Aria the Origination #12: Embraced by That Blue Sea and Wind…

Why are Akari and Aika friends? They couldn’t be more different. Akari’s cheerful optimism clashes with Aika’s emotional outbursts. Aika was born on Aqua and is supported by a wealthy family. Akari left Manhome to pursue an uncertain future by herself. Although they have both chosen to become undines, even their career paths are opposites. Himeya has grown large enough to open branch offices, of which Aika will begin her professional life as the manager of.

When Alicia asked Akari what kind of prima she would be, Akari turned her gondola to home. Akari wants to preserve the Aria Company that Grandma envisioned. While Aika is growing and evolving Himeya (to compete with Orange Planet), Aria Company will remain the same as it was under Alicia.

Yet despite these opposing and contradictory viewpoints, they’re the closest of friends who support and encourage each other. So much that the proud Aika feels guilty for having become a prima before Akari. She recognizes that Akari deserved to be the first to be promoted. Even Alice must have realized it. Speaking of Alice, isn’t it unfair that she was able to skip the narrow canal that other primas are tested with?

As I enter the final month of the year, I bid a happy birthday to Sayaka Oohara on Friday the 6th. Next week’s episode is Aria the Animation #1: That Wonderful Miracle…

Aria the Animation #2: On That Special Day…

Inclement weather can interfere with the normal flow of human activity. A sudden storm, heat wave, or flood makes travel difficult. But there are things that can’t wait for the air to clear. Food, medicine, and important business must be seen to even when it is inconvenient. We don’t get to choose how we interact with nature. It’s a relationship not unlike that of a family member. A parent or sibling may be difficult to deal with at times, but you never have the option to stop being related to them. You just do your best to endure the storm and hope that the sun will eventually break through the clouds.

Aika is treated respectfully, but it’s a limited respect. She can rely on other people in Himeya only as far as it’s convenient. The polite smiles she receives are like a storefront that shutters its windows when the rain comes. We never see anyone from Aika’s family (who must all be very busy conducting the business of the company). So when Akira rolls in like a thunderhead, it’s without any polite formalities.

Akira’s strictness interferes with Aika’s normally easygoing and impulsive attitude. But if she’s to become an undine, Aika knows that she can’t ignore her or choose to only listen to the kind things she says. After all, Aika is just as strict to the people around her, Akari in particular. She’s not so foolish to think Akira is being mean for no reason, and is self-conscious enough to know when she’s at fault. The arguments they have are a natural part of their relationship. It’s because Akira will fight with her that makes her family to Aika. 

Next week’s episode is Aria the Natural #9: Those Honest Stars…

Aria the Origination #11: Those Ever-Changing Days…

We've seen enough of Aika fretting over things. Now it's Akira’s turn. Following Alice’s promotion, she expects Aika to be jealous. Although she appears happy, how does she really feel? Aika’s positive attitude surprises Akira and convinces her that she’s is ready to be a prima.

The final test for an apprentice is facing her greatest weakness. For Alice, this is her self-doubt. Even as a prima, Alice still hesitates and gets lost in thought. But she doesn’t let her worries control her, and with some help from a meddlesome roommate, she’s reminded that she doesn’t have to do everything by herself. Aika’s greatest weakness has been her emotions. Now that she has shown that she can keep her feelings in balance, Akira is relieved to be able to call her “Rosen Queen.”

Next I will be watching Aria the Natural #12: Chasing That Mirage…/The Light From That Nightshine Chime…, and I may even watch it on Thursday this time.

P.S. Did you see the cameo by Anzu, one of the undines from the traghetto?

Aria the Natural #24: Those Undines of Tomorrow…

Teenagers that they are, the three apprentice undines are impatient to become adults and take on the responsibilities of a prima. It’s an occupation that attracts many eager young women. But there’s a mundane and less glamorous side as well. Akari thinks Akira’s task is meant to teach them how to take responsibility for all aspects of the job. This may be true, though it could just be Akira taking advantage of her underlings because she doesn’t want to do it herself.

But the actual lesson of the day is one that no one had planned. And it isn’t about taking responsibility, but letting it go. The sudden rain storm was unfortunate, but out of anyone’s control. Something else no one can control is other people’s thoughts. Aika, overeager to be a responsible person, hears the gossip about Akira and takes it to heart. It frustrates her until Akira reminds her that some things are out of her control. Aika shouldn’t let some jealous gossip bring her down, just as she can’t control the weather. Responsibility means choosing your battles.

Speaking of choosing battles, what if the world of Aqua were modeled not on 17th century Venice, but 3rd century China? The fourth Aria the Origination picture drama looks at such a Three Kingdoms planet. Alicia is victorious with her strategy of fighting by not fighting.

Happy birthday this week to Kaori Mizuhashi, the voice of Ai. Next week is Aria the Origination #11: Those Ever-Changing Days…

Aria the Natural #18: That New Me…

It’s barbecue time!

In a food processor, blend 1 cup cilantro, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp. lime zest, and 3 tbsp. lime juice. Mix this with 2 tsp. of combination salt, cumin, and ground red pepper. Rub this mixture into a 2 lbs. boneless top sirloin, 1¼ inches thick. Let the steak set for 2 hours.

Grill 6 ears of corn. Cut the corn from the cob into a bowl. Stir in half a teaspoon of lime zest, quarter cup lime juice, 2 tsp. olive oil, a minced jalapeño pepper, and half a teaspoon of the salt/cumin/pepper mix.

Grill the steak to your preferred doneness, then serve with the corn dressing.

Something else may have happened in this episode. I don’t think it was anything important. My best wishes and lots of joy to Chiwa Saito on her wedding this week.

Sorry for the delay last week. I can type again, but awkwardly while wearing a wrist brace. Next is Aria the Natural #13: Those Really Self-Imposed Rules…

Aria the Origination #5: That Keepsake Clover…

The canals of Neo-Venezia are brought to a standstill by the phenomenal charms of Athena and Alicia. Everyone is impressed by their natural talent. But more than awed, Aika is intimidated. She’s surrounded by gifted people. How can someone not born so lucky compare?

As the daughter of a famous family, Aika was born lucky, although she doesn’t feel it. As a young child, the encouragement she received gave her boundless optimism. But that confidence wavered as she grew older. It’s one thing to say that a person is destined for greatness, but if she doesn’t feel it in her heart it may never happen. Aika makes the mistake of comparing her inexperience to Alicia, Athena, and Akira’s experience. This makes her doubt her own ability, and why wouldn’t it? How impressive is an acorn next to an oak tree?

Her lack of confidence would be tragic for Aika, except she has Akira as a mentor. Akira became a prima through effort alone. Although it would be a mistake to say that she had no natural talent. An ordinary person would not have worked as hard as she did to learn how to be an undine. Akira’s hidden talent is her confidence. When she doubted herself, it was a young Aika who rejuvenated her determination to create her own destiny. So when Aika is similarly troubled, she can pay back the favor. Talent is a blessing, but it means nothing without the desire to do something wonderful.

And of course, in the language of flowers, a red rose means passion.

The episode for next week is Aria the Natural #23: That Sea, Love, and Heart…

Aria the Animation #7: Doing That Wonderful Job…

Akira’s firm yet gentle teaching methods are on display. It’s what Aika is trying to emulate when she practices with Akari and Alice. Aika often says she’s a fan of Alicia, but it’s Akira whom she most admires. When the others mention how strict she is, Aika is the first to defend her mentor.

Like Aika, Akira is a competitive person. The first lesson of the day is how to help customers into the gondola. But when she picks up the newlyweds, he steps in on his own and upsets the boat. Then he spends the whole trip with his nose buried in a guidebook. Even if it’s the fault of his own bad attitude, Akira takes it as a personal failure. Despite all she did to make him relax and enjoy himself, he was ended up disappointed. It’s her job to give her customers the best experience and leave them with a pleasant memory of their trip.

Akira couldn’t let a customer go home unsatisfied. Even though the wife was happy, Neo Venezia wasn’t living up to what he’d been told about it. That’s why Akira agreed to let them sit in on the training. They got a behind-the-scenes look at how much work is necessary to make their fairy tale honeymoon a reality. It’s not something that could be seen in a guidebook. And also a way for Akira to redeem herself for not being good enough during the scheduled tour. No one else was blaming her, but she wasn’t satisfied with her own performance. Though not as obvious as running into a dead-end at high tide, she made mistakes that don’t pass her own high standards. She wants her students to be as strict with themselves as she is with herself, and to have the confidence to not let a mistake prevent them from doing their job. That’s why it was important for them to get out of the dead-end on their own.

Next week’s episode is Aria the Natural #16: Parting With That Gondola…

Aria the Origination #4: Those Who Aim for Tomorrow…

When Akari remarks on Alicia’s busy schedule, she doesn’t mention the number of customers who have to be turned away. That’s to be expected from a company with only one prima. If you don’t call far in advance, then you’ll be disappointed. So it is with any finite resource, and the most limited resource of all, that no one will ever reduce the value of, is time.

Not everyone who wants an appointment with Alicia will be able to get one. And not everyone who trains to be a prima will achieve it. Akari, Aika, and Alice are exceptional undines, but their status can be a source of stress. Alicia sends Akari to the traghetto so she can have the experience of a typical single. The girls she meets are not guaranteed to become primas. They have to accept that what they desire may not be possible. Or, in the case of Ayumi, to reach for a less ambitious goal that is nevertheless just as personally satisfying. Which isn’t to say that you shouldn’t try. Akari’s words of encouragement are not “you can be a prima if you try,” but “keep trying to be the best you can be.” Don’t focus only on a far-off goal that may not be possible. Instead, accept the challenges that are placed in front of you right now. Your small successes will be a source of pride. After a while, you’ll look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come.

When she takes the oar, it’s obvious to the others that Akari is in a different class. She was worried that she wasn’t doing enough as a single. After working on the traghetto, we see that it isn’t a deficiency on her part that’s keeping her a single, but because of the strict standards at Aria Company. Akari will not only be working with Alicia as a prima, but eventually will take over for her. It’s a decision that Alicia won’t make until she is absolutely certain the time is right.

Picture Drama #2

Like everyone else who meets her, the three undines are now trapped in Akari’s circle of friends. How will they react to meeting the “Orange Princess,” and the heiress of Himeya?

So this is a lunch with panini, onigiri, manjuu, hamburgers, something Chinese from Alice, and I think Aika brought tea. Well, at least one of the foods was Italian.

The next episode will be Aria the Animation #7: Doing That Wonderful Job…