Fall 2018 Anime: Run with the Wind

Synopsis

Because of hunger, Kakeru Urahara, a first year student of Kansei University, had to shoplift from a supermarket. When he ran away from his chaser, he met Haiji Kiyose, a fourth year student from the same university. Haiji asked Kakeru to live with him with eight other dorm mates. After Haiji found the 10th occupant, He declared his intention to joins Hakone Ekiden, along with the other nine dorm members.  

Comments

Dany Muhammad (The Indonesian Anime Times)

At the end of episode, some viewers probably will ask “What is Hakone Ekiden? Why the main character feel so excited about it?” It is a fair question, considering Hakone Ekiden is generally unknown outside Japan, but it is actually a huge event in Japan. Hakone Ekiden is a prestigious relay race held in the new year. Each team consists of 10 members and each member has to run for about 20 km. Lasting for two days, this competition is really popular in Japan and is regarded as the symbol of Japanese hard working spirit (ganbaru).

How about the anime? Interestingly, the first half of Run with the Wind begins from the middle where Kakeru had met Haiji and get introduced to the other dorm members, while the second half started just a while before when Haiji met Kakeru. This particular structure is probably used to introduce all 10 dorm members immediately, while the second half focuses on  Kakeru and Haiji. This approach seems to work nicely. By focusing on Haiji and Kakeru in the second half, it builds a sense of tension in contrast to the more relaxed first half. Focusing on Haiji also helps viewers to understand his motivation to join Hakone Ekiden, which is implied to be related with a scar on his leg.

Visually, Run with the Wind looks amazing. There are many dialogues in the first episode, which leads to many shot – reverse shot scenes. However, those scenes are executed beautifully. This kind of scene tends to bore viewers, but the staff in Production I.G really know how to craft those scenes with great storyboard, shade, and lighting. The running scene is also done superbly, where it shows Kakeru running in the middle of night while Haiji tries to chase him. That scene shows great character animation and probably previewed how the running scene will look in the future episodes. So if you are looking for a sport anime with great visual, this anime is a must watch.

Facts and Figures

Screenshots and Trailer

The Indonesian Anime Times