Some thoughts on Koi Kaze

So it's the third time I've watched the anime series Koi Kaze. THEM Anime Reviews has a good synopsis and review of the anime, so I won't spend much time reiterating what they say.
http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1080
Haha, and I have to agree with the reviewer on THEM Anime. It really is refreshing that Koshiro is NOT a pretty boy. It serves as a nice contrast to Nanoka and emphasizes how unconventional their love for each other is. This series is aimed at men between 20 to early 30s, so it seems natural for me to easily get into this. I wonder how women would approach this series.

It's hard for me to admit this is one of my favorite shows because of the controversial subject matter. I find myself rooting for the two characters, even though I would have a hard time approving of such a relationship. In that sense, it's a challenging show to watch. I always put myself in their shoes, and I ask myself if I would have done things any differently. I would probably give in to such feelings if I had them myself. I also wonder if I wouldn't have liked the series as much as I did if I hadn't identify so easily with the two main characters. The two characters are what really make the show, and if you don't like them, I can't imagine it would be any good. Apart from them though, the anime is beautifully done, and its pacing is perfect, at least in my opinion. I don't know if most people would be able to get into a series like this though. It's not meant for a mainstream audience.

I love how the scenes and moments are beautifully thought out. I think one of the defining moments of the series is on the Ferris wheel in the first episode, when 27 year old Koshiro cries in front of 15 year old Nanoka, and she comforts him by putting a hand on his head. It's a very awkward scene to imagine, as they both have just met. It sort of bends the social rules for a grown man to cry in front of a young girl, but Nanoka comforts without judging, and it turns out to be a very heartwarming moment. It marks how gentle the anime is, even though it deals with heavy themes.

I think the theme of being socially responsible and emotionally truthful is something I struggle with in my own life. It's easy for me to relate to the feelings of guilt and shame, and also to the feeling of freedom and happiness that comes with being true to one's self. I think that's why I love the role of Chidori's character, which serves as an antagonistic social reminder towards the last few episodes. She voices the logical concerns about the problematic relationship, and it gives a nice reality check to the series.

I didn't catch it the first time I watched the anime, but the ending is strangely ominous, which betrays how happy the two seem at that moment.

Well, I guess that series is over for now until the next time I feel like watching it again. Right now, I'm in a re-watching phase, so I'm picking anime I've seen in the past and seeing how it compares to now. Koi Kaze has been a favorite of mine, and watching it again reminded of all the reasons why I love it.