Today
marks ten years since the anime adaptation of “ Ao Haru Ride ( Blue
Spring Ride )” premiered in Japan , one of the most beloved and
remembered romantic stories by fans of the shojo genre. The series, based on
the manga of the same name by Io Sakisaka , first aired on July
8, 2014, capturing the hearts of many with its emotional plot and endearing
characters.
“Ao Haru Ride” follows the story of
Futaba Yoshioka, a high school girl who, after meeting her first love, Kou
Mabuchi, decides to change her personality and start over. The
manga, known for its deep character development and realistic portrayal of
teenage emotions, quickly became a hit both in Japan and internationally.
The manga series was serialized in
Bessatsu Margaret magazine from 2011 to 2015,
collecting a total of 13 volumes. The anime adaptation, produced by the Production
IG studio and directed by Ai Yoshimura , remained
faithful to the aesthetics and spirit of the original work, but unfortunately,
it only managed to adapt the first introductory volumes of the story.
The anime adaptation consists of 12 episodes
and an OVA , which mainly focus on the first story arcs of the
manga. Tomoko Konparu was in charge of the script, while Rena
Igawa designed the characters, perfectly capturing the essence of
Sakisaka's original drawings. The soundtrack, composed by Keiko Osaki,
Hiroaki Tsutsumi and Shouta Hashimoto , complemented the melancholic
and romantic atmosphere of the series.
Despite the anime's popularity, the
adaptation didn't even reach half of the manga's total volumes ,
leaving many fans wanting more. Throughout these ten years, fans have
repeatedly expressed their desire to see a continuation that covers the rest of
Futaba and Kou's story . However, to date, there have been no official
announcements regarding a possible second season or a film adaptation that
concludes the plot.
The anniversary of “Ao Haru Ride” not only marks a
decade since the anime's premiere, but also highlights fans' lingering
hope for a sequel . The series, with its combination of romance,
drama, and personal growth, has left a lasting mark on the anime and manga
community, and its legacy continues to live on in the hearts of its fans.
