First Impression: Yuru Camp

Synopsis

This is a work for those who have a love for camping. The focus for this story is Rin, a young girl who usually sets out to camp by herself. One day while out camping, she encounters Nadeshiko, a young girl who had just moved to Yamanashi and had biked her way to Motosu in order to see Mt. Fuji. Thus, begins a story of girls exploring the outdoors with a single camp meeting.

The Good

When it comes to watching an anime, there is always that one factor that really hooks you into watching the entire thing, maybe even continue watching the whole series. With this one, the very first thing that will catch your eye is the background art. There have been all kinds of anime with some amazing background art, but for this series, not only does the detail work and general tone of it fit with the concept of the series and came out looking like something out of painting without compromising the way the characters look upon it.

The second factor that gives a plus to the series is the detail work and thought placed into the character setting up her camp. It may not seem much, but just the thought placed into the main concept of the series is a nice touch and a good detail work and animation is nice to see, especially when it gives such a warm tone to the episode. And that is what really ties in the whole episode together, it’s warmth. There doesn’t need to be some sort of high action or antics, well, except for maybe that one or two scenes, but still, the overall build-up of the episodes left a warm and cheerful feeling.

Outside of the whole art and tone of episode that hooked this writer though, the characters and music also make the episode worth the watch. Especially with music given how it helps gives the episode a personality and leaves a smile for the viewer.

The Bad

For one thing, the whole theme and concept for the series may not interest a lot of people even with the whole plus side of the first episode. Personally, the most stand out negative of the episode is with the narrative points that occur when Rin is gathering materials and things are explained. While there isn’t wrong with the different points of the set-up being explained, the whole older male narrating things has been done before and would have been much better if it had been the character herself explaining things. Not only would it have given a deeper look into her mentality of things but it would have helped bring a connection between the character and the viewer. Outside of this two flaws for the episode, there isn’t much negativity to be said against the episode given that it is a slice-of-life work.

Conclusion

There is always that one anime that leaves one smiling by how warm and cheerful it is and this is one of them. While it may seem much on the surface, the way that it presents itself however makes up for much of it. In terms of art, as stated, leaves a great tone and impression, especially with the music helping it along. The only issues to be found with the episode as said is overall minor. Plot and character wise, it does great in introducing itself to the viewer.

Rating: 7.5/10