Story: This story is done in a non-typical fashion. This is a story about
six different women who are dealing with situations that are not outside the
realm of occurrences that could happen to anyone. This anime takes each woman,
except one, and dedicates two episodes to their brief daily story. Each story
starts by showing that woman within her everyday life, and by the end of the
first episode, shows one major conflict in their life. The second episode picks
up where the previous left off and continues to show what each woman finds as a
solution to their conflict, tying up each story nicely. The only exception is
the woman in episode seven, which is done all in just that single episode.
While each of these stories seems to have nothing in common, the final
episode actually ties them together really well. It takes these individual
characters who have never met, all from different parts of Japan, and brings
them together with one thing in common, diamond dust, which is said to bring
couples eternal happiness if seen together.
I gave the story a nine due in large part to episode seven. While the rest
of the women were dedicated two episodes, this woman only got one. Her story
was done decently, but it either could have been removed or expanded to one
more episode. It felt a little like laziness at that point. Besides that, the
rest of the story was done well, for what was trying to be accomplished at the
end.
Animation: The animation used was well done. Bright colors were used as much
as the more neutral colors and were placed in good spots. The usage of colors
throughout these episodes really helped evoke the appropriate emotions during
specific times. The night view of the city in episode one, the sunset used in
episode five, and the diamond dust shown in episode eleven are just a few
examples of the beautiful animations used. The characters were drawn decent,
though a touch bland, but not enough to detract from the enjoyment of the
animation this series brings.
Sound: The sounds used were excellent! The opening and ending songs were
brilliant and fit the series well. The music was an incredible source for
bringing out each emotion as it fit each situation. Each song was well placed
and fit the mood perfectly. The sounds used for the everyday events were done
just as well as the rest.
Characters: Though the worst rated section of this review, the characters
were actually really well done. The characters had interesting stories, but
were not done unrealistically. Each woman's story was something that has most
likely happened in one form or another to someone in real life. There is not
much known about each character outside the events within the episodes, but for
this type of anime, it is not needed. The stories each character goes through
is just enough to see what a part of their life is like, which is exactly how
the viewer is supposed to see it. Never to get the whole story, but glimpse
just a small part of everyday life.
The characters were given an eight because of a few minor problems. The girl
from episode seven could have used a little more back-story, as previously
stated, so another episode should have been given to her or just had her taken
out. Some of the other characters acted in ways that people of their
disposition would not act. For example, in episode nine, the main character,
who is a radio talk show hostess, goes through a rough spot in her life and she
accidently broadcasts it over the radio. One of her biggest fans breaks into
the radio station to help her out of her depression and she lets him get
arrested, even though he is portrayed as saving her career.
For the little time each character is given, they progress from one point to
another in their lives very well.
Overall: Minus a few small problems with some of the characters and a little
part of the story, this anime was very well done. For those who enjoy a
slice-of-life anime, this is one of the better series out there. For those who
do not enjoy much romance or slice-of-life, the music, animation, and the way
the story is told make it worth the watch. This anime presents a perfect
balance of comedy, everyday life, romance, and basic human conflicts. Even with
the few problems, this anime definitely warrants a nine.