Watch Air

TV-14
2005
1 Season
7.0 (1,525)

Air is a Japanese anime television series produced by Kyoto Animation and directed by Tatsuya Ishihara. It was first broadcasted in 2005 with a total of 13 episodes. The show is an adaptation of a visual novel of the same name developed by Key. The plot follows a young girl named Misuzu Kamio who is suffering from a mysterious illness that causes her to lose her memory at the end of every summer. She lives with her aunt, Haruko, who takes care of her and on one fateful summer, she meets a boy named Yukito Kunisaki who has a unique ability to control a puppet with his mind. The two of them become friends and Yukito learns about Misuzu's condition while also discovering that Haruko has a troubled past.

The show follows a non-linear storytelling format and slowly reveals the mysteries surrounding the three main characters. Throughout the show, the audience is introduced to a few supporting characters who have their own stories that add to the overall plot. For instance, there is Kano Kirishima who is a close friend of Misuzu's and is also dealing with her own set of problems. Additionally, there is Minagi Tohno, a shy girl who looks up to Yukito but is struggling with familial issues.

One of the unique aspects of Air is the incorporation of supernatural elements into the show. Yukito's puppet, for example, is not just a regular puppet but is revealed to be an entity named Misuzu who has a connection to Misuzu Kamio. Moreover, there are a few scenes in the show that involve supernatural occurrences that are intertwined with the overall narrative.

The show's animation is top-notch and is a testament to Kyoto Animation's expertise in the field. The backgrounds and character designs are well-done, and the show utilizes vibrant colors that add to the surreal nature of the show. Furthermore, the show's soundtrack is praiseworthy and is composed by Magome Togoshi, who specifically created pieces that complemented the show's mellow tone and emotional moments.

Air deals with themes that are both heavy and thought-provoking. The show explores the concept of loneliness and how it can affect individuals in different ways. Misuzu, for instance, feels alone due to her condition and has to deal with the fact that she will forget her friends every summer. Haruko is trying to escape the loneliness that she feels after a tragic incident from her past and is struggling to find meaning in her life. Finally, Yukito is dealing with the loneliness of being a drifter and is constantly searching for a place he can call home.

Another prevalent theme in the show is the idea of unconditional love. Throughout the show, the audience sees how the different characters are willing to go to great lengths to make the lives of their loved ones better. Haruko is willing to sacrifice her well-being to take care of Misuzu, while Yukito is willing to help those he cares about regardless of the consequences.

Overall, Air is a beautiful and emotional anime that deals with heavy themes in a mellow and surreal manner. The non-linear storytelling format can be confusing for some viewers, but it adds to the overall mystery of the show. Kyoto Animation's animation and Magome Togoshi's soundtrack work in tandem to enhance the emotional moments of the show. Air is a show that will leave its mark on viewers who are willing to dive deep into the story and connect with the three main characters.

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Seasons

12. Sora

March 24, 2005

The summer festival has finally arrived, but unfortunately it rains that day and thus the festival is canceled. Wanting to do anything she can for Misuzu, Haruko brings her to the local shrine. As mother and daughter bond, can Haruko ultimately save Misuzu from returning to her other self in the vast blue sky?

11. Umi

March 17, 2005

Misuzu's curse is getting more serious. Soon, she has forgotten who Haruko is and begins to act strangely, playing cards by herself and not wanting to go outdoors. Haruko is depressed, but tries hard to restore the memories Misuzu lost. Soon, however, Misuzu's birth father shows up, and tries to claim Misuzu back from Haruko, deciding to let Misuzu decide who she wants to live with. Haruko, desperate because of Misuzu's memory loss, begs him to let her have Misuzu for 3 more days, to which he agrees.

10. Hikari

March 10, 2005

The events of the Dream arc are retold from the point of view of a crow Misuzu found and named Sora.

9. Tsuki

March 3, 2005

Kanna's mother claims to be "tainted". They all escape from the mountain but their pursuers manage to kill Kanna's mother. Before she dies, she passes the ancient prayer to Kanna. While the pursuers are closing in, the 3 talk about settling down near the ocean, but Kanna knows this is only a dream. She takes flight but the monks curse her and she gets killed by the soldiers. RyÅ«ya and Uraha learn about the curse and Kanna's suffering and vow to end it by having a child who will break the curse.

8. Natsu

February 24, 2005

This story takes place 1000 years before the Dream arc. Kanna is a girl with wings confined to a palace with a friend, Uraha, and body guard, RyÅ«ya. When Kanna is to be sent to another temple, the 3 escape and go on a journey to find Kanna's mother. Meanwhile, the palace is attacked and the 3 are pursued. They finally find Kanna's mother but she tells them to leave.

7. Yume

February 17, 2005

There are a number of flashbacks that Yukito has of his mother telling him about the girl with wings, about how she will forget everything and die when she dreams her final dream, and about how the person close to her will also die. Misuzu's foster mother leaves, leaving Yukito and Misuzu alone. Misuzu tells Yukito about her last dream, and Yukito comes to the decision to stay by her side, knowing the consequences. Yukito suddenly disappears and after Misuzu wakes up feeling better, she wonders where Yukito has gone or if he will come back.

6. Hoshi

February 10, 2005

After Minagi's mother's mental condition has caused her to forget she has a daughter, Minagi leaves home and joins Yukito. Yukito tells Minagi he's leaving town and wants her to come with him, but instead leads her back home to face her mother. Michiru is invited to eat at Minagi's house. Michiru leaves, having fulfilled her purpose.

5. Tsubasa

February 3, 2005

Yukito ends up spending the day with Minagi and Michiru while Misuzu is at school. Yukito walks Minagi home after being invited to go stargazing on the school's rooftop when he first learns of her mother's mental illness. Later, Misuzu attempts to play cards with Yukito, but is overcome with extreme pain. When Yukito learns of Misuzu's condition he decides to move out of the house.

4. Hane

January 27, 2005

Kano strangles Yukito in her zombie-like state near the shrine hard enough to leave a mark before falling unconscious. Back at the clinic, Hijiri apologizes for Kano's behavior and explains when and how Kano's unusual symptoms started, with a single bright feather at the shrine.

3. Koe

January 20, 2005

Surroundings of Yukito and Misuzu briefly change from the shrine to a cropland as a result of Kano's experience. After a confrontation with Hijiri, Yukito and others briefly go to the clinic. Yukito and Misuzu leave the clinic for home. On their way Yukito realizes he wasn't paid for his part time job and sneaks back into the clinic only to overhear Kano's other personality.

2. Machi

January 13, 2005

Yukito explains to Misuzu the quest of the cursed girl with wings that had been in his family for generations. The next day Yukito's puppet show only manages to attract a dog named Potato, while scaring others. Yukito is caught by Hijiri Kirishima while performing in front of her clinic and offers Yukito work doing odd jobs.

1. Kaze

January 6, 2005

Yukito Kunisaki arrives to the town in hopes of making money for food with his puppet show. He meets Misuzu Kamio, a strange girl living in the town. Misuzu manages to lure Yukito to her house with food at which after a discussion she offers him residence. Soon after Haruko Kamio, Misuzu's foster mother, arrives to the house. Haruko initially opposes Yukito's stay but later decides to allow him to stay in the shed.

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