Audience reviews
20 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.
emberreviews
Aria the Animation is the first, and perhaps most seminal, of Junichi Satou’s multiple ventures into the iyashikei subgenre of anime, and his multiple decades of experience are on full display in how well the aesthetic of this series is realized. The architecture bearing vague hallmarks of stereotypically Venetian characteristics combined with a light blending of sci-fi trappings makes Neo Venezia one of the most memorable settings I’ve seen in animation, and the unbelievably gorgeous color design and lighting have seared its beauty into my brain in a way that feels almost fantastical. This team has mastered mood and tone down to the most minute degree on a visual level, with episode 11 in particular deeply moving me with its blend of welcoming art design and a warm and inviting narrative…
Read at the sourceSansonOshino
I just finished the Aria series, and it felt like a dream I never wanted to wake up from.
Who would've thought that a little Iyashikei / SOL about some girls learning Gondola in a future artificial Venezia could be so heartwarming and touching.
This is one of the best stories I've had the chance to witness so I'll try to make a good review that may add some people to the fanbase.
Note :
- as it is an Iyashikei / SOL, it may not be for everyone, espcially if you want action / fights / horror, etc..
it is infact a slow paced story to chill out and appreciate the mundane things about life, so if you're mostly fitting in this category, I recommand you to add it to your list, and come back whenever you feel the need to relax.
Presentation :
Aria is set in Neo-Venezia, a calm, futuristic cit…
Read at the sourceTrospher
Aria The Animation is a good start to a wonderful laid back series that is not only comforting is also amazing towards it's original end.
The strongest aspects of the series is it's character chemistry, while the main 3 fills the typical roles of an airhead, strict, and loud type the trio also has other unique characteristics alongside great voice work that make them very distinct as characters alongside their mentors and other side characters.
The pacing of the show might be it's make or break for a lot of people, the Aria series is very slow moving and incredibly laid back while also being very character and dialogue driven. The nature of Iyashikei tend to be slow paced but the series really takes it time in delving into the atmosphere of a very beautifully designed and colorful world…
Read at the sourcewhiteflame55
This is such a warm hug of a season. It's a vibe throughout, with both characters and a world that feel comfortable to settle into. There are some weird time travel shenanigans about, which appear to be associated with the cats in the series (maybe part of the reason why each company has a blue eyed cat as a president?), and there is a history and texture to this place where people sacrificed over many years to bring the gift of water to humanity. It only feels like we've barely scratched the surface on those deeper topics, but I'm also in no rush to get there. I've been watching this subbed and enjoyed it, but I'm going to shift to the dub for the next season and see if some of the more humorous moments of the series (President Aria aside - that cat is funny no matter what) hit a little h…
Read at the sourceXavion
Some shows grip you with drama, others with action. Aria the Animation, which I first watched back in 2016, does neither. Instead, it quietly invites you into a world where nothing urgent happens—yet everything matters.
Set in the serene, sun-soaked waterways of Neo-Venezia, Aria follows apprentice gondoliers as they train, laugh, and simply live. The setting is more than a backdrop; it’s a breathing part of the experience, where everyday moments shimmer with meaning. The conversations feel light, but often land deep. And the characters, full of charm and kindness, feel like old friends from the moment you meet them.
This isn’t a story of conflict—it’s a celebration of stillness, wonder, and small joys. In the quiet, it finds clarity. In the slow, it finds soul.
Aria doesn’t demand your…
Read at the sourceAngeVNs
Very early in my anime journey, I already knew Slice of Life was one of my favorite genres. As much as I love my over-the-top battle shonen, I can always go for a comedy or a down-to-earth show just to get to know the characters.
Little did I know that Slice of Life went beyond goofy, romantic comedies. In fact, one of the best subgenres—at least for me—is iyashikei, the relaxing, wholesome kind of Slice of Life, which has since become my personal favorite.
Aria the Animation (Season 1) is still one of the best Slice of Life anime out there in terms of pure, feel-good, relaxing vibes.
Right from the first episode, we get a strong sense of the unique setting, clearly based on Venice and its gondola tours. We’re also introduced to our protagonist, Akari Mizunashi—who has since become one…
Read at the sourcehan044
I cannot comprehend why this show has been rated so low, It holds the slice of life theme and only sidetracks when it's absolutely necessary, It uses elements of sorrow & mixes with it a bittersweet experience creating an unparalleled introspective root with past and reality of Neo-Venezia. The soundtracks of Aria are exceptional and blend to the pacing of the scene. The characters are introduced leisurely in the first few episodes, but sufficient time is given to build the foundation of Aria Company & Undines, Aria Pokoteng the mascot of Aria Company has an enchanting presence throughout the show and I enjoyed every bit of his screen time hehe.
I think one of the things people forget about this show is: It's rewatchable, You can watch it as many times as you wish because the pacing is ep…
Read at the sourceSourdi3s3l11
I loved this anime, it was really cute and relaxing and the soundtrack was beautiful. I watched it in bed at night before falling asleep and it was perfect for that. However the thing that almost ruined it for me was the freaking cat's (Aria's) voice. It's insanely annoying and sticks out from the overall serene and relaxing atmosphere of the anime. I literally had to stop watching a couple episodes and come back to them later because the cat's voice was making me irrationally angry. I'm considering making an edited version of this anime for myself just removing the cat's voice. I want to rewatch it because I loved it overall but just thinking about the cat's voice makes me irritated lol. I completely realize that this is probably just me but I'm honestly really curious if anyone hates Ari…
Read at the sourceRESOLVING_POWER
I watched Aria the Animation, also known as season 1 of the Aria anime series. Here are my thoughts:
I like how sci-fi elements were mixed into a comfy SoL show, although this aspect could have been made more prominent. I think I would have found a stronger sci-fi theme more interesting than the generic SoL episodic plots I've seen many iterations of before.
A lot of the characters have catchphrases that don't take long to become annoying, and result in a lot of seemingly repetitive dialogue. The script in general is mediocre and, although there are occasional sentimental moments, it's nothing beyond what I'd expect from a typical SoL show.
If nothing else, this anime is fairly relaxing. The setting is unique, and the atmosphere is relaxing and otherworldly in some ways.
I don't val…
Read at the sourceMatheusmiranda96
Try to define the idea of “time” and “moment”. The period called "now", how long can it last? When can he change? How can we make him stay?
Think back to a period of your life 10 years ago. Think of the friendships you had, the loved ones around you. Where are they today?
Think about the places you used to go, the things you used to do. Do these places and things still exist? How distant, physically and emotionally, are you from them?
It is these reflections that drive the general idea of what Aria is.
Our day-to-day, the places we go, the dear companions, the comfortable routine, are aspects that we take for granted. These are the particularities that form our “now”.
However, when we stop to think, we realize how much everything has changed. How many things are left behind, how m…
Read at the sourcePlk_Lesiak
A somewhat flawed introduction to a great slice-of-life series.
Aria is a pretty unique anime, as it creates a rather high-concept sci-fi setting and uses it for pure slice-of-life, nostalgia-driven storytelling. The episodic, usually low-stakes stories are tailor-made for you to relax to, taking in the beautiful vistas of terraformed Mars and observing the amusing interaction between the Neo-Venezia's gondoliers-in-training. Obviously its all accompanied by equally pleasant and fairly memorable music - the show really knows what it's going for and adjusts every aspect to strengthen those chill vibes.
Why I started with "flawed" then? While the later seasons of Aria really polished the formula into a very consistent and mystical experience, the introductory work laid out here not always…
Read at the sourcesarahmitch
There have been very few anime that were uneventful, slice of life-y, episodic and plotless, only focused on cute girls interacting with each other and on beautiful sceneries, that I watched through the end. Actually, so few there has been only one. And that's Aria.
Aria has managed to do the impossible for me, being all of the above and managing not to bore me to death. I don't even know how it did it to be quite honest. There's just something about it that induces a calming state and pleasing stimulus while one watches it. There's literally nothing special about it, not one thing that will drive you to say "hm i'm really curious about where this is going"..
And I guess that's the special thing about it.
A replica of Venice in a futuristic age on a colonized and transformed Mars, now a…
Read at the sourcejasontime12345
Aria the Animation is a bonafide masterpiece.
I don't use that word lightly, either. I'm not just some weeb who's watched too much anime and read too many manga. I'm a real, honest-to-goodness writer, and I know good storytelling when I see it. And Aria the Animation is good storytelling. It's the kind of thing that transcends genres and demographics. It's the kind of thing that appeals to the part of us that wants to believe in magic.
The story is set in the future, on a terraformed Mars. The planet is now habitable for human life, and as such, people have begun to colonize it. Our protagonist, Akari Mizunashi, is a new arrival to the city of Neo-Venezia. She's come to the city to become an Undine, a gondola pilot who ferry tourists around the canals of the city.
The thing that sets Ne…
Read at the sourceDuckSenpai86
I had a hard time rating this. I honestly think this show is just absolutely amazing. It has easily jumped to my second favorite slice of life. Everything about this show is stunning, and if I had to describe it, it would be just beautiful. So many times I had teary eyes for no reason other than the fact of the show's sheer beauty.
Story: The story is nothing crazy so far, but it's just very chill and continues to introduce great new aspects that shine a new light on the story.
Art: The art in Aria is stunning, I’m personally a big fan of older animation, and older animation fits this show so well. There is so much charm and beauty to it and I absolutely love it!
Sound: The music is another thing this show does extremely well! I love the opening, ending, ost’s, even when Athena sings…
Read at the sourceGREED_Adherent
This anime focuses on the daily life of an Undine (boat rower like a gondola in Italy) named Aria and her friends who show the beauty and friendliness of the residents of her city named Neo Venezia. So that we will be made comfortable and peaceful every time we see this anime. If you've ever watched Natsume Yuujinchou especially when he was narrating or maybe the Tamayura Anime, the atmosphere is exactly the same as that. This anime has a light story, the comedy is also light not to make you laugh out loud but can make you always grinning while watching (lol).
I think it's very fitting to watch when you're tired, just 1 episode is enough to eliminate or reduce fatigue. This anime is also very Italian, so there will be a festival and a kind of folklore that is in Italy raised in this anime…
Read at the sourceBlank100k
How Aria The Animation changed my opinion of Slice of Life anime.
As a newer anime fan i never liked SoL anime, they were boring, had average characters, often low production value and unintuitive stories that relied on drama to be entertaining. Aria the animation showed me that Slice of Life doesn't need any of that, in fact SoL anime are probably better with out it. It showed me through is amazing characterization and soundtrack that SoL are meant to be enjoyed as something that helps you feel relaxed, coming to that realization is how I developed a new appreciation for anime that take the time to help YOU feel better about yourself.
Now with out farther a due my review of Aria The Animation.
Aria the animation is an anime that welcomes you in with open arms similar to the way the mai…
Read at the sourceErnacram
I always thought that the “working life of cute anime girls” or “cute anime girls doing a very specific activity” was a trend of the recent years: 2019 had Dumbbell Nan Kilo Moteru?, a series about cute anime girls doing workout. 2016 had New Game!, an anime about cute anime girls working as video game developers. But it appears the anime industry was already producing this type of show fifteen years back. So here’s Aria the Animation, a show about anime girls training to become gondoliers in a recreated Venice on another planet.
It doesn’t have a plot
The show being a slice-of-life, it doesn’t have an actual plot. It is episodic and the story of each individual episode is an excuse to show the characters doing things in a more tranquil version of Venice (IRL Venice is full of tourists…
Read at the sourcelight_of_amphy
“Neo-Venezia is filled with many inconspicuous yet wonderful things which soothe the spirit.”- Akira episode 7
Aria is a rather niche anime. It caters to those who want melancholy, to those who want cuteness, and to those who want to see an optimistic depiction of life. It's due to this that some people find Aria to be rather "boring" or "too slow" or "does not enough adversity", while others find Aria to be an inspiration, a masterpiece, a way to live life. This causes a huge divide in the people who find Aria to be an absolute masterpiece, and those who regard Aria as just your average "Cute Girls Doing Cute Things" show. To this I say, that's fine if you don't find Aria to your taste, but you would be dumb to think that what Aria stands for, and tries so hard to establish each and ever…
Read at the sourceHarisrox
Mother of Iyashikei genre, when I say this; I mean it because the whole aura of the show just takes you in and forces you to feel warm and fuzzy.
Story 7/10
I was quite surprised to find out that the story takes place on a planet other than ours, yes, the story takes place on Mars! And now it's known as Aqua because it's filled with water.
In a place called Neo-Venezia of planet Aqua, Venezia means Venice if you already couldn't tell... There lives a girl named Akari who's on her way to learn the masteries of an Undine or you can just call it gondolier, each episode shows her daily life and of those around her as she gets to meet them after and after. Even tho it sounds basic but that's what makes it better.
Art and Animation 10/10
This show is from 2005 and god, it's so beautiful and a…
Read at the sourcebadabass
Nice ending for seeing how Neo-Venezia 24 months ended. Last night year. Auguri, Boun Anno! Wow so much italian sentence happen in this episode, i learnt so much too, good for me. Its good attach for the series, comparing to other boring episode happen in the late half episodes. Except this and previous, i like both of them. Unfortunately indeed, this type of series that prioritizes soothing visualization, is full of boring things happen. Not my typical show to watch, but personally i dont have much complain about that. I rather say, all of that, well enough to say good, nor be my best show i ever seen.
Nice scenes with Ai-cwan in the end, tho. She appear as a beginning start from second episode till 12s. So, when she comeback, im surprised like Akari, lol! Thats surprising moment really…
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