Blue Period (2021)

The story begins with Yatora Yaguchi, a high school student who is academically successful but feels unfulfilled and detached from his surroundings. He spends his days in a monotonous routine, focusing on grades and societal expectations. One day, while wandering through the school, he stumbles upon an art room and is captivated by a painting created by a classmate, which sparks a newfound interest in art.

Yatora decides to try painting himself, and he begins to explore his artistic abilities. He feels a rush of emotions as he creates his first piece, a self-portrait, which he presents in class. His classmates and teacher, Mr. Saito, recognize his talent, and Yatora experiences a sense of validation for the first time. This moment ignites a passion for art within him, leading him to reconsider his future.

As Yatora delves deeper into the world of art, he joins the art club, where he meets several key characters, including his classmate and rival, Ryuji Ayukawa, and the talented and enigmatic student, Maki Takahashi. Yatora feels both inspired and intimidated by their skills. He begins to spend more time in the art room, experimenting with different styles and techniques, and he starts to develop a unique artistic voice.

Yatora's growing passion for art creates tension with his parents, who have high expectations for his academic success. They want him to pursue a stable career, and Yatora struggles to balance their expectations with his desire to follow his newfound passion. This conflict leads to emotional turmoil, as he feels the weight of his family's aspirations pressing down on him.

As the school year progresses, Yatora decides to apply to the prestigious Tokyo University of the Arts. He knows that the entrance exam is highly competitive and requires a strong portfolio. Determined to succeed, he dedicates himself to improving his skills, often staying late in the art room to practice. He faces numerous challenges, including self-doubt and the pressure to create something that will impress the admissions committee.

During this time, Yatora's relationships with his peers deepen. He forms a bond with Ryuji, who shares his own struggles and insecurities about art. They support each other through their creative processes, and Yatora learns to appreciate the different perspectives and techniques that each artist brings to the table. Meanwhile, Maki becomes a source of inspiration for Yatora, pushing him to explore more profound themes in his work.

As the entrance exam approaches, Yatora experiences a crisis of confidence. He questions whether he is truly cut out for a career in art and grapples with the fear of failure. In a pivotal moment, he decides to create a piece that reflects his inner turmoil, pouring his emotions into the canvas. This artwork becomes a turning point for him, as he realizes that art is not just about technical skill but also about expressing one's true self.

On the day of the entrance exam, Yatora arrives at the university filled with anxiety. He presents his portfolio, which includes his self-portrait and the emotionally charged piece he created during his crisis. The judges provide feedback, and Yatora feels a mix of hope and dread as he awaits their decision. After a tense period of waiting, he receives the news that he has been accepted into the university, a moment of triumph that validates his journey and passion for art.

As Yatora embarks on his new life as an art student, he reflects on the challenges he faced and the growth he experienced throughout the process. He understands that the journey of an artist is ongoing, filled with both struggles and moments of joy. The series concludes with Yatora looking forward to the future, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in his artistic career.

In the ending of "Blue Period," Yatora Yaguchi successfully passes the entrance exam for the Tokyo University of the Arts, fulfilling his dream of pursuing art. He reflects on his journey and the relationships he has built, particularly with his friends and mentors. The series concludes with a sense of hope and determination as Yatora embraces his future in the art world.

As the final episodes unfold, we see Yatora grappling with the pressure of the entrance exam for the Tokyo University of the Arts. The atmosphere is tense, filled with the weight of expectations and the fear of failure. Yatora, who has grown significantly throughout the series, is now more aware of his passion for art and the importance of self-expression.

In the first scene of the finale, Yatora is seen studying diligently, surrounded by sketches and art supplies. His room is a chaotic blend of inspiration and anxiety, reflecting his internal struggle. He recalls moments from his past, including his initial fascination with art and the encouragement he received from his friends, particularly from his mentor, Mr. Saito. This moment of reflection is crucial as it highlights Yatora's growth and the emotional stakes of the exam.

As the exam day arrives, Yatora is filled with a mix of excitement and dread. He arrives at the university, where the atmosphere is charged with nervous energy. The camera captures the diverse group of aspiring artists, each with their own dreams and fears. Yatora takes a deep breath, reminding himself of the passion that led him to this point.

During the exam, Yatora is tasked with creating a piece of art that reflects his unique perspective. The scene is intense, with close-ups of his concentrated expression as he pours his heart into the canvas. The colors and strokes he chooses are vibrant, symbolizing his journey and the emotions he has experienced. This moment is pivotal, showcasing not only his technical skills but also his emotional depth as an artist.

After the exam, Yatora anxiously awaits the results. The tension is palpable as he and his friends gather to hear the outcome. When the results are finally announced, Yatora's name is called as one of the successful candidates. The joy and relief wash over him, and he is enveloped in a warm embrace from his friends, who have supported him throughout his journey.

In the final scenes, Yatora stands in front of the university, a place that now represents his future. He reflects on the relationships he has built, particularly with his friends like Ryuji and Maki, who have also pursued their artistic dreams. Each character has faced their own challenges, but they have all grown and found their paths. Ryuji, who struggled with his own insecurities, has found confidence in his art, while Maki continues to explore her identity as an artist.

The series concludes with Yatora looking ahead, filled with hope and determination. He understands that the journey of an artist is ongoing, filled with both challenges and triumphs. The final shot captures him walking towards the university, symbolizing his commitment to his passion and the adventures that lie ahead in the world of art.

In the 2021 anime series "Blue Period," there is no post-credit scene. The series concludes its narrative without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The final episode wraps up the character arcs and themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of art, leaving viewers with a sense of closure regarding Yatora's journey and his evolving relationship with art and his peers. The focus remains on the emotional and personal growth of the characters throughout the series, rather than teasing future developments or additional content in a post-credit format.

Yatora Yaguchi, a high school student, initially feels trapped in a monotonous routine focused on academic success. His motivation to pursue art ignites when he discovers the beauty and emotional depth in a painting during an art class. This moment of realization awakens a passion within him, leading him to explore his artistic abilities and express his true self, contrasting with his previous indifference.

As Yatora becomes more immersed in the world of art, his relationships with his friends begin to shift. His friends, who are focused on conventional paths, struggle to understand his newfound passion. This creates a sense of isolation for Yatora, as he grapples with the fear of losing his old friendships while simultaneously finding a new community among fellow art students who share his aspirations and struggles.

Ryuji Ayukawa serves as both a rival and a mentor figure for Yatora. Initially, Yatora feels intimidated by Ryuji's talent and confidence, which pushes him to work harder on his art. As they interact more, Ryuji becomes a source of inspiration, encouraging Yatora to embrace his unique perspective and to take risks in his artistic expression, ultimately helping Yatora to grow both as an artist and as an individual.

Yatora's family, particularly his mother, has high expectations for him to succeed academically and follow a traditional career path. When Yatora expresses his desire to pursue art, they react with skepticism and concern, fearing that he is making a mistake. This conflict creates internal turmoil for Yatora, as he struggles to balance his passion for art with the pressure to conform to his family's expectations, leading to moments of emotional conflict and self-doubt.

During the art entrance exam process, Yatora faces numerous challenges that test his skills and resolve. He must navigate the intense competition, the pressure to produce original and compelling artwork, and the emotional weight of self-doubt. Each challenge forces him to confront his insecurities and push beyond his limits, ultimately shaping his artistic identity and determination to succeed in a field that is both exhilarating and daunting.

"Blue Period" is a coming-of-age anime that explores themes of art, self-discovery, and the pressures of academic life. While it is not explicitly designed for children, it can be suitable for older teens and adults. However, there are several potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects that may affect children or sensitive viewers:

1. Mental Health Struggles: Characters experience anxiety, depression, and existential crises, which may be distressing for some viewers.

2. Parental Pressure: There are scenes depicting the pressure from parents regarding academic and career choices, which can be intense and relatable for many students.

3. Artistic Nudity: The show features scenes of nude models in an art context, which may be inappropriate for younger audiences.

4. Self-Doubt and Insecurity: Characters grapple with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, which can be emotionally heavy.

5. Competitive Environment: The competitive nature of art school and the stress it brings can be intense, showcasing the pressure to succeed.

6. Social Issues: Themes of bullying and social isolation are present, which may resonate negatively with sensitive viewers.

These elements contribute to the show's depth but may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly younger children.