Ano Natsu De Matteru / Waiting in the Summer Anime Review

Ano Natsu De Matteru Score: 9.3/10

INTRODUCTION & SYNOPSIS

Ano Natsu De Matteru is a 12 episode (1 OVA ep) series that released in 2012. The series is basically an updated/ slightly different version of an anime called Onegai Teacher (circa 2002) – or so I’ve heard. I’ve never seen Onegai Teacher myself; thus, I will be judging it as a stand-alone anime. Ano Natsu De Matteru, or Waiting in the Summer is, in my opinion, a brilliant anime that deserves a second season. You will laugh, cry, and be emotionally invested in each of the character’s pursuits.

Our story begins with the young and quiet freshman, Kaito. Kaito lives alone with his older sister, as both of his parents are deceased. He digs up an old video camera and begins to film a bit to cure his boredom. As he pans across the town’s tree-scape, a bright flashing light envelops the sky! A mysterious and near-fatal explosion occurs, leaving Kaito falling through the air. As he wakes up for school the next day, he can’t help but wonder - was it all just a dream? He has no signs of injury.. With the emergence of a new transfer student with bright orange hair and blue eyes, Kaito becomes side-tracked from the matter. Ichika (the transfer student) quickly receives the attention of Kaito and his group of friends with her striking looks. They decide to invite her to be in their movie they plan to make over summer, and she accepts! Through twists in turns (and classic anime plot), Ichika ends up staying with Kaito for the summer, while his older sister is on business in Bolivia. The summer is to be filled with movie making fun! However, Kaito starts to notice interesting/ strange things about Ichika that connect her to the flash of light and explosion from before...

PROS

The first pro that comes to mind, are the characters. Each character is love-able and unique in their own way. Kaito’s group of friends include his best guy bud Tetsuro who helps him win over Ichika, and two girls Kanna and Mio. Kanna is a tom boy who is really into Kaito, while Mio is a shy girl with feelings for Tetsuro. The web gets even more complicated, so I won’t go into it. With such a mix of boys and girls – you know there’s got to be some juicy love octagons! I feel it was quite well done though. The female lead Ichika, who is a year older than the freshman bunch, befriends Lemon-Senpai in her class. Lemon-Senpai is by far my favorite character as she plays the catalyst, putting the characters in situations to create fun and exciting romantic development. She has lots of funny moments, and as a standing joke does a creepy laugh whenever she is mixing things up “U-hu-hu-hu-hu.” > . < Also, Ichika has a space pet named Rinon who is super adorable and has lots of funny little scenes! 

Next for pros: the development of Kaito and Ichika’s relationship. By far, one of the best romantic developments I’ve ever seen! Nothing feels forced, and their relationship seems real and is super heart-warming. Number one cutest anime couple in this universe. I say universe, because as it’s revealed from the very beginning to the audience – Ichika is an alien! Which brings me to another pro, the comedy. The comedy in this anime is so well done and balanced perfectly with the story’s other elements. Some of the funnier moments include irony and reveals. For example, Ichika is an alien and they end up making a movie where the lead female is an alien... so they are essentially making a movie about what is really happening without knowing it. Ichika also has an intense fear of the “Men in Black,” which was really funny. Especially when it’s later found out that the “Men in Black” really exist! (in this anime world at least) However, as I said previously, the comedy is evenly mixed with the other elements. Other elements being pulling at your heart strings so much. Be prepared to shed some tears in this one. Your happiness can be taken away quickly just when you think things will turn out one way, things can change!

Lastly for pros, Ano Natsu de Matteru has brilliant animation and music. I have zero complaints about any song on the soundtrack or the way it was animated. In particular, the ending theme is really beautiful. The character designs are also stand out and different from what I've seen in other anime. 10/10 art and music. Also, the Japanese voice acting was very well done.

CONS

This anime, as you may be able to tell from the score, has very little cons. However, there is one thing in particular that forced me to take the score down slightly. The OVA episode. The OVA episode really brings nothing to the table aside from despair. It's practically the same as looking at pictures of your ex boyfriend/girlfriend. Not worth it. They just depressingly take a hop back through memory lane. Additionally the main female protagonist isn't even really in the episode!

Lastly for cons, I think anyone would agree, this series NEEDS a second season! There is so much more to explore with this concept, and I wallowed in a depression once finding out that there wasn't one (especially after that horridly sad OVA episode).

FINAL THOUGHTS

All and all, this series is very well done. A near masterpiece, in my opinion. Although, I wish for another season; I think they did extremely well for the twelve episodes they were given. I would definitely recommend anyone to watch this series so I hope you'll check it out!