Unveiling the Enchanting Allure of Horimiya: A Breathtaking Journey through Time
Horiyama takes readers on a delightful journey as Horiu and Miyamura embark on a class trip to Kyoto, bringing a refreshing sense of normality and a charming return to simpler times
Warning: The following contains spoilers for Horimiya: The Missing Pieces, Episode 1, "Class Trip", now available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Horimiya, a slice-of-life anime, effortlessly captivates viewers with its interesting and heartwarming story. The series revolves around two main characters, each with their own personal struggles, who find solace and growth in their connection with each other. The transformation of Izumi Miyamura from an outsider in middle school to a cherished friend of Kyouko Hori highlights not only the growth of the main characters, but also that of the supporting cast. Now, with the highly anticipated season 2 on the horizon, fans are eager to uncover what unfolds after the conclusion of the first season. Surprisingly, instead of a traditional sequel, the second season explores a series of events from the manga that did not make it into the initial season of Horimiya.
Horimiya is initially about two individuals, Izumi and Kyouko, who have hidden sides that are revealed as they are paired up for a school project. Their friendship slowly develops, uncovering aspects of their personalities that they typically hide from others. The first season of the manga adaptation primarily focuses on their romantic comedy storyline, while also allowing the side characters to develop. However, due to time constraints, some hidden chapters and aspects of the manga were not included in the first season. With the release of the first episode of the second season, it is likely that fans will experience a return to simpler times. The events that unfold in the beginning of this new season are not only significant, but also offer a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Class Trip To Kyoto
At the beginning of the episode, the focus is on the class trip to Kyoto, in which Izumi and Kyouko participate alongside their friends. During this time, it becomes evident that Izumi still carries a certain melancholic demeanor, wearing his glasses and displaying anxiety about concealing his mysterious past. Particularly, his tattoos, which he may consider a personal secret not yet ready to share, given his position in high school. Fortunately, Izumi manages to navigate through without exposing his secret, and the class trip proceeds smoothly for the remainder of the episode.
A Return To Normality
: In this episode, there are a few small conversations, but most of them are lighthearted and don't focus heavily on character development like in previous episodes. However, we do get a glimpse into past events that were not shown in the first season, which provides a closer look at the dynamics between Izumi, Kyouko, and their friends. This allows fans of the show who missed these characters to rekindle that familiar sense of friendship. Additionally, for those who haven't read the Manga, this episode offers new situations in Horimiya, presented in a chronological order that doesn't solely revolve around Izumi and Kyouko's romantic subplot. Overall, the episode showcases different scenes at various points in the story's timeline, and the comedic elements add some great punchlines to the narrative.
Horimiya, a normal slice-of-life anime, manages to captivate its audience with an abundance of excitement and lighthearted banter among its characters. One of the noteworthy aspects of this anime is its return to the essence of lighthearted slice-of-life storytelling, offering profound yet straightforward lessons that provide respite from the constant barrage of Shōnen anime and intense combat. It serves as a comforting retreat for many viewers. What sets Horimiya apart from the rest, despite not being a sequel, is its ability to take us back to the origins of Izumi and Kyouko's story, exploring missed moments from the beginning. Fortunately, this approach has resonated with a multitude of Horimiya fans, making it a resounding success.
Horimiya is a refreshing and lighter anime compared to the hype surrounding other shows. Its true appeal stems from the well-developed characters, who serve as the main focus of the story. For fans, Horimiya offers a comforting escape to the familiar yet tumultuous realities of life, while also providing a deep understanding of the characters' experiences, emotions, and relationships. Even after the manga and first season conclude, the second season provides a bittersweet reunion with this relatable normality. It is the exploration of the intricate details that comprise the characters of Horimiya that truly captivates and allows viewers to fully enjoy the story.
