The first game as a part of the Tokyo City Esperion FC’s youngest newest recruits is in full play. It seems intense, and seeing how Aoi is the main protagonist of the series, he must be in the game’s spotlight, right? Unfortunately, things are proceeding in a drastically different direction. What could be the reason? Let’s find out more in this review of Aoashi Episode 8.
Aoashi Episode 8 Overview
Aoashi, also referred to as Ao Ashi, is a sports anime based on a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yūgo Kobayashi. It has been serialized in Shogakukan’s seinen manga magazine Weekly Big Comic Spirits since January 2015. It is being produced by Production I.G, who have great hits such as Guilty Crown, Psycho-Pass, Kuroko’s Basketball, Haikyuu!!, Psycho-Pass 3 and Moriarty the Patriot.
Ao Ashi follows the story of a third-year middle school student Ashito Aoi living in Ehime prefecture, a backwater town in Japan. Ashito seems to possess talent but has a very straightforward personality. Because of this, other players dislike playing with him. Finally, he was able to join an average team where he felt accepted and came into the eyes of the coach of the youth team, Tatsuya Fukuya. Aoashi proceeds to showcase his journey from here.
The anime is being directed by Akira Satou, who worked on previous projects such as Deadman Wonderland and Release the Spyce, with scripts written by Masahiro Yokotani, and Nakatake and Yamaguchi also serving as chief animation directors. This episode of the show is also known as Ao Ashi Episode 8.
– Ao Ashi Episode 8 Review does not contain any spoilers –
Aoashi Episode 8 Review- Restart From The Basics
The first game in the training club has finally begun! With the chance that one of the players might get promoted to the A-team, it’s up to the new players to showcase their talents in a small game. Decidedly, scoring a goal would put most likely put a player on the map. And yes, the protagonist Aoi scores a jaw-dropping goal in the previous episode. But is just scoring enough?
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We know Aoi has come from a place where he has received no formal training for the sport. Even the games he played were of two types- his teammates shunning him out, not passing him the ball at all, and practically bullying him. Or the other scenario would be when the team completely relied on him and his impulsive plays and let him solely win/lose the match. In Aoashi Episode 8, we finally understand the consequences of Aoi playing just these types of games. Just scoring a goal will not lead you anywhere on a soccer field.
The first half of the episode shows a version of Aoi we did not expect. When Aoi (and his team) were being clobbered on the field in any of the previous games, we saw Aoi not break down under pressure. He cheered himself and his team back on track. Surprisingly, this watch went a lot different. This goes on to depict the good writing in this episode. Aoi is not some legendary character with mental walls so strong that they cannot be broken down. He gets shaken up and loses hope, just like anyone else.
Other characters stood out as well in this episode of Aoashi, solidifying their place in the team. Along with the team shaping up well, we also get the comedically and unnecessarily evil bad guy. The role of the coaches still seems very dicey to me. They seem to act a bit high-and-mighty in guiding the players who ask for their help (aka, literally, their job description). Hana’s unyielding support for Aoi is finally out, and I agree with her!
This episode of Aoashi was well-paced and bounced well between the different groups of characters, solidifying their dynamics. The animation was also good, although the match felt a bit weak. The games need to be improved so that they are captivating all the time, not just when Aoi is playing a power move.
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Ao Ashi Episode 8 depicts many realistic themes, plays and problems related to soccer. Passing a ball is not an easy skill, but it is so important that it is the basic thing a soccer pro can do. Aoi trying to re-learn from the basics indicates we are entering the main-character-relearns-basic portion of the sports anime. And although this plot has been seen a few times, Ao Ashi is implementing it well so far!
Prognosis
Aoashi Episode 8 gives a good foundation plot for the team to be formed. With the key players in the spotlight, their characters are written well. Accompanied with great emotion-instilling dialogues and decent animations (except the game), this episode is a great watch!
Click here to read the review of the next episode!