistful and tinged with melancholy YKK is a beautiful story about the end but also a story of a new beginning. Speaking of new beginnings how about a new chapter. Even better how about one that actually focuses on the OVA Welcome to Caf Alpha It takes approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds of this OVA opening aside for the first line of dialogue to appear. After 2 minutes and 40 seconds Alpha having finished her morning routine and earnestly prepared the caf sits with coffee in hand waiting patiently for a customer. Whilst waiting she ponders the nature of her quiet country caf and notes Coffee I seem to drink 80 of it myself. In 2 minutes and 40 seconds YKK establishes a tranquil tone in an exceptional manner. Despite the quite nature of YKK the soundscape certainly isnt barren in fact its teeming with life. The birds are cheerfully chirping the breeze is gently blowing and with it the weathered weathervanes creak alongside the rustling of leaves and the swaying of overgrown grass. YKK sooths the senses and wholly engrosses the viewer the aforementioned visuals are entrancing the literally just mentioned sound design is subtly spellbinding and if watched with a customary coffee you can even taste and smell YKK. Theres reassuring warmth that envelops me when I watch YKK this silent alleviating affirmation just washes over me and suddenly everything seems ok. YKK provides the perfect hostess to help you feel at home in Alpha. Despite the mechanical nature of her existence theres nothing cold about Alpha. Her authenticity is greatly appreciated by those around her as is her positivity. Watching Alpha you tend to forget shes a robot even whilst the topic is prevalent throughout the OVA any differences posed are superficial. Alpha welcomes everyone in the same friendly manner weather their a robot or human and thus her generosity is returned. The same Alpha that seamlessly become friends with Kokone upon first meeting is the same as the one sharing a laugh with OjiSan later that evening. We see her excitement over receiving mail we see her embarrassed over having a bad hair day and we see her deeply moved by the world around her. Alpha is quite the free spirit she made driving a yellow scooter cool before FLCL was even a concept she often ventures out into the world. These explorations have a great impact on Alpha the first teaching her about moderation and appreciation for experiencing the now and the second is not only for Alpha but also for me personally a deeply moving scene. YKKs provides an emotionally euphoric epilogue a truly powerful scene that has had a profound impact on me. All over a cup of coffee Takeshi Annou and his team embedded their adaptation of YKK with a marvellously meditative quality. Watching Alpha go about her days I cant help but reflect on my own. The explorations she goes on the discoveries she makes and the fun she has doing so really speaks to me. Seeing Alpha hypnotised by the sunsetting over the ocean and dyeing the sky a punch pink and lavender hue is overpowering to me. I sit there wondering why I can only remember one lavender sky of my own but can remember countless mistakes and problems Ive caused. YKK fills me with the desire to be a better me and to find more lavender skies more sunsets and get more out of life. The influence on my life YKK has made is as undeniable as the influence I mentioned it having on the industry. I often on my own travels find myself humming the opening theme to the OVA travels that often detail a search for a coffee shop or some place to parkup and go for a stroll. Artist in the Age of Evening Calm I have the utmost respect and gratitude to Takeshi Annou and his team for successfully adapting the manga. They bring the anime a life of its own and although this maybe controversial I think they surpass the manga in what they adapt. YKK ironically was released during a transitional period for the whole industry. With the change to digital on the horizon Annou and his team utilised countless techniques mastered over decades of spilt ink and hard work. YKK isnt just an ode to the manga its adapting but to the lost art of hand drawn animation. Its pretty safe to say they absolutely nailed it I would sacrifice it all in The Holy Grail War for an alternative reality where an equal in quality 50episode series was made. Everything from the way glass surfaces bend and distort the scenery they reflect the apt use of postcard memories symbolising photos taken by Alpha the grass growing through the cracks in the road the ocean the puddles everything to do with water. They even animated the shadows of the clouds dude like damn its just so good. Nothing I can say truly does YKK justice meaning I guess all thats left to do is to ask you to... Watch 220https://farfromanimation.com/wpcontent/uploads/2017/06/bbtrmxnemesisyokohamakaidashikikouova1609fd5a6mkvsnapshot015620170602003013.jpg?w=723 This 220https://preview.redd.it/sliceoflifedistilledtoitspurestessenceyokohamav022vx8mbgwswa1.png?width=1436format=pngauto=webps=4a6f727b75c1c8a7a2f2023319de46b1fd2dc157 OVA 220https://i.pin.com/736x/1a/fd/43/1afd43aa926cb458eadd1d3208ed3867.jpg Please Please come again Thanks for reading This is the pseudofinale to a pseudotrilogy of reviews focusing on OVAs and their relation to the future and escapism. Hopefully you enjoyed this review and didnt find it too long or meandering I really wanted to do this one justice. I guess all thats left to say now is bye and thanks for coming. 220https://dissidenciapop.com/wpcontent/uploads/2020/07/18300x226.jpg