Laid-Back Camp Season 2

"I think solo camping is a way to appreciate loneliness." Great cute girl anime have an effervescent quality to them that never fails to casually curl either corner of my mouth no matter how inane or minimalist the antics on screen become. By now, we’re all familiar with quiddities/odds and ends of a cute girl anime as they’re thoroughly ingrained in the genetic code that makes anime...well…“anime”. What shows like “Yuru Camp” lack in narrative heft they make up for through sheer force of charm. And that’s not to say that shows pigeonholed as “CGDCT” are entirely bereft of anything worthwhile, as the narrative oftengoes. I say this without a lick of irony, but cute girl anime almost form a sort of parasocial relationship with their audience, more-so than a lot of other genres. This is due to the grounded simplicity of the storytelling as well as the cast members themselves often serving as proper analogs for friends and family (save for the shrill voices and big eyes). But what more does Yuru Camp have to offer that hasn’t already been retrofitted by any number of other functional cute girl shows? Truth be told, you almost have to actively try to fuck up a cute girl anime because they’re just that easy to write. Most of them nowadays don’t even try to hide the fact that they’re aping one of their predecessors. In regards to content, Yuru Camp is quite breezy, so breezy in fact that some have taken to calling it (myself included) an iyashikei anime. On top of being an exemplary cute girl anime, Yuru Camp effortlessly bridges the gap between irreverent gag comedies like K-On! and meditative deliberately paced iyashikei like Aria and Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou. This is a particularly odd marriage of two genres on its surface, they’re practically diametrically opposed. But when you really think about these two contrasting energies, the shamanic self-reflective loneliness of an iyashikei and the galvanized free-wheeling entropy of being in a friend-group like a cute girl anime, therein lies the duality of a balanced life and the recipe for a damn great anime. For transparency’s sake, I feel it’s necessary to be forthcoming about the fact that I am an avid camper myself. With that, you could potentially glean that I have a dog in this fight. Frankly, I do. Yuru Camp dials me back to those summer nights, splayed out on the pebbly shores of a campsite, drunkenly trying to point out the different constellations and asterisms above to my friends. Or simply lying there with our eyes closed as we share in a communal silence, melting into the night, knowing that when we open them again, we’ll be together once more. In the social distancing era, these moments are precious. Where S1 of Yuru Camp faltered was in its need to establish rudimentary camping know-how. Perhaps this is a non-criticism to those who don’t know much about camping, and in truth, the sight gags and sound editing greatly mitigate what would otherwise be something of a slog. This isn’t to say that the discrepancy in quality between both seasons is vast, not by a long shot, but with all of the minutiae having been already taken care of in its first season, S2 is significantly more focused. The degree of agency that these characters are given is frankly somewhat unprecedented for a show like this. By now you’d imagine that one of the core tenets of a cute girl anime is wholesome togetherness in the face of everything from abject misery to minor inconvenience, to the point that the term “moeblob” takes on an entirely new meaning. It’s a scary thought, imagine Tetsuo Shima’s transformation scene in Akira except with bigger eyes and multi-colored hair. The globular goofballs that populate Yuru Camp’s cast have far more freedom than that. What really sells Yuru Camp’s characters as an organic and believable friend group is the fact that they’re not always together. Their group texts read true to life, like one you may be a part of with a group of friends, making plans but also splintering off in different directions due to availability. While they all like each other in a manner expected of a cute girl show, it’s apparent that they have exclusive dynamics only present between certain friends. I’d also be remiss to not mention just how against the grain it is to force a wedge between these girls. This goes to show just how much trust is put into these characters as individuals going off on their own adventures and yet still being fully capable of carrying episodes on their lonesome. Often, these rare insular episodes are the ones that entrance you the most with their healing properties and measured pace. Individually, most of the characters remain largely unchanged but there isn’t really a need for them to change. Inuko’s little sister (Chibiko?) is introduced in this season, and she is just as saucy and diabolical as her sister, thank god they don’t have the nuclear codes. Nadeshiko, who was mostly relegated to an audience surrogate in S1, really came into her own this time around. Watching her navigate her first solo camping trip was delightful, mainly because Rin and her older sister fumbling to shadow her like concerned helicopter parents underscores just how much they care for her (on top of being hilarious). That aside, watching Nadeshiko put into practice what she’s learned from Rin (as well as passing some of her own wisdom down to other campers) is deeply satisfying. And of course, there’s Sensei. Ah Sensei, I’m right there with yah. I’ve watched quite a number of anime over the years but few that I’ve gone out of my way to watch have been so emphatic about exploring Japan’s natural beauty. You’d think that these girls were charting hinterlands in any given outing they go on. For example, I wasn’t even aware that there were notable basalt columns in Japan before having watched this anime (but I guess that’s on me). A show like this was made for the standard still-frame minimalism that animators in this industry are often forced to abuse due to scheduling and time crunches. The still-frames in Yuru Camp are almost like flipping through the pages of a glossy coffee table photography book. Would I be THIS charitable to just any show skirting by on the bare minimum as far as animation goes? It’s only because Yuru Camp knows how to properly calibrate its minimalism for maximum output. Yuru Camp is a comedy of details, and often the smallest of details do the heaviest of lifting. It’s the little things that make Yuru Camp so special, like when Ena is showing Rin photos of her trip with Chiaki and Inuko and you can see her finger partially obscuring the camera lens on her phone in the corner of the picture. A resoundingly innocuous detail but one that further adds to the organic believability of this world. I also can’t praise the character designs and outfits in this show enough. These girls have that Pacific Northwest DRIP. The character designs and general art design of the show is distinctively cartoony, save for the scenery porn. Yuru Camp does not come up short in the sight gag department. Its dry comedic sensibilities are accentuated by its snappy but simple editing style. Quick cuts and stylized facial expressions make up the bulk of the laughs but it’s not afraid to get creative with the musical cues and effects. One scene that really stood out to me as far as arresting camera techniques was when Nadeshiko was simply walking through a town during her first solo camping trip. As she walks with a mountain in the background and with the neighborhood she’s traversing in the foreground, the natural sense of parallax is almost like an old Disney cartoon on those multiplane cameras or even Akira (leave it to me to mention Akira more than once in a friggin Yuru Camp review). The interesting camera techniques also extend to the visual gags. Like when Rin attempts to cross a rickety bridge and it switches to handheld like she’s on Survivorman. Theoretically, Yuru Camp’s soundtrack is something that shouldn’t have a modicum of cohesion. The diversity of its sound palette was deliberately curated by Akiyuki Tateyama, who pulled from completely disparate corners of the globe. I can only describe the lush instrumentation as rustic which deeply accentuates the outdoorsy antics. You’ll hear anything from pedal steel guitars and fiddles to pan pipes and mandolins in any given episode which can honestly catch you off guard. The delicate acoustic guitar notes and the mellow lounge percussion remind me of Choro Club’s work on the Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou’s soundtrack. There’s even a bossa nova track or two which makes me yearn for Hekiru Shiina on backing vocals at the very least. For better or for worse, Yuru Camp’s tactile qualities will make it something of an insurmountable wall for certain audiences. It’s not a particularly challenging anime but it’s the type of thing that you kind of just have to “feel” for yourself. I’m sure some will find it to simply be nothing more than a twee travel brochure anime padded to its core with innumerable layers of fluff and the occasional yuck. But for others (who are fortunate enough to have the means and capacity to do so) Yuru Camp is a prescient anime whose content is a charming forecast of better days to come in the great outdoors. I’m privileged to live in an area with a rich cultural heritage/a melange of biomes and microcosms to see firsthand. Nonetheless, even if it’s as simple as a leisurely trek/drive down a street you’ve never been down before somewhere in your hometown, I urge everyone to soak in something new with or without the company of others, it makes no difference. There’s not enough time allotted to us to let it all slip away like a fleeting dream. Yuru Camp was crafted from the purview of someone who has a deep affection and understanding for what they write about. What may be a quaint show to some, to others will be a didactic reminder of our transitory human condition, and the onus is on us to make the most of that fact.

"The things you see, the things you eat, and the time you get to spend contemplating things. I think solo camping is a way to appreciate loneliness." Yuru Camp is the gargantuan paragon of iyashikei. Imagine working all day in a hectic semester; it's hella cold outside, you're in your blanket at the end of the day with a cup of hot coffee, and you're watching some cute high school girls going out to camp in the countryside japan with a matching atmosphere. The time you spend alone, watching this cozy little show - not with your friends but with yourself alone can make you feelhappy to be alive. Yuru Camp's plot is nothing grandiose, nor does it swathe itself with arcane philosophical themes - but that's the charm of the show. Set in the Japanese countryside, Yuru Camp is an experience where you immerse yourself in the jejune and tranquil lives of moe high school girls that love camping with calming music and alluring backgrounds to enhance your experience. The cozy, calming, laid-back world of the main characters that heavily contrasts with our heavy continuous lives - it's that brief 25 minutes of the week where you refuse to care about anything about your life. The show's main strength comes from the characters - particularly from their wholesome yet humorous interactions. Character interactions ranging from emotionally touching and human to goofy and comical - never fails to leave me at cloud nine at the end of every episode is highly commendable. We got characters with an ample mix of personalities - from the lovable goofball that is Nadeshiko to the quiet and reserved Rin. Everyone - even the side characters contribute to the experience that is Yuru Camp. Just watching them as a group doing cute and wholesome things alone has the power to ostracize any cynical voice inside my head. Nonetheless, even with a likable cast, the show won't be the same without their interactions as a group. The character likability has been augmented with the ever-strong character acting this season, brilliantly portraying character growth - especially for Rin, who is now opening up to more people. While this is nothing groundbreaking, noticing such character growth is a fulfilling experience. Being a part of the prolific genre of "Cute girls doing cute things" - the show itself feels different from a generic CGDCT anime, especially the spotlight is definitely not the moeness of the characters - but rather the hobby, that is camping and camping accessories. However, concealed behind the mask (camping), Yuru Camp does feel like a traveling encouragement show - like how Haikyuu was potent enough to encourage volleyball as a sport. Every splendor of the countryside Japan is annotated to us - be it popular tourist locations or the local food specialty. I think I'm not the only one who checks out every mentioned location on the map. Like, who does not want to check out real-world counterparts to locations mentioned in an anime you love - especially when the said spots are immaculate scenic campsites! Yuru Camp is blessed with immense love from the staff - that it's evident that there's a clear passion for the project that you feel oozing through every frame. The show has an immense level of attention to detail - be it the enticing food imagery from okonomiyaki and yakisoba to Shimarin Ice cream(lol) or the camping accessories - all thanks to the talented props and mechanical staff. Minor elements like beginning and ending the episode with Nadeshiko moving away from her only friend to Nadeshiko with her new friends, or the competent and self-sufficient feeling when Nadeshiko was finally able to buy herself a lamp, but also a gift to her older sister - which was depicted generously with a brief night timelapse from Ending theme makes Yuru Camp such a great show. The show takes a softened photorealistic approach towards the background art - that perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere as this non-idealized art direction perfectly executes a realistic feeling. Music has a tremendous power of healing - that directly helps your heart and mind feel elated. Fortunately, Yuru Camp has been blessed with Serene and Calming music to enhance the experience. In introspection, Yuru Camp takes inspiration from a Danish Concept Hygge - where being comfortable is emphasized for the well-being. As they say, "What freedom is to Americans..hygge is to the Danes" - might be why the music in Yuru Camp resonates with Nordic and Irish tones, which ultimately enhances the show's warm atmosphere. The already good production values from the first season have been improved by a lot. The pacing is perfect, and the marvelous storyboarding - meshed with remarkable direction and cinematography that helps the viewer immersed in the world. Immersing into Yuru Camp feels like that moment of childhood that now exists as a picturebook - as if you're reliving that memorable moment lost in time. Even though the show is very grounded and comparing with real-life might feel superfluous - watching the show does feel like reminiscing the good memories of your childhood. Devoid of any dramatical elements, everything in the show is wholesome - be it the immaculate character interactions or Nadeshiko's Glutonny or the humor or even noises from the non-living items guiding us. All Thanks to Afro-sensei, Yoshiaki Kyougaku, and the passionate staff at C-Station, we got to experience maximum healing from what 2020 was. Yuru Camp is truly a gem to this medium. Tl;dr Story: 7 Art/Animation: 10 Sound: 9 Characters: 9 Enjoyment: 9 Overall: Light 9

Winter is the perfect time for camping. Would you agree? In the winter season 2018 we all enjoyed the camping tour of our girls for the first time, three years later the long-awaited continuation is finally here and the comfiness continues! We all already know what "Yuru Camp△" (don't forget the little tent) is about: Camping! The story is just as simple and ingenious as we know it from the previous season. But wait, we experience Nadeshiko camping alone for the first time without her friends. Can that go well? Camping items are also quite expensive, so she has to take a part-time job to be ableto afford all the trips. Of course, we get to see many new beautiful locations, the view is simply wonderful. Just having fun together and experiencing new adventures is the most important thing. Our girls are just like we know and love. Nadeshiko, understandably, still loves food more than anything, while Rin is worried and takes care about her. A friendship for life. "Chibi-Aoi" or also called Akari is going on tour with the group as well. We experience the brilliant pranks of the sibling duo Inuyama even more. The co-president of "The Outdoor Activities Club" Chiaki can of course not be missing and Ena even bought a dog tent for her little Chikuwa. A heroine who thinks of the animal first instead of herself. The best teacher Minami is ready to drive our girls and accompany them on their camping. She sticks to the rule "Don't drink and drive", but her love for alcohol remains inseparable. Nade-chan's older sister Sakura showed us that she also likes to go on excursions and onsens are definitely a good choice for her (at least for us viewers). With Ayano Toki we get to know a new character. Aya-chan is Nadeshiko's childhood friend who has known her since middle school. The family members of the Kagamiharas and Shimas should not be missing of course. We know where Rin's love for her scooter and camping comes from. In short, everyone is back! The landscape is also beautiful this time. You would love to go there yourself and see it. Whether sunset or sunrise, we experience all the beautiful moments from their camping. The food in particular looks so delicious. Regardless of whether it's just a simple cup noodle or hotpot with lots of ingredients, you get hungry by looking at it. The music is as happy and relaxing as before. Perfectly suitable for this anime. Had a hard day? Just want switch off and relax? Yuru Camp△ is the perfect anime therefor. The combination of the beautiful view, the simple tranquility and our loving characters makes Yuru Camp△ to THE anime we love. Get something nice to drink and eat and make yourself comfortable. In the end, comfy is everything! Carpe diem - Seize the day and watch Yuru Camp△!

Yuru Camp is a grossly overrated anime that barely kept my attention all the way to the end. Truly, I was in a grueling death march near the end of the show. Yuru camp season 2 plays it safe, and overall, is just a step down Non Non Biyori. While nature shots are adequate in Yuru Camp, they're sporadic and are usually still shots that aren't the greatest. Non non biyori features them both in greater frequency and quality. Plus, Yuru Camp is largely a show centered around camping and nature, yet, again, the feeling that you're being immersed in nature while not being overpoweringis done so much better in Non Non Biyori. Hell, let's not talk about other series, season 2 isn't even better than season 1 since it barely builds off or branches off anything from season 1. What makes Yuru Camp a middling show is definitely how it plays it safe and repetitively. Again, season 2 mainly features similar scenarios to season 1 without much change. The formula is always some people in the outdoors club going camping, and going to do some leisure activities unique to that area. This formula actually doesn't sound bad, but Yuru Camp executes it on such a surface level. Hot Springs, cafes, specialty foods, famous landmarks, Yuru Camp dabbles in these areas but never truly dives into depth into any particular activity. Describing the action of camping might have been the only thing that there was a huge focus on. You mainly have the characters doing these random activities in quick succession, as well as eating, but you're not satisfied. The scenic shots are pretty decent, but can't carry the entire show. The landmarks and activities just have the characters quickly visiting them without much meaningful dialogue or events happening, and the cooking process is briefly mentioned despite being food emphasized quite a bit in the entire series. It's always the "activity" being emphasized over the characters, and that's my biggest problem with the series. Which characters do you really get to know. For a story that's largely about the many interactions of the characters when camping, you sure as hell barely get to know them in any particular depth. This mainly has to do with the many "nothing" conversations that happen. I'm totally happy to watch the characters have mundane conversations, but the conversations these characters have always have to do with the particular activity that they're doing and never really have to do with their own personalities, hobbies, problems, etc. There's only so much you can do when camping, especially when it gets darker after dinner, and even when doing other activities like hiking and visiting landmarks, there's always time for random conversations, and that's certainly one beauty of camping. Yet, this show does not capture this aspect very well. I never get to really see any silly conversations or slice of life conversation like I do in Non Non Biyori, for example, but rather it's always about "look at this food I'm eating," "wow this mountain looks great," or "it's cold!!!" Overall, I wished for there to be more fun character interactions that aren't always focused on the environment around them, and just some more in depth focus on the particular activities they're doing. Again, close up shots of the cooking progress, some fun events or dialogue that happen when they're at a particular location, this stuff never happens. Overall, you're stuck with barely developed characters sticking to their pet lines and interactions for the entire series, with nothing else to carry it, whether it be the scenic shots, locations, dialogue, and activities.