Tsurune: Tsunagari no Issha

*Tsurune* is an oddity. It’s that one Kyoto Animation property that you've probably heard of, but haven’t seen yet since it gets lost in the wash of the studio’s higher melodramas or more-spirited slapstick and fantastical comedies, its ability to moe-dify art into something both visually and thematically beautiful, or *Free!* getting its umpteenth sequel. To say I was surprised with this property getting a season two was an understatement. As much as I, like most, love seeing Kyoto Animation come up with something new, I had to sincerely wonder where things were supposed to go. As a focused character study on Minato coming toterms with his own problems on the range and within himself, the thematic arc of the first season was well and truly closed. But I was looking for the wrong thing. *Tsurune* was always sitting quietly within the studio’s bright output, always calmly drawing its breath to find its own ikiai, yet at the price of being outshined by both the studio’s predecessors and progeny. While they emoted, *Tsurune* ruminated. That contemplative element of being so in-tune with itself was perhaps needed more than we realize. Kyoto Animation is still, to an extent, living in the aftershock of 2019, and although *Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S* and *Free!* concluding perhaps helped assuage some initial worries, the new talent from their nurturing school had yet to be truly tested. Ironically, it was one of the studio’s most calming ventures that would prove just how much creative daring its new blood had. And thank goodness that it exists. It would be one thing to point out the sheer technical excellence or general use of its tracking shots, or perhaps remark on the sound and music, which have always been two of the original *Tsurune’s* most-unsung triumphs of storytelling – the meditative nature of its timbre functions both as ambiance and character psychological profiling. But of particular importance is the presence of Yamamura Takuya, who although being at Kyoto Animation for some time and having done episode directing before, has only taken the full director’s chair thrice, all for *Tsurune.* Yet if the time between the two seasons is any indication, he has grown by such leaps and bounds for mood-setting and framing as to be a tour de force. To call him an emerging figure to continue Yamada Naoko’s gentle flame-like legacy is not, I believe, too much of an exaggeration. Aside from the intentionally more-overt visual signs, such as mannerisms like hair-fiddling or episode six’s use of girl bonding over their mutual passion, he’s also created a production environment of fostering the talent that the studio has had to craft delicate pieces that allow quiet beauty throughout. It can be sensed in each twitch of the character’s finger, every time the group excitedly goes off to shoot, or when a tough conversation is had that requires tough love or a communal bath. Whether it be numerous new key animators getting their very first jobs in the production pipeline proper, or intermingling the new with Kyoto Animation’s more-seasoned veterans by using their sure hands and delicate attention to detail to put the finishing touches on emotional climaxes, the future of the studio is now, more assuredly than ever, in capable hands. As surely as Minato will pick up his bow, or Shuu’s younger sister Sae will quietly cheer him or Ryohei on, the time to draw the arrows AND the time to draw the arrows must come again. *The Linking Shot,* indeed. *Tsurune* season two, in that case, was the perfect specimen for this new dawning of studio talent – a relaxed atmosphere in-house with an equally-relaxed atmosphere in-text, having enough drama to set a predictable, but ceaselessly-satisfying trajectory with its expanding cast, both in number and in ever-evolving dynamics. As Nikaido mutters about how there’s no fun in watching a movie when you know the ending, his question is given a perfect response – “Depends on how they play out.” It’s that answer that Kyoto Animation so poignantly understands, and why even an endeavor from one of their ostensibly “lesser” franchises still soars through the air. They found their ikiai a long time ago. I’m truly grateful that they share it with us.

Drawing his "Yumi", once more...Regulating his breathing...Releasing the "Ya" that exemplifies Sincerity and Purity. White velvet clouds rolls in over a blue sky. A brilliance of a new page upon the canvas of consistent hue. Beneath the marvellous sky in the foreground stands five firm figures entwined in colored bands. The sequence concludes with what very well may be a determining shot. That is the OP–the theme is established and the direction of this series has been determined. Sports Anime are often portrayed with great intensity but "Tsurune" observes the inverse. Tsurune S1 introduced us to the sport of Kyudo: a refined form of archery that centresaround calmness and composure. S1 excelled in setting the foundation and atmosphere, one which depicts the elegance and spiritual nature of the sport. To achieve the state of "Shin–Zen–Bi"(Truth, Goodness, Beauty). It also acts as the cornerstone for Minato Narumiya, our MC as he relearns and reaffirms his love for Kyudo. S2 not only enhances these constructs but also introduces its own set of novel elements. Visually, S2 is presented through increased contrast and a brighter outlook. And yet what truly differentiates S2 from its predecessor, is undoubtedly, it's plot. The focus of this season gravitates towards the thematic value of 'Teamwork'. Teamwork is universally recognized as the collective effort made to achieve a common goal. For the Kazemai boys team, that common goal is Nationals. In order to secure their victory they have to not only sharpen their skills but also refine their teamwork. That means helping each other improve, resolve misunderstandings and placing faith in one another. All of this to ultimately attain "ikiai", an original term which is the symbolic imagery for unified synergy. It is a state that all teams subconsciously work towards such as Tsujimine High, a new rivalling team. And the effects of "ikiai" are evidently observed amongst the Kazemai High Girls team(yes the writer did not forget about them). This season presents an opportunity for the trio: Yuuna Kanazawa, Rika Seo and Noa Shiragiku to vindicate themselves and display their months of effort since their last competition in S1. It underlines the significance of ikiai born from impeccable teamwork and bonds. Most crucially, their participation acts as a narrative tool to exemplify the unity the Kazemai boys team is searching for. With that being said, greater teamwork is often coupled by stronger bonds; another highly prevalent concept portrayed in S2. This is represented as early as the colored bands we constantly see in the OP which portrays the bonds between our 5 representatives from Kazemai. But it does not end there–Shuu Fujiwara, Minato's childhood friend and rival who is rather detached courtesy of his more privileged background is also seen with colored bands. Our main casts needs no introduction by now but with the advent of a new season, a new story comes several new faces one of whom is Eisuke Nikaidou from the aforementioned Tsujimine High. He is another past acquaintance of Minato who appears friendly on the front but holds onto deep seated resentment yet he can also be identified with colored bands. Regardless of personality, any human being is likely to have made one meaningful connection. As such, those bands represent interpersonal relationships and, perhaps, new ones they have made. Stronger bonds extends to greater teamwork, and this aids in the journey of inducing "ikiai". S2 unintentionally becomes a character study albeit relatively brief for core characters such as Shu and Eisuke. Their circumstances are expressed with numerous visual imagery. Additionally, it reinforced the personalities we came to know in S1 whilst incorporating purposeful development that we are deliberately made to observe such as Kazemai High Ryouhei Yamanouchi with his self acceptance, and the Kirisaki High Twins nurturing maturity. Beyond the narrative composition is an abundance of excellent–quality–sensations. The Director and Team waste no time in telling the story; each scene fits into the rhythm of the whole. Adequately well paced transitions and a myriad of camera angles increases dynamism to hook viewers. Despite the serene nature of the sport, these inputs convey the inherent competitiveness of the sport keeping one on tenterhooks hence providing a multifaceted experience. "Tsurune", it's titular significance, defined as the vibration of a bowstring is more evidently captured to further the sensorial appeal. The sharp and bold sounds are easily distinguishable and it is no surprise given that Youta Tsuruoka, an experienced Sound Director, who was also responsible for "The Monogatari Series" and other Kyoto Animation works such as "Hibike! Euphonium" was in charge. Suitable soundtracks that evoke poignant emotions are also incorporated. One aspect that I particularly love is the temperature of the scenes; utilized to convey appropriate emotions and toning in the numerous environments–it truly makes the composition look beautiful. I believe it is no overstatement to say that KyoAni has once again presented a high quality production–enhanced technical elements and mechanical storytelling from its predecessors. "What do we get after practising and shooting so much?" "Tsurune" is indisputably one of the most serene and captivating (sports) anime to indulge in. Peppered with its share of comedic moments makes it an especially enjoyable watch. While abstract notions(e.g. "ikiai") may not be the most compelling, it doesn't diminish the moral values derived and the technical enjoyment. After all Tsurune is produced by the highly regarded Kyoto Animations; it comes as no surprise their extensive efforts translate comprehensively on screen. In this season, our cast of characters actively and subconsciously attempt to uncover their reasons. This series offers us the opportunity to glean what answers they arrive to, particularly Minato, who constantly pursues his passion for Kyudo to find the "Shin–Zen–Bi".

Incredible. I would've given it a 10/10 had it not been for one episode dedicated to angsty drama. I really think it might've been the most enjoyable show of this season for me. And this is coming from someone who isn't into most KyoAni shows (including the first season of this very show) and finds the dynamics alienating at times. But this season is good that that I resent the first season because it's not even half as good as this one was. I actually rewatched the first season it halfway through the airing of this season and I really think it's a shame because itprobably will have a lot of people thinking this is just a copy/paste generic re-skin of Free and drop it after the first half of the first season. It was a more refreshing take on the whole sports club story. For one I loved how it doesn't make the nationals tournament the end all be all and there is a focus on the fact that the high school side is just the beginning and it's a lifetime of dedication that's necessary without a lot of the melodramatic sense of impending doom if everything doesn't go right now that the first season had. Seeing how one person being the prodigy and giving great individual performances can drag down the team (which does happen a lot in real life) and having a healthy rivalry with other teams, as well as it being uncomfortable when someone takes the rivalry too seriously without it becoming a case of an over the top antagonist that's inexplicably rude just to serve as a plot device to root against.

It's so rare that a second season is actually better than the first season, but as others have said this manages it. This anime is relaxing and contemplative while still retaining the fun of a high school sports anime. All of the characters had meaningful development and there was so much depth I feel like I could watch 5 more seasons of this show. I really hope one day it gets picked up and discovered by a wider audience. I can't think of an anime that deserves it more. The animation and character design as well as the music was all top notch as well. The seriesis a visual feast for the eyes. It's legitimately one of the best animes of its kind I've ever seen.

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