Aria (manga)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aria
アリア
(Aria)
Genre Drama, Science fiction, Slice of life story
Manga
Author Kozue Amano
Publisher Flag of Japan Enix (former)
Flag of Japan Mag Garden (current)
English publisher Flag of the United States Tokyopop
Demographic Shōnen[1]
Serialized in Flag of Japan Monthly Stencil
Original run 2001 – 2002
Volumes 2
Manga
Author Kozue Amano
Publisher Flag of Japan Mag Garden
English publisher Flag of the United States ADV Manga (former)
Flag of the United States Tokyopop (current)
Demographic Shōnen[1]
Serialized in Flag of Japan Comic Blade
Original run 10 November 2002 – April 2008
Volumes 12
TV anime: Aria the Animation (Season 1)
Director Jun'ichi Satō
Studio Hal Film Maker
Licensor Flag of the United States Flag of Canada Nozomi Entertainment
Network Flag of Japan TXN
Flag of South Korea Animax
Original run 5 October 2005 – 28 December 2005
Episodes 13
TV anime: Aria the Natural (Season 2)
Director Jun'ichi Satō
Studio Hal Film Maker
Licensor Flag of the United States Flag of Canada Nozomi Entertainment
Network Flag of Japan TXN
Flag of South Korea Animax
Original run 2 April 2006 – 26 September 2006
Episodes 26
OVA: Aria the OVA ~Arietta~[3]
Director Jun'ichi Satō
Writer Jun'ichi Satō
Studio Hal Film Maker
Licensor Flag of the United States Flag of Canada Nozomi Entertainment
Episodes 1
Released 21 September 2007
Runtime 30 minutes
TV anime: Aria the Origination (Season 3)[4]
Director Jun'ichi Satō
Studio Hal Film Maker
Licensor Flag of the United States Flag of Canada Nozomi Entertainment
Network Flag of Japan TXN
Original run 8 January 2008 – 31 March 2008
Episodes 13

Aria (アリア?) is a science fiction manga by Kozue Amano (天野 こずえ Amano Kozue?). The series was originally titled Aqua (アクア?) when it was published by Enix in the magazine Monthly Stencil, being retitled when it moved to Mag Garden's magazine Comic Blade.[5] Aqua was serialized in Stencil from 2001 to 2002 and collected in two tankōbon volumes. Aria was serialized in Comic Blade from November 2002 to April 2008 and collected in twelve volumes. The series has been adapted as an anime television series, with a first season broadcast in 2005, a second season in 2006, an OVA released September 2007, and a third season in 2008 that ended around the same time as the manga serialization.[6]

ADV Manga released English translations of the first three volumes of Aria in 2004, before dropping the license. Tokyopop then acquired the rights to publish the English translation of Aqua as well as Aria.[7][8] The Tokyopop editions of Aqua were published in October 2007 and February 2008, and the Tokyopop version of Aria volume one was published in January 2008.

In May 2008, The Right Stuf International announced that its Nozomi Entertainment imprint had licensed the Aria anime franchise for American and Canadian release. A box set including the first season of Aria the Animation is scheduled for release on September 30, 2008.[9]

Contents

[edit] Story

Aqua and Aria take place in the early twenty-fourth century, in the city of Neo-Venezia on the planet Aqua—formerly Mars, which was renamed after being terraformed into a habitable planet covered in oceans. Neo-Venezia, based on Venice in both architecture and atmosphere,[10] is a harbor city of narrow canals instead of streets, traveled by unmotorized gondolas.

At the start of Aqua, a young woman named Akari arrives from Manhome (formerly Earth) to become a trainee gondolier with Aria Company, one of the three most prestigious water-guide companies in the city. Her dream is to become an undine, a gondolier who acts as tour guide (see Terms below). As she trains, Akari befriends her mentor, Alicia, trainees from rival companies, Aika and Alice, and others in the city. Aqua covers her arrival on Aqua and early training as a Pair, or apprentice, while Aria continues her training as a Single, or journeyman, culminating in the graduation of her, Aika, and Alice as full Prima undines.

Each chapter is a slice of life episode of Akari's exploration of the worlds of gondoliering, Neo-Venezia, and Aqua itself. Amano frequently uses several pages of lush art to depict an environment, showing the wonder of both everyday activities as well as one-of-a-kind events. It is very similar in tone to Yokohama Kaidashi Kikō.[10][11]

[edit] Main characters

[edit] Aria Company

Aria Company is a very small company, with only two employees. Its uniform line color is blue, and its president (and namesake) is Aria Pokoteng.

Akari Mizunashi (水無 灯里 Mizunashi Akari?) Voiced by: Erino Hazuki
A native of Manhome (Earth) who immigrated to Aqua when she was 15 to become an undine. While not as skillful at sculling a gondola as Alicia, nor as familiar with the history of her adopted city as Aika, Akari makes friends quickly and converses easily with customers and other strangers. She finds enjoyment in things or events that others think humdrum and mundane, for which Aika and Alicia call her "mysterious." Akari often says hohe or hahi, which is her short version of "wow." When Akari used gondola simulations on Manhome, she accidentally learned how to row backwards and had to relearn the proper method when she started at Aria Company; however, as Aika notes, "Akari is almost invincible when she rows backwards."
Akari is often shown writing letters to someone, who in the manga is revealed in the final chapter to be Cait Sith, a cat spirit who appears several times through the story, but in the anime is a young girl named Ai, a customer in the first episode.
At the start of Aqua, Akari arrives on Aqua as a new Pair at Aria Company. In chapter 5 of Aqua, when Aika is promoted to Single, Alicia administers the promotion test to Akari as well. Later, in chapter 58 of Aria, after Aika is promoted to Prima, Alicia again tests Akari as well. When Akari passes, she is given the title "Aquamarine" (遙かなる蒼? lit. "Distant Blue").
Alicia Florence (アリシア・フローレンス Arishia Furōrensu?) Voiced by: Sayaka Ohara
The only other undine with Aria Company, Alicia is one of the three Water Fairies of Neo-Venezia, called the "Snow White" (白き妖精? lit. "White Fairy"). At the start of the series, she is 19 and the most popular undine in the city. Like Akari, she is relaxed and easy-going, but she also likes to tease others (especially her childhood friend Akira). Her favorite phrase is Ara Ara ("Well Well") and she frequently giggles, to Akira's annoyance.
In the manga, she is a heavy drinker, although Akira comments that she holds her liquor well. At the end of the series, she announces her retirement to get married and take a position with the gondolier's association; she says she had put off Akari's Prima exam because she had been planning to retire afterwards, and didn't want to leave her student and friend.
In the Akari Special edition of Monthly Undine, it was revealed that "Snow White" was to become the 8th "honored appellation". Honored appellations are designated by the Gondola Association, and belonged to retired undines who made great contributions to the industry.
Akino Ametsuchi (天地 秋乃 Ametsuchi Akino?) Voiced by: Yoshiko Matsuo
A famous and longest-serving Prima undine, who started Aria company with Aria Pokoteng after realizing she was missing too much of life as Himeya's top ace. She was Prima undine for 30 years and mentor to Alicia, her last disciple, to whom she left the company on her retirement. She is highly respected by young undines, especially Alice, and is known as "Grandmother" or more informally "Grandma". Her appellation has never been revealed.
Ai (アイ Ai?) Voiced by: Kaori Mizuhashi
A girl from Manhome and Akari's apprentice after Akari's promotion and Alicia's marriage. In the anime, she befriends Akari in episode 1 and becomes the recipient of Akari's letters, while visiting Aqua whenever she can. In the manga, she makes her appearance as Aria Company's newest member in Navigation 60, the final chapter. She is still a Pair.
Anna (アンナ Anna?) Voiced by: Risa Hayamizu
Anna is a retired undine who was an apprentice under Grandma and become a Prima before Alicia. She left Aria Company while Alicia was still a new Prima. She is married to a fisherman named Albert and has a son named Ahito. After leaving her life as an undine, she began working lace while she was pregnant with Ahito. She lives with her family on Neo-Burano Island.

[edit] Himeya Company

Himeya Company is the oldest and currently second-ranking water-guide company in Neo-Venezia. It employs 80 undines, with a uniform lined in red. Its president is Hime.

Aika S. Granzchesta (藍華・S・グランチェスタ Aika S. Guranchesuta?) Voiced by: Chiwa Saitō
The first friend Akari makes on Aqua, Aika is 16 when they meet. Aika is a Pair and then Single at Himeya Company. She is the only daughter and heir of Himeya's owners, but does not enjoy the distinction as she feels the company's employees fawned on her too much. Aika speaks bluntly and often responds to Akari's idealistic comments with "Embarrassing remarks are not allowed!" (恥ずかしいセリフ禁止! Hazukashii serifu kinshi!?). Despite their contrasting personalities, she gets along well with Akari, and later with Alice. She is proud of her gondola skill as an undine, and can be very competitive about it. She also greatly admires Alicia, and finds any excuse to visit Aria Company—and once says that if not for her family obligations, she would join Aria Company. Over the course of the series, Aika develops feelings for Al.
In chapter 58, Aika becomes a Prima, taking the title "Rosen Queen" (薔薇の女王 Bara no Joō?, lit. "Queen of Roses"). She then takes charge of a newly opened Himeya branch office, in preparation for one day taking on the whole company.
Akira E. Ferrari (晃・E・フェラーリ Akira E. Ferāri?) Voiced by: Junko Minagawa
One of Neo-Venezia's three Water Fairies, and a native of Aqua. As a Prima undine, Akira is called the "Crimson Rose" (真紅の薔薇?) and is famed for her conversational skills. She has many admirers among her customers, more of them female than male—which she admits bothers her, as she considers herself very feminine. Akira is Aika's trainer; her student calls her the Demon Instructor for her strictness and her loud, brusque personality. Akira is particularly harsh with Aika because she believes there is potential in her; and Aika admits that it is only due to Akira's strictness (and honesty) that she has become a good undine.
Akira and Alicia are childhood friends, and their relationship mirrors Aika and Akari's, though Alicia teases Akira far more Akari does Aika. Akira still resents that Alicia became a Prima before her, despite initially becoming an undine to tag along with her friend.[12] Upon Alicia's retirement, Akira becomes the top Undine in Neo-Venezia.
Ayumi (アユミ Ayumi?) Voiced by: Ryoko Shiraishi
Ayumi is a cheerful girl who works for Himeya and often works as a traghetto guide along with Atora and Anzu. Unlike many undines, Ayumi has no plans to become a Prima and wants to specialize on traghettos. She enjoys working as a Single carrying people on a traghetto because it lets her get involved the city and its people, as well as make money.

[edit] Orange Planet

Orange Planet is the largest water-guide company in Neo-Venezia, employing 81 undines (including 20 Primas). Its uniform line color is yellow, and its president is Maa.

Alice Carroll (アリス・キャロル Arisu Kyaroru?) Voiced by: Ryō Hirohashi
Alice is an undine for Orange Planet. She first appears (in volume 3 of Aria/episode 3 of Aria the Animation) as a standoffish, snotty girl of 14. Alice speaks in a deadpan manner, and frequently uses the word "huge" (でっかい dekkai?). Although initially only a Pair, her sculling already surpasses both Aika and Akari's—for which skill she was scouted by Orange Planet despite her age. Despite working for rival companies, Alice, Akari, and Aika often practice together, and Alice sincerely enjoys the others' company. Because of her age and lower status, Aika often addresses her as "kōhai-chan" (後輩ちゃん? "junior" said in a friendly manner). Through her friendship with Akari and Aika, Alice lightens up as the series progresses. This does not stop her from telling the other girls to be quiet when they argue, however.
For a long time, Alice is not confident in singing skills, until Athena advises her simply enjoy what she sings and not worry about her performance. In volume 11 of Aria, Alice graduates from middle school. She is later promoted to Prima straight from Pair, the first undine to do so, taking the name the "Orange Princess" (黄昏の姫君 Tasogare no Himegimi?, lit. "Twilight Princess"). Her name comes from Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland.
Athena Glory (アテナ・グローリィ Atena Gurōrī?) Voiced by: Tomoko Kawakami
The third Water Fairy of Neo-Venezia, known as the "Siren" (天上の謳声? lit. "Heavenly Voice") for her beautiful singing voice. She is Alice's mentor at Orange Planet. She is quiet most of the time and often appears to be an airhead who does not pay attention to her surroundings (in the anime, she once forgets to duck when she rows under a bridge), but she genuinely cares about Alice. Athena has a strange laugh that comes out sounding as though she is angry. She was a trainee undine with Alicia and Akira, and joined them in joint practice sessions much like Akari, Aika, and Alice do now. At the conclusion of the series, Athena remains an undine, but also debuts as an opera singer.
Atora (アトーラ Atora?) Voiced by: Houko Kuwashima
Atora is an undine who works for Orange Planet and often works as a traghetto guide along with Anzu and Ayumi. Atora took the Prima promotion exam once, but did not pass. Although she wants to become a Prima, she become discouraged and has not challenged the exam again. After meeting Akari, she becomes refocused and decides to train harder in order to retake the exam.
Anzu Voiced by: Kana Asumi
Anzu is an undine who works for Orange Planet and often works as a traghetto guide along with Atora and Ayumi. Although Anzu has failed her Prima exam more than once, she continue to challenge it and is determined to become a Prima.

[edit] Cats

Because blue-eyed cats are considered lucky on Aqua, all undine companies have a blue-eyed cat as a mascot, who is given the title President. Cats on Aqua have been bred to be as intelligent as humans, though they cannot speak.[13]

President Aria Pokoteng (アリア・ポコテン Aria Pokoten?) Voiced by: Chinami Nishimura
President and namesake of Aria Company, and an Aqua cat. Aria is large and fat, massing 10 kg. He is quite attracted to President Hime, who does not appear to reciprocate his sentiments; his pursuit of her is a common comic relief scene.
President Hime M. Granzchesta Voiced by: Kaori Mizuhashi
President of Himeya Company, a small, delicate, black female cat from Manhome. "Hime" means princess in Japanese.
President Maa Voiced by: Akeno Watanabe
President of Orange Planet, an Aqua cat with very tiny blue eyes. President Maa is a female cat, but Alice initially calls her "Maa-kun" after her unusual meow. Maa often bites President Aria's belly.

[edit] Other characters

Akatsuki Izumo (出雲 暁 Izumo Akatsuki?) Voiced by: Hirofumi Nojima
Akari's first customer as a Single. He is a tall, impatient young man who calls Akari "Pigtails" (momiko) to tease her.[14] He works as an apprentice Salamander, someone who helps maintain Aqua's climate in the floating buildings that teathered overhead. Although drawn like a typical bishōnen, his constant scowl combined with a loose-fitting robe usually cover up his more "attractive" features, which he rarely displays. Akatsuki has an older brother who teases him to the point of rage.
Akatsuki is not on the ground often, so every visit to the surface is an adventure for him. He claims to be in love with Alicia, though in one episode it is suggested that he is really attracted to Akari. In any case, every visit to Neo-Venezia, no matter his official reason, he always spends the entire time with Akari.
Udo Ayanokohji the 51st Voiced by: Yuji Ueda
More commonly known as "Woody." Woody is a Sylph who delivers packages and other goods to people in Neo-Venezia. His physique is well-built, and he is often seen wearing sunglass/goggles. He was childhood friends with both Akatsuki and Al.
Albert Pitt (アルバート・ピット Arubāto Pitto?) Voiced by: Akeno Watanabe
Al is a Gnome, a person who lives underground regulating the Aqua's gravity so that it is the same as Manhome's.[15] Gnomes rarely come to the surface except to shop. He looks younger than Akari and Aika, but is actually nineteen.
Namihei Anno (庵野波平?) Voiced by: Motomu Kiyokawa
An elderly mailman in Neo-Venezia, and is referred as "Mailman-san" by Akari. He is the first person that Akari meets after arriving on Aqua. He is a very kind man who is devoted to his work.

[edit] Terms

Several terms of the world of Aqua are derived from mythology:

Undine
A female gondolier acting as a refined tour guide for visitors.
Pair
An apprentice undine who has just begun practising sculling a gondola. A Pair is recognized by her pair of gloves, worn to protect her hands of as she builds up calluses. When a Pair is promoted to Single, she removes one glove.[16]
Single
A journeyman undine qualified to take customers only under supervision. So-called because she wears only one glove.[16]
Prima
A fully qualified undine. A Prima does not wear gloves.[16] Tokyopop has decided not to use this terminology instead using the expression "full fledged Undine" which has been controversial to some.[17]
Salamander
A person working at controlling the weather and adding heat to the atmosphere as part of terraforming Aqua. Salamanders live in floating islands tethered at high altitude.
Gnome
A person working underground to regulate the gravity of Aqua, so that it is as strong as Manhome (Earth). Because of their environment, most gnomes are short and have bad eyesight.[15]
Sylph
A person who makes deliveries by aircraft. Deliveries are done by air in Neo-Venezia because only unpowered craft such as gondolas are allowed in the canals of the city.[18]
Traghetto
A gondola specifically designed to carry a number of people across larger canals. Because passengers are usually standing and carrying various items, the gondola is navigated by 2 Singles.
The Three Water Fairies
Currently, Neo-Venezia's three most accomplished undines: Alicia Florence, Akira E. Ferrari, and Athena Glory.[12]

[edit] Reception

In Japan, new volumes of Aria routinely reached the best-seller list for manga.[10]

The manga of Aria was described by a reviewer at The Comics Journal as "quite conceivably the best comics series ever created for elementary-school girls," calling it "a masterpiece of storytelling and illustration, gorgeous to look at and a feast for the young imagination in its ability to present an inviting, fully realized world."[10] The Aqua and Aria have been praised for its moments of magic,[19] joyful calm,[20][21] vividly depicted futuristic world,[22] and sense of whimsy.[19][22] Amano's artwork is praised for her crisp lines and details, especially in the backgrounds and landscapes.[23] Amano has also been criticized for confusingly giving every character a name that begins with A[19] and for letting some slice-of-life stories "drift too far out."[21]

In 2006, the anime of Aria was ranked in the top 100 animated television series of all time in a poll by TV Asahi.[24]

 Please help improve this section by expanding it.
Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion.


[edit] Media

[edit] Manga

The manga has a complicated publishing history in both Japan and North America. Aqua was originally published by Enix in Monthly Stencil magazine and collected in two tankobon volumes. When the series moved to Mag Garden's Comic Blade magazine, the title changed to Aria and Mag Garden rereleased, with additions, the two volumes of Aqua.[5] In turn, Aria (but not Aqua) was licensed in English by ADV Manga. After publishing three volumes, ADV dropped the license.[10] The license for Aqua and Aria was picked up by Tokyopop, which is releasing the entire series starting with the first volume of Aqua.[7]

In all, 14 volumes of Aqua and Aria were published in Japan. Each volume is called a "voyage" and each chapter a "navigation."

# Japanese English
Release date ISBN Release date ISBN
Aqua 1 2001-07-27 (Enix)
2003-10-03 (Mag Garden)		 ISBN 978-4-7575-0504-9 (Enix)
ISBN 978-4-901926-89-8 (Mag Garden)		 2007-10-09 (Tokoypop) ISBN 978-1-4278-0312-2 (Tokoypop)
Aqua 2 2002-03-27 (Enix)
2003-10-03 (Mag Garden)		 ISBN 978-4-7575-0647-3 (Enix)
ISBN 978-4-901926-90-4 (Mag Garden)		 2008-02-05 (Tokoypop) ISBN 978-1-4278-0313-9 (Tokoypop)
Aria 1 2002-10-10 (Mag Garden) ISBN 978-4-901926-12-6 (Mag Garden) 2004-04-20 (ADV)
2008-01-08 (Tokyopop)		 ISBN 978-1-4139-0040-8 (ADV)
ISBN 978-1-4278-0510-2 (Tokoypop)
Aria 2 2003-03-10 (Mag Garden) ISBN 978-4-901926-36-2 (Mag Garden) 2004-07-27 (ADV)
2008-05-13 (Tokyopop)		 ISBN 978-1-4139-0071-2 (ADV)
ISBN 978-1-4278-0511-9 (Tokoypop)
Aria 3 2003-07-10 (Mag Garden) ISBN 978-4-901926-71-3 (Mag Garden) 2004-11-23 (ADV) ISBN 978-1-4139-0089-7 (ADV)
Aria 4 2004-02-10 ISBN 978-4-86127-016-1 —  
Aria 5 2004-08-10 ISBN 978-4-86127-062-8 —  
Aria 6 2005-01-11 ISBN 978-4-86127-110-6 —  
Aria 7 2005-09-10 ISBN 978-4-86127-194-6 —  
Aria 8 2006-01-10 ISBN 978-4-86127-224-0 —  
Aria 9 2006-07-10 ISBN 978-4-86127-282-0 —  
Aria 10 2007-03-30 ISBN 978-4-86127-370-4 —  
Aria 11 2007-10-03 ISBN 978-4-86127-401-5 —  
Aria 12 2008-03-10 ISBN 978-4-86127-482-4 —  
This literature-related list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

[edit] Anime

Main article: List of Aria episodes

Aqua and Aria were adapted by Hal Film Maker as a 53-episode anime television series, comprising three seasons and an OVA. The premise, characters, and setting of the anime are the same as the manga, but episodes are adapted from chapters out of their original order, and some episodes are original.

Production Staff
  • Director: Jun'ichi Satō
  • Character Design: Makoto Koga
  • Art director: Junichiro Nishikawa (season 1), Hiroshi Yoshikawa (season 2, OVA), Kenichi Tajiri (season 3)
  • Music: Choro Club and Takeshi Senoo
  • Scripts: Ayuna Fujisaki (seasons 1, 2, and 3), Reiko Yoshida (seasons 1, 2, and 3), Kazunobu Fusegi (season 2), Kenichi Takeshita (season 2), Mari Okada (season 2), Tatsuhiko Urahata (seasons 2 and 3), Yoshimasa Hiraike (season 2), Jun'ichi Satō (OVA)
  • Original creator: Kozue Amano

[edit] Soundtracks

As is the case with most anime series, Aria has several soundtracks available.

[edit] Aria The ANIMATION OP Single - Undine

Singing by Makino Yui, released October 21, 2005

  1. Undine
  2. Symphony
  3. Undine (Instrumental)
  4. Symphony (Instrumental)

[edit] Aria The ANIMATION ED Single - Rainbow

Singing by ROUND TABLE feat. Nino, released October 21, 2005

  1. Rainbow
  2. Just For You
  3. Rainbow (Instrumental)
  4. Just For You (Instrumental)


[edit] Aria The ANIMATION Original Soundtrack

Aria The ANIMATION Original Soundtrack
Soundtrack
Released November 23, 2005
Genre Anime Soundtrack
Producer Victor Entertainment
# Japanese Title Time
Kanji Romaji
01. ゴンドラの夢 Gondola no Yume 1:45
02. ウンディーネ -forest mix- Undine -forest mix- 1:40
03. 鐘楼のバトリ ～ネオ·ヴィネツィア～ Shourou no Patri ~Neo Venezia~ 1:56
04. AQUA AQUA 2:14
05. 夏便り Natsu Tayori 1:25
06. アクアアルタ日和 Aqua Alta Hiyori 2:12
07. 満月のドルチェ Mangetsu no Dolche 4:07
08. 恋とはどんなもの？ Koi to wa Donna Mono? 3:22
09. バルカローレ Baracarole 1:48
10. 迷い込んだ路地へと Mayoikonda Roji he to 1:57
11. 幻想カーニバル Gensou Carnival 2:08
12. 静かにあふれる涙 Shizuka ni Afureru Namida 2:03
13. 届かぬ想い Todokanu Omoi 3:02
14. 逆漕ぎクイーン Gyakuakogi Queen 1:50
15. ARIA ARIA 2:47
16. 水の鏡 Mizu no Kagami 4:51
17. アドリアの海辺 Adria no Umibe 1:34
18. 星影のゴンドラ Hoshikage no Gondola 2:47
19. オレンジの日々 Orange no Hibi 3:37
20. 天気雨 Tenki Ame 3:24
21. サンタクロウスの空 Santa Claus no Sora 3:58
22. 歓喜の街 Kanki no Machi 1:21
23. AQUA -reprise- AQUA -reprise- 2:34
24. そして舟は行く Soshite Fune wa Iku 2:42
25. Rainbow -acoustic ver.- Rainbow -acoustic ver.- 3:46

[edit] Aria The NATURAL ED Single - Natsu Machi

Singing by ROUND TABLE feat. Nino, released April 26, 2006

  1. Natsu Machi
  2. Shiosai
  3. Natsu Machi (instrumental)
  4. Shiosai (Instrumental)

[edit] Aria The NATURAL OP Single - Euforia

Singing by Makino Yui, released April 26, 2006

  1. Euforia
  2. Amefuri Hana
  3. Euforia (instrumental)
  4. Amefuri Hana (Instrumental)

[edit] Aria The NATURAL Original Soundtrack due

Aria The NATURAL Original Soundtrack due
Soundtrack
Released May 24, 2006
Genre Anime Soundtrack
Producer Victor Entertainment
# Japanese Title Time
Kanji Romaji
01. ネオ·ヴェネツィアの水彩画 Neo Venezia no Suisaiga 1:43
02. ユーフォリア -TVサイズ- Euforia -TV SIZE- 1:41
03. 夏の妖精 Natsu no Yousei 2:19
04. 運河はめぐる Unga wa Meguru 2:27
05. サンタクロウスの空～Riverside Christmas Mix～ Santa Claus no Sora he ~Riverside Christmas Mix~ 2:51
06. 入道雲の下で Nyuudougumo no Shita de 4:13
07. アジサイの小径 Ajisai no Shoukei 2:33
08. 星まで続く想い Hoshi Made Tsudzuku Omoi 2:48
09. 子供の時間 Kodomo no Jikan 2:24
10. おかしなふたり Okashi na Futari 1:41
11. いつか来た道 Itsuka Kita Michi 2:54
12. 篝火のノクターン Kakaribi no Nocturne 3:00
13. コッコロ　-オルガンVer.- Coccoro -ORGAN Ver.- 2:17
14. アリアの憂鬱 Aria no Yuuutsu 2:02
15. 春一番 Haru Ichiban 1:10
16. ケットシーの行進 Kettsy no Koushin 1:32
17. Samba de AQUA Samba de AQUA 2:11
18. 遠い小舟 Tooi Kobune 3:04
19. 落陽 Rakuyou 3:28
20. 花冷え Hana Hie 2:52
21. 通り雨がやんだら Toori Ame ga Yandara 2:43
22. Second Season～出会い～ Second Season ~Deai~ 1:59
23. 夕凪 Yuunagi 2:53
24. 夏待ち -TVサイズ- Natsu Machi 1:36
25. AQUA -GUITAR SOLO- AQUA -GUITAR SOLO- 1:36

[edit] Aria Piano Collection - Stagione -

ARIA Piano Collection - Studio One Kisetsu -
Soundtrack by Takeshi Senoo, Mina Kubota
Released August 02, 2006
Genre Anime Soundtrack
Producer Victor Entertainment


# Japanese Title Time
Kanji Romaji
01. スタジオーネ－序章－ Stagione -Joshou- 0:25
02. ユーフォリア Euforia 2:20
03. スタジオーネ－春－ Stagione -Haru- 0:50
04. AQUA AQUA 2:23
05. 花冷え Hanabie 2:25
06. 夏待ち Natsu Machi 2:22
07. スタジオーネ－夏－ Stagione -Natsu- 1:01
08 遠い小舟 Tooi Kobune 2:45
09. Smile Again Smile Again 2:49
10. スタジオーネ－秋－ Stagione -Aki- 0:39
11. 恋とはどんなもの？ Koi to wa Donna Mono? 2:32
12. ウンディーネ Undine 2:03
13. スタジオーネ－冬－ Stagione -Fuyu- 0:46
14. 鐘楼のパトリ～ネオ ヴェネチア～ Shourou no Patori ~Neo Venezia~ 2:26
15. サンタクロウスの空 Santa Claus no Sora 3:42
16. そして舟は行く－Short Ver.－ Soshite Fune wa Iku -Short Ver.- 2:26
17. スタジオーネ－終章－ Stagione -Shuushou- 0:27
18. Rainbow Rainbow 3:05

[edit] Aria The NATURAL Vocal Song Collection

Aria The NATURAL Vocal Song Collection
Soundtrack
Released September 06, 2006
Genre Anime Soundtrack
Producer Victor Entertainment
# Japanese Title Time
Kanji Romaji
01. バルカローレ ～a cappella～ Baracarole ~a capella~ 1:46
02. ウンディーネ～弾き語り～ Undine ~Hikigatari~ 2:37
03. シンフォニー Symphony 5:15
04. Rainbow Rainbow 3:46
05. 満月のドルチェ Mangetsu no Doruchie 4:02
06. 雨降花 Ame Furashi Hana 5:50
07. 髪とヘアピンと私 Kami to Hairpin to Watashi 4:42
08. Second Season ～希望～ Second Season ~Kibou~ 2:28
09. 夏待ち Natsu Machi 5:43
10. コッコロ Coccoro 2:18
11. ユーフォリア ～弾き語り～ Euforia ~Hikigatari~ 2:12
12. Smile Again Smile Again 3:42
13. でっかいシアワセです。 Dekkai Shiawase Desu. 6:17

[edit] Aria The NATURAL ~Tooi Kioku no Mirage~ OP & ED Single - BLUE BLUE WAVE

Singing by KAORI, released October 06, 2006

  1. BLUE BLUE WAVE
  2. Sono chiisana chiisana bisho de
  3. BLUE BLUE WAVE (instrumental)
  4. Sono chiisana chiisana bisho de (Instrumental)


[edit] Aria The OVA ~ARIETTA~ OP ED Single - Nana iro no Sora wo

Singing by SONOROUS & Hazuki Erino, released September 21, 2007

  1. Nana iro no Sora wo
  2. Ashita, Yuugure Made
  3. Nana iro no Sora wo (Instrumental)
  4. Ashita, Yuugure Made (Instrumental)
  5. Nana iro no Sora wo ~Hikigatari~

[edit] Aria The ORIGINATION OP Single - Spirale

Singing by Makino Yui, released January 22, 2008

  1. Spirale
  2. Yokogao -acoustic version-
  3. Spirale (instrumental)
  4. Yokogao -acoustic version- (instrumental)

[edit] Aria The ORIGINATION ED Single - Kin no Nami Sen no Nami

Singing by Arai Akino, released January 23, 2008

  1. Kin no Nami Sen no Nami
  2. Torikago no Yume
  3. Kin no Nami Sen no Nami (Instrumental)
  4. Torikago no Yume (Instrumental)


[edit] Aria The ORIGINATION Original Soundtrack tre

Aria The ORIGINATION Original Soundtrack tre
Soundtrack by Choro Club feat. Senoo, SONOROUS, Makino Yui, Hirohashi Ryou, Arai Akino
Released February 20, 2008
Genre Anime Soundtrack
Producer Victor Entertainment
# Japanese Title Time
Kanji Romaji
01. 七色の空を－OVAサイズ－ Nanairo no Sora wo -OVA Size- 2:17
02. スピラーレ－TVサイズ－ Spirale -TV Size- 1:56
03. 落葉の並木道 Rakuyou no Namikimichi 3:15
04. おだやかな午後 Odayakana Gogo 1:49
05. 夕闇漕ぎ Yuuyami Kogi 2:27
06. 頼りない船出 Tayorinai Funade 1:48
07. 眠りの森で Nemuri no Mori de 2:33
08. アリアとお散歩 Aria to Osanpo 1:44
09. つないだ手と手 Tsunaida Te to Te 2:36
10. 望楼 Bourou 2:22
11. アマレットの夏 Amaretto no Natsu 2:59
12. ジェット気流 Jet Kiryuu 2:49
13. 未来への航跡 Mirai he no Kouseki 3:45
14. ルーミス エテルネ Lumis Eterne 4:36
15. 風読み Kaze Yomi 2:56
16. 魔女 Majo 1:41
17. 夕立ちのあとで Yuudachi no Ato de 2:51
18. quiet tea time quiet tea time 2:46
19. 小さな幸せ Chiisana Shiawase 3:25
20. 永遠の海 ～A Song for Zephyr～ Eien no Umi ~A Song for Zephyr~ 3:03
21. 七色の空を－choro ver.－ Nanairo no Sora wo -choro ver.- 2:30
22. 金の波 千の波－TVサイズ－ Kin no Nami Sen no Nami -TV Size- 1:56
23. 四季 ～そして僕は海に還る～ Shiki -Soshite Boku ha Umi ni Kaeru- 2:41


[edit] Aria The ORIGINATION Piano Collection II - Dipartenza -

Aria The ORIGINATION Piano Collection II - Dipartenza -
Soundtrack by Takeshi Senoo, SONOROUS
Released March 26, 2008
Genre Anime Soundtrack
Producer Victor Entertainment
# Japanese Title Time
Kanji Romaji
01. 四季 ～そして僕は海に還る～ Shiki ~Soshite Boku wa Umi ni Kaeru~ 2:41
02. スピラーレ Spirale 2:43
03. いつか来た道 Itsuka Kita Michi 2:55
04. 永遠の海 ~A Song for Zephyr~ Eien no Umi ~A Song for Zephyr~ 3:16
05. Waltz for ARIA Waltz for ARIA 2:11
06. 七色の空を Nanairo no Sora wo 2:18
07. 未来への航跡 Mirai he no Kouseki 3:45
08. アマレットの夏 Amaretto no Natsu 1:58
09. 金の波 千の波 Kin no Nami Sen no Nami 2:48
19. 望楼 Bourou 2:51
20. 天気雨 Tenki Ame 3:24
21. Ashita, Yuugure Made 4:54

[edit] Drama CDs

Comic Blade Drama CD
Title Release date
AQUA DRAMA CD I September 22, 2005
ARIA DRAMA CD I August 25, 2004
ARIA DRAMA CD II August 24, 2005
ARIA The ANIMATION
Title Release date
Drama CD Ⅰ - BLUE November 25, 2005
Drama CD Ⅱ - RED December 22, 2005
Drama CD Ⅲ - ORANGE January 25, 2006
ARIA The NATURAL
Title Release date
Drama CD Ⅰ June 23, 2006
Drama CD Ⅱ July 21, 2006
ARIA The Origination
Title Release date
Drama CD I - Yuki March 21, 2008
Drama CD II - Tsuki April 23, 2008
Drama CD Ⅲ - Hana May 21, 2008
ARIA Radio CD
Title Release date
ARIA The STATION Neo-VENEZIA INFORMALE September 29, 2006
"ARIA The STATION Due" COUR.1 November 24, 2006
"ARIA The STATION Due" COUR.2 December 29, 2006
"ARIA The STATION Due" COUR.3 February 23, 2007
"ARIA The STATION Due" COUR.4 May 25, 2007
"ARIA The STATION Tricolore" COUR.1 September 28, 2007
"ARIA The STATION Tricolore" COUR.2 December 21, 2007
"ARIA The STATION Tricolore" COUR.3 March 28, 2008
"ARIA The STATION Tricolore" COUR.4 June 27, 2008(scheduled)

Additionals drama CDs have been released as bonus materials for each Aria Perfect Guide.

[edit] Video games

The Alchemist company has released one visual novel video game based on the Aria universe and has scheduled the release of one more.

Title Support Release date
Aria : The Natural ~Tooi Kioku no Mirage~ PS2 2006-09-28 First & Special édition

2008-03-06 Alchemist Best Collection edition
Aria : The Origination PS2 2005-03-29 (Scheduled)

[edit] Other books

[edit] Art books

Three art books containing mostly Aria drawings and sketches have been released.

Title ISBN-13 Release date
Alpha ISBN 978-4-86127-009-3 January 2004
Stella ISBN 978-4-86127-140-3 2005-03-29
Cielo ISBN 978-4-86127-297-4 2006-08-30

Three poster books have been released, each containing ten A2-format posters.

Title ISBN-13 Release date
Aria Premium Poster Book ISBN 978-4-86127-213-4 2005-12-22
Aria Premium Poster Book 2 ISBN 978-4-86127-328-5 2006-12-20
Aria Premium Poster Book 3 ISBN 978-4-86127-447-3 2007-12-22

[edit] Guide books

Two guide books covering the first two seasons of the anime have been released; a third season guide book is schedule to be released in July 2008. Each book contains episode summaries, descriptions of primary and secondary characters, and other anime-related materials. In addition each of the two first guide books contains a drama CD.

Title ISBN-13 Release date
Aria the Animation Perfect Guide Book ISBN 978-4-86127-263-9 2006-03-29
Aria the Natural Perfect Guide Book ISBN 978-4-86127-327-8 2006-12-20
Aria the Origination Perfect Guide Book ISBN 978-4-86127-510-4 2008-07-30 (scheduled)

[edit] Monthly Undine

Monthly Undine is a spin-off facsimile of the undine-focused magazine mentioned in the Aria universe. Six issues of Monthly Undine has been released as of March 2008, with a different character on cover containing an additional collectible item.

Issue Cover character ISBN-13 Release date
#1 Akira E. Ferrari ISBN 978-4-86127-268-4 2006-07-06
#2 Alicia Florence ISBN 978-4-86127-269-1 2006-07-13
#3 Athena Glory ISBN 978-4-86127-270-7 2006-07-20
#4 Alice Carroll ISBN 978-4-86127-449-7 2008-03-06
#5 Aika S. Granzchesta ISBN 978-4-86127-450-3 2008-03-18
#6 Akari Mizunashi ISBN 978-4-86127-451-0 2008-03-27

[edit] Novels

Aria has also been adapted as series of light novels published by Mag Garden, with two released as of January 2008:

  • Mizu no Miyako to Kanashiki Utahime no Monogatari (水の都と哀しき歌姫の物語?) by Ayuna Fujisaki (ISBN 4-86127-241-6) - published 2006-03-14
  • The Gift of the Four Season's Breeze (四季の風の贈り物 Shiki no Kaze no Okurimono?) by Mari Okada, Ayuna Fujisaki, Tatsuhiko Urahata, and Reiko Yoshida (ISBN 978-4-86127-448-0) - published 2008-01-10

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b This is the identified demographic of Comic Blade; seeMangaoh's page for magazines (Japanese). Retrieved on 2008-01-01.
  2. ^ Aria (manga) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia. Accessed 2006-09-29.
  3. ^ Aria the OVA ~Arietta~. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2007-09-17.
  4. ^ Aria TV Anime's 3rd Season Greenlit for Production. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2007-09-17.
  5. ^ a b Thompson, Jason (2007). Manga: The Complete Guide. New York: Del Rey, page 15. 
  6. ^ Aria Manga to End in 60th Installment in Japan in 2008. Anime News Network (2007-12-27). Retrieved on 2008-01-20.
  7. ^ a b Tokyopop Manga License. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2007-07-17.
  8. ^ Tokyopop Online Store. Tokyopop. Retrieved on 2007-11-23.
  9. ^ Right Stuf's Nozomi Entertainment Licenses ARIA Anime. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
  10. ^ a b c d e Dirk Deppey (2007-01-24). ADV's Abandoned Manga. The Comics Journal. Retrieved on 2008-01-01.
  11. ^ Northlander. Manga review - Aria. Uknighted Manganime. Retrieved on 2007-07-11.
  12. ^ a b Amano, Kozue (2004). "Navigation 14: Three Water Fairies", Aria, Volume 3 (in English). ADV Manga. ISBN 978-1-4139-0089-7. 
  13. ^ Amano, Kozue (2007). "Navigation 01: The Water Planet", Aqua, Volume 1 (in English). Tokyopop. ISBN 978-1-4278-0312-2. 
  14. ^ As translated in the ADV editions; it is translated as "Sideburns" in the Tokyopop editions.
  15. ^ a b Amano, Kozue (2004). "Navigation 08: Voices of the Stars", Aria, Volume 2 (in English). ADV Manga. ISBN 978-1-4139-0071-2. 
  16. ^ a b c Amano, Kozue (2008). "Navigation 05: The Hill of Hope", Aqua, Volume 1 (in English). Tokyopop. ISBN 978-1-4278-0312-2. 
  17. ^ Otakuism: Notes on Tokyopop’s Translation of ARIA V.1
  18. ^ Amano, Kozue (2004). "Navigation 18: Fish That Swim in the Sky", Aria, Volume 4 (in Japanese). Mag Garden. ISBN 978-4-86127-016-1. 
  19. ^ a b c Erica Friedman (2005-02-08). Yuri Manga: Aria, Volumes 1,2 and 3. Ozaku. Retrieved on 2008-01-16. “What really makes Aria work, though, is the sense of whimsy that fills the pages ... very chapter is filled with some moment of life that was totally worth having been there for.”
  20. ^ Lisa Anderson. Aria v1 Review. Manga Life. Retrieved on 2008-01-16. “Aria reads much like a treasured old journal, recounting life events - some big, some little - with the warm personal touch only true joy can bring.”
  21. ^ a b Carlos Santos (2008-01-20). Aria GN 1 - Review. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-01-20. “Aria's first volume is 180 pages of pure, serene happiness.”
  22. ^ a b Kai-Ming Cha (2007-10-23). Aqua Vol. 1 Review. IGN. Retrieved on 2008-01-20. “Whimsical, smooth, the measured pace of the chapters follows a "slice-of-life" rhythm, but in a magical, imaginative frontier.”
  23. ^ Carlos Santos (2008-01-20). Aria GN 1 - Review. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-01-20. “Yet this precise style still manages to capture the sense of wonder on planet Aqua: the airborne confetti at the gondola race, the falling autumn leaves in the first chapter, and especially the Japanese architecture and landscape on the shrine island. It's really the backgrounds and landscapes that are the main character in this series.”
  24. ^ Japan's Favorite TV Anime. Anime News Network (2006-10-13). Retrieved on 2008-01-10.

[edit] External links