The series consist of only 12 episode but it manage to maintain a balance with a smooth flow. It’s rare to see a series with so many characters where every character has a significant role no matter how short or long it is. The series wonderfully captures the industry which is something not very common among today’s generation due to the new technology and trends like podcasts. But fortunately radio is still available in cell phones and Wave, Listen to Me! Has done a great job in showing all great things about radio.
Moreover, Wave, Listen to Me! also educates how protagonist’s late night show is organized in order to show the viewers the way to run such program in real life. Although the technology we have today gives more freedom to the young generation through which they are free to showcase their talent but the expertise and knowledge of the older generation can’t be underestimated. The name of the protagonist may sound a little new but there is a deep meaning to it which is explained later in the series so I won’t spoiled it for those who haven’t seen the series and it is something meaningful and informative for those who are interested to learn Japanese language
For a 12 episodes anime, it did not leave the viewer unsatisfied when it comes to development, but unfortunately it was not long enough to show the end result of this development. The protagonist is fully aware in the end that she is has to work hard to become the best and in addition to that the series should have shown what kind of advice she took in the end. During the third act, we saw Makie, the worker at curry restaurant had more potential to grow but the series seems to be too short for that and with a few more episodes, this character could have developed in the better way.
Although the character development was adequate with 12 episodes but the development of the relationship could have been better. The relationship of Minare with her colleague, Chuuya felt a little off. As there was some implications of love triangle among Minare, Maki, and Chuuya, it was left incomplete and unexplored.
As far as animation and visuals goes, Hiroaki Samura who is known for his work in Blade of the Immortal, tend to keep it realistic. We don’t see embellished hairstyles like in most of the shounen series and even if we see someone with unrealistic hair color then it is implied that it is dyed. Even if the shades and color used in the anime does not completely make it look real but the depiction Sapporo, particularly the district of Susukino in the intro seemed way too real.
The best thing about Nami Yo, Kiitekure! is the body language and face expressions of Minare which is worth admiring. She has a unique aura, she walks with pride and does not hesitate to express her emotions. The existence of every character in the series has been expressed in a brilliant way. Makie is shown to be week and shy, Chuuya pretend to be strong when in reality he is quite sensitive. Expressing the presence of the characters physically is what Samura excels in and the adaptation of the anime has been beyond faithful in reflecting that quality.
The performance of the voice actor of Minare, Riho Sugiyama in Wave, Listen to Me! is unforgettable. She is known for playing the role of Nyuu Ishuzoku Reviewers and Anita in 5th installment of JoJo. Being the native Hokkaido, it came out natural and realistic. The two major traits of Minare i.e blunt and sensitive has been pulled off well by Riho Sugiyama. Other voice actors have also done a great job in expressing their respective characters in the best possible way like Shinshuu Fuji who has played the role of Matou express the character’s experience, knowledge and a little touch of gambler in a great way through his voice. Chuuya who has been played by Masaaki Yano is funny but voice acting greatly captures his both serious and funny sides very well.
Most of the soundtracks of the series are lively and alleviate the mood. The opening theme complements the concept of chasing dream and being faithful to oneself. The ending theme on the other hand is not as upbeat as the opening but the soft tone represents the same message in a different way. The background music are not as good as themes but complements their respective moments that makes you feel according to that particular scene.
The anime has to be short as the source material only consist of 6 Volumes. It builds-up the story well and it sets the basis of what every character is all about and the story around them. Nami Yo, Kiitekure! exhibits many qualities but missed out on completely exploring them as discussed in this article. After watching Blade of the Immortal, looks like Hiroaki Samura is capable of making stories other than samurai tales. In this series he has shown his great skills in working with modern setting with the touch of old times. If not for just a 12 episodes show, this series could have been even better and I hope that it doesn’t end here as I would love to see what happens to the cast after all the development.
