Non Non Biyori Repeat

Yuusa★ 9

Non Non Biyori Repeat for a lot of people was the anticipated second season to continue the light hearted atmosphere the first season created, but its become more than that. The "Repeat" in the name is a great way to define the sequel (if we can even call it that). If one were to ask about the entire season of Repeat, they'd be given with a new approach to the actual first season. Kind of confusing, yet still genius to redefine what we think of the anime and create a stronger bond between character and audience than before. The greatest aspect of this is theidea is that if someone hasn't seen the first season of Non Non Biyori, they won't be left out due to the idea of this being an alternative styled season. Though on the other hand, if you've seen the first season, you're given more time to spend with the characters, and as we visit their small village for another year's duration within a time span of 12 episodes, many more relations can be established. The layout and premise of "Repeat" seems to be more character oriented and driven, and that allows for the merry group of four to be fleshed out and come to know them as if we've spent our time along side with them creating memories. All of the four are relatable in certain aspects that probably we've all done at some point in our life: Creating games out of school supplies, playing with the fun of nature, like blowing whistles from leaves, and the want for a pet to raise. Surprisingly enough, the anime tackles the idea of city versus country. Renge's sister Hika-nee (or Hikage) is always getting a chance to share her experiences in the big city life in Tokyo when she's back at home with the rest of the main cast, while Hotaru is constantly finding new joys about the fun one can have with nature and the embodiment of a humble life style. Both of them are enjoying themselves in a setting where they didn't really grow up in, and aren't very accustomed to, but they're basking in the full glory of what they both have to offer, and seemingly don't dread being where they are. One thing to note is the way the characters are presented in the actual story, not just this season specifically though. Many shows today, not only anime, present their characters, whether it be one kid or a group, as child prodigies, otakus, and socially awkward people. Though, the main group are represented as just any causal children growing up in their elementary through middle school phase. No one of them is standing out from the rest by skipping grade levels or talking about subjects a child near their age wouldn't know. They hold the qualities of what makes a child, a child. It's the realism that is produced from these factors that make the anime more life-like and less one-dimensional. ✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿ "Make sure you don't lose it. It'll be too late to regret it once you do." - Komari "Koma-chan" Koshigaya Koma-chan, more often than not, is the running gag of being short for one's age, and at first she might be seen as just that type of character to fill in comedy, but through the development of the entire series, there's maturity and still a little bit of childish actions, regardless of her being the eldest of the main four. A running concept about her is the fact of wanting to be mature and adult-like rather than being treated like the child she usually is. It can hinder her at times, and make her act beyond what she wants to, but at certain moments she obtains her mature nature and truly takes care of her friends and gains experience to help her in life later. Her development is subtle, but certainly shows improvement in the latter half of the season when she goes through a stage of recollection. Although, what child hasn't longed for being an adult at one point of their lives? It's only natural for someone of her age to want be treated older, and it brings out for amusing situations. ✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿ "Play while you have a chance is my motto" - Natsumi "Nattsun" Koshigaya Nattsun is the tomboyish personality within in the main cast, and the loudest personality of them all. Nothing can overcome her mighty sense of determination, aside from school and tests. Her image at the start of the anime was more or less the typical never-ending energy type of person, but as the season went on, she shows more sides than what can be observed after only a mere few minutes. "What would she look like as a "proper" girl?" is answered, and it just isn't something that suits her outlook. At times it's obvious she can be over the top, her playful actions are what brings the meat to the meal that is the show of Non Non Biyori and it is not the same if she weren't a part of it. Although perhaps the beauty of her character is her relation to real life tendencies people make. Losing objects, impulse actions, and probably her words alone. "What the heck do those "Explain what the author was thinking here" question mean?! I'm not the author! How am I supposed to know?!" These are words and feelings are familiar to students in a multitude and ways, and personally had the same thoughts myself at one point. She's more than just the "energetic" or "reckless" personality that people may depict her as, and she certainly proved that through the course of the season. ✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿ "Take this seriously and say "goo-goo" - Renge "Ren-chon" Miyauchi Renge is an interesting character because she can be the perfect example of a typical child. Although she can have her moments of being greater than someone her age in some talents, her one trait sticks true to what can be said about children: Innocence is bliss. Her tendencies gear more and more towards the mindset of a child as time passes and even exemplifies what would happen near her age. Riding a bike, fooled by simple illusions, spontaneous ideas that have no reason to them, the many "wants" of a young child, such as raising a pet. At first she can seem like a bit of an awkward character that seems to be the "cute" image of the group, but she develops into a mindful friend who has unique outlook on her surroundings when things seem a little off, and quickly develops from her experiences that she gains daily with the adventures she does with her peers. ✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿ "I'm not that grown-up. I'm just normal. I really act childish in front of my mom, especially. I wish I could be more mature, really." - Hotaru "Hotarun" Ichijou Hotaru is the "foreigner" of the group as she moves in from the bustling city life into a quaint village that has nature as its main attractions. At the beginning of the anime she tends to be more towards the passive type of character who doesn't really "drive" the story per se, but does make it more enjoyable for the people around her. Her physique is older than she seems, which can make her uncomfortable in certain situations when she receives praise of acting older than how she usually is, but surprisingly is quite childish, and the second youngest of her group of four. She's relatively positive and rarely negative, and has hobbies of making Koma-chan dolls. Although quite a well-rounded character, her debut slowly approaches and she establishes herself as a more "active" character in pursuing the story as the season progresses. ✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿ Even though the characters themselves are great individually, without their interaction as a group, the anime wouldn't be the same. The comedy brought on is rather light-hearted and can be childish, but relatable for anyone who experienced what they did at one point in time. It's the idea of the group setting that can push this anime to reach the fullest potential of making it exactly what it is: An anime about four girls and their adventures as friends through their nature filled village. Though what plagues many slice of life is the concept of not putting out enough content to keep the audience attracted for most of the series, and seemingly making it like the episode had nothing happening and very unproductive. Non Non Biyori has a new adventure waiting around every corner for the audience to join in on, bringing in new experiences for the characters to develop, and more chances to make connections and special moments for each one. Although the characters themselves are one of the main focuses of the anime, since the setting is located in a little village surrounded by nature, the greenery and locations they often go to is an antidote for sore eyes. Regardless if the scene is a still frame, or a little walk through the forest, the detail in every little thing is made to be left breathless. Water dripping from a leaf giving that immersive feeling of morning dew, the river to dive into and play around, the daily walks to school. Each of those scenes are given just about as much detail as the rest to help the audience be familiar with the character's home where they grew up in. Even during season changes, the color scheme subtly adapts to fit the tone and atmosphere of the cool welcome of autumn, and the bright appearance of the new year. The opening sequence accompanied by the song gives the feeling of a worry free journey for anyone who is a fan of the genre to experience. The march sequence can be a nice depiction of their friendship growing and changing as the seasons pass, through all the days spent in the hot summer stuck doing homework, to the snowy winter days creating igloos. The ending, and even the opening, are similar to the atmosphere they create as the openings for both seasons are performed by nano.RIPE and the ending by the main cast. The endings as a whole are created to be more relaxed and slow compared to their counterpart opening, which provide a nice closure to their long day, and a nice closure to open their eventful opening for the next encounter. At the same time, the OST that are played in the background deserve praise for themselves alone. Although a little similar in sound, they each have their own country type of feeling to them when they're being played in each scene. It's especially special when each character has certain sound clips added to their scene, such as a recorder song when Renge has a moment, or anything that seems to be suitable to close off a long day with a relaxing tune. The wide range of instruments and sounds used never seem to make it overused, but rather casual, and a delight to hear when they make an appearance. While the season may have wrapped up, and the legendary sword being put to an end after its reign has been established, the welcome it gave was all the more special. Our time to spend time with the cast and characters may have been short, but it truly felt like a connection was made after our year of memories made. Opening in the spring with a brand new school year, with a year to look forward to, and closing with the spring to open a new chapter in our life as we graduate and open ourselves to new experiences. I look to the future when we may meet and spend time as a group again, but for now, I'll keep the new fondly made bonds cherished and hope others will feel the same while watching this.

Vene★ 10

~Multilingual review, English & Español: Non Non Biyori Repeat~. The nearest library is away 20 minutes by bike, and a certain popular manga magazine arrives on the shelves Wednesday rather than Monday. The local concept of "market" consists of leaving the merchandise outside in the open air whiteout anyone to look for it, and a normal empty can beside it which main purpose is that of be the "cash register", if we, perhaps, are in search of normal convenient store (kombini) we could find it 40km away, just recently newly opened by the way. People doesn't lock up their houses, the roads aren't paved, there'shardly signal for mobile phones (there are some strategic spots though) and Nature reigns, as an absolute queen, over the entire landscape. The local school is an old building that emanates a sightly impression of being abandoned, and with it's only 5 students, everyone in different grades, Elementary and Middle School, regrouped in the same classroom and sharing the same teacher, days seems to go by with such slowly peaceful harmony. Ah... don't forget the candy store that also rent skiing equipment for the winter season, the green hills in the village are perfect for this. ~Welcome to Asahigaoka~ If you were to ask me "what's this anime is about?", with a confident look, almost like if I were trying to brag about, I'd reply "it's about some children growing up in the countryside". Someone who doesn't know this show would certainly look confused ("dude are you serious?") but since this is a "second season", you, who are reading this review, know what I'm talking about, if you don't, well, let me take a little moment of your time to present you this anime developed in a rural village where 4 particular little girls are living and nothing out of the ordinary ever happens, you'll find it for sure interesting... Wait don't believe me?, let me repeat it again, "4 girls in the countryside just living and nothing out of the ordinary ever happens", yeah, ummm really, that pretty much sums up the entire show. "Did I find it interesting?", hell yes!, it's one of the best shows I've ever watched and I'm going to brag about it to never end. For those of you who came up to this review whiteout watching the "first season" I need to warn you about something: you probably would like to watch the 2013 version first. Non Non Biyori Repeat it's not really a sequel, but it isn't exactly the beginning neither, we could call this season a "supplement" to the 2013 version, something like the chocolate chips we add to the pancakes, pancakes are already good by themselves but with the choco chips are better, well that's practically what Repeat it's about, it made Non Non Biyori, an already excellent anime, more enjoyable, adding also Nutella and strawberries!... well yeah, enough with sweets, I think you already got what I'm trying to say. Anyway It could've been vice versa actually, Repeat the pancake and the 2013 version the choco chips, both of them could be watched "stand alone" and work perfectly fine, but mixing them is way better, and that was the "jump of quality", something that allowed me upgrade my thoughts about this show, the last 12 episodes weren't enough for me to give a 10/10, now it's enough, and I'm really glad for this. So when I said that nothing out of the ordinary happens and this show is about 4 girls growing up in the country side, you need to imagine it like that, nothing more, nothing less, simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication after all, but that's not the only feature of this show. "In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity". Simplicity could be the best but it's a 'necessary' not 'sufficient' condition, in my humble opinion, for a show to that wages all in being "simple" and aims to be considered "good" there are many other requirements that need to be fulfilled. Non Non Biyori managed to do accomplish them, it surpassed plain simplicity by outclassing excellency every single field, from the characters, to the scenery, to the music and animation, in everything. I must confess I'm not able to raise a single complaint, even the tiniest critique, aimed to this anime. Simplicity is the best, I agree, but only if it's NNB's level of it, that's it. Actually something that really surprised me about this anime, the one I consider the really "spark of quality", is the way how it was portrayed the figure of the children. Our main characters behave, act, think and react like a normally child would, and that's pretty awesome since no other anime I've seen actually managed to capture such simple, innocent and natural behavior, succeeding also in the Comedy field, real comedy with children, that's just too great. In my eyes little kids in other anime are portrayed in such a false and unnatural characterization, I don't actually enjoy them, don't you think so too?. You never step into the same river twice, greek aphorism 'panta rei', meaning that 'everything flows', nothing remains unvaried, would surely fit what I'm going to say next. Even if 'character development' wasn't a feature in this anime, I'd dare to say our characters changed a bit compared to our last meet, now with the longer time granted, little details unknown to us came to light. Rest assured, such details aren't that significant, our charismatic girls remains still the same as always. Ichijou Hotaru, 5th grader student, the city girl, in appearance very mature but with a secret childish side that everyone refuse to believe, Koshigaya Natsumi, 7th grader, a tomboyish girl with a bright personality bearing a strong impulse to tease her friends every time the occasion is good, then we've Komari, 8th grader, Natsumi's older sister, the childish girl in the group despite being the older one, she's always trying to act with a mature behavior she doesn't own, resulting in embarrassing situations. And the final member, the younger one, Miyauchi Renge, 1st grader, the craziest and bizarre of them all, she's unpredictable and never ceases to amaze her friends and family, the little star of the show. Would you believe me if I say we could consider Asahigaoka Village as a part of the cast too?, the story revolves around and inside it but it's not merely a background, the atmosphere and the locations in this show represent ones of it's strong points, the hook of the show itself. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, throughout the development of the show we're able to admire the beautiful scenery this rural village has to offer in each different season of the year, meanwhile harmonically accompanied by a really fit and relaxing OST playing on the sides, an oasis of tranquility is guaranteed. So.. do you like pancakes with choco chips, Nuttella and strawberries?, well it's time to get some and start watching this show about 4 girls living in the countryside where nothing ever happens, I assure you it's one hell of mix, it's Bliss. [Español] La librería más cercana está a 20 minutos andando en bicicleta, y cierta famosa revista de manga llega a los estantes el Miércoles en vez del Lunes. El concepto local de "mercado" consiste en dejar la mercancía al aire libre sin nadie que la atienda, mientras que al lado está una lata vacía que sirve de "caja registradora". Si buscamos una tienda normal para hacer compras, esa la encontramos a 40Km de aquí, que por cierto acaba de abrir recientemente. Las personas no cierran a llave sus casas cuando salen, las calles no están pavimentadas, difícilmente hay señal para el celular (pero hay algunos puntos estratégicos), y la naturaleza reina soberana sobre todo el paisaje. La escuela local es un viejo edificio que da una cierta impresión de abandono, y con sus únicos 5 estudiantes, todos en grados distintos, reagrupados en la misma aula y compartiendo el mismo profesor, los días transcurren con una armoniosa y pacífica lentitud. Ah... no nos olvidemos de la tienda de dulces que también renta equipaje de ski para la temporada invernal, las colinas verdes de este pueblo son perfectas para esto. ~Bienvenidos a Asahigaoka~ Si me fueras a preguntar "¿de que se trata este anime?", con una mirada confiada, casi como si estuviera por presumir, respondería "se trata de unos niños que viven su vida en el campo". Alguien que no conoce esta serie de seguro me miraría con una cara confusa ("bro ¿dices de verdad?"), pero si como estamos hablando de una "segunda temporada", tú, que estás leyendo esta reseña, sabes de lo que estoy hablando, y si por si caso no lo sabes, bueno, dedícame unos minutos de tu tiempo para presentarte esta serie que se desarrolla en el campo donde 4 niñas viven y no sucede nada de extraordinario, de seguro lo encontrarás de seguro interesante... Espera, ¿no me crees? Déjame que lo repita de nuevo: "4 chicas viviendo en el campo donde no sucede nada de extraordinario", mmm sí, eso resume bastante bien la serie. "¿Lo encontré entretenido?", ¡joder sí!: es uno de los mejores anime que he visto y lo presumiré hasta que me canse. Para aquellos de ustedes que se encontraron con esta reseña antes de haber visto la "primera temporada" déjenme advertirles algo: probablemente quieran ver la versión del 2013 primero. Non Non Biyori Repeat no es exactamente una secuela, no podemos decir que sea tampoco el inicio, podríamos considerar llamar esta temporada un "suplemento" a la versión del 2013, algo parecido a las chispas de chocolate que le agregamos a los pancakes, los pancakes son buenos ya de por sí, pero con las chispas es mucho mejor; bueno eso es prácticamente Repeat, hizo de Non Non Biyori, un anime ya de por sí excelente, más entretenido y agradable, ¡agregando también Nutella y fresas!... Bueno, basta con los dulces, creo que entendieron lo que estoy tratando de decir. De todos modos, también podría haber sido al contrario, Repeat el pancake y la versión 2013 las chispas, se podría verse una, independientemente si viste la otra, y funcionar perfectamente, pero mezclarlas es mucho mejor, y fue ese el "salto de calidad" que me permitió apreciar más este anime, los pasados 12 episodios no me fueron suficientes para dar un 10/10, ahora sí, y estoy de verdad contento de eso. Cuando dije qué nada extraordinario sucedía y qué este anime es sobre 4 niñas creciendo en el campo, lo tienes que imaginar así de simple, nada más, nada menos, la simplicidad es la última forma de sofisticación después de todo, pero esa no es la única característica de esta serie. "Simplicidad en el carácter, los modales, el estilo; en todas las cosas, la suprema excelencia es la sencillez." Una cosa qué me sorprendió, y es la característica que más aprecie en esta serie, la qué considero la "chispa de calidad", fue la forma en la que se representó la figura de los niños. Nuestras chicas actúan, piensan y reaccionan como lo haría un niño común y corriente, eso lo encontré algo genial porque desde que veo anime es la primera vez que encuentro el modo perfecto de capturar el simple, inocente y natural comportamiento de uno, logrando también desarrollar una comedia hecha de forma espontáneamente por ellos, fue de verdad algo para aplaudir en pie. En mi ojos, los niños que he visto en otros anime presentan una caracterización tan falsa y antinatural, que de verdad no puedo soportar ¿no te ha sucedido esto también? No es posible bañarse dos veces en el mismo río, el aforismo 'panta rei', qué está a significar 'todo fluye', nada es invariable, pega perfectamente con lo que estoy a punto de decir. Aunque, sí, el "desarrollo de personajes" no es algo que brille mucho en esta serie, estoy dispuesto a afirmar que los personajes cambiaron un poco desde la ultima vez que los encontramos. Ahora que nos fue concedido más tiempo para pasar con ellos, pequeños detalles que antes desconocíamos vinieron a flote. Ninguna preocupación gente, los detalles son mínimos, nuestras chicas carismáticas siguen igual de siempre. Ichijou Hotaru, 5to grado, la chica madura de ciudad, exteriormente presenta una madurez innatural a su edad, qué pero esconde un lado infantil que nadie quiere creer; Koshigaya Natsume, 7mo grado, una chica de carácter alegre y de comportamiento algo varonil que no falla la buenas ocasiones para joder cariñosamente a sus amigas; después tenemos a Komori, 8vo grado, hermana mayor de Natsume, las más infantil del grupo aún siendo la mayor en edad, siempre trata de actuar con una madurez que no le pertenece, dando resultados penosos; Y por último tenemos a Miyauchi Renge, 1er grado, la más pequeña del grupo, pero con una fantasía y un carácter que no dejan de sorprender a sus amigas y familiares, la pequeña estrella del anime. ¿Me creerías si te dijera que podríamos considerar el pueblo de Asahigaoka como parte del cast también? Los eventos se desarrollan allí, pero no es puramente un plano trasfondo, la atmósfera y sus localidades son parte de los puntos fuertes de esta serie, algo que te engancha y te captura de una manera tremenda. Primavera, Verano, Otoño e Invierno, a lo largo que se desarrollan los eventos, somos espectadores del maravilloso paisaje que este pueblo rural ofrece en las diferentes estaciones del año, mientras acompañado por las OST de tonos suaves y armónicos que suenan en el fondo, aseguran un verdadero oasis de tranquilidad. Por lo que.. ¿te gustan los pancakes con chispas de chocolate, Nutella y fresas? Bueno es hora que te los vayas buscando e inicies a ver este anime sobre 4 chicas que viven en el campo donde nada de extraordinario sucede, te aseguro que es una combinación espectacular, en más, es pura Felicidad.