Aki no Kanade

They're both about girls with a big passion for music: the TeaTime band prefers pop-rock and modern instruments but Aki is into taiko, a traditional japanese drum. The two anime are completely different for duration: K-On is a long TV series (2 regular seasons with a movie) and Aki no Kanade is just a oneshot movie for the Anime Mirai Project, but they both involve a character growth and a deep reflection about time passing and social relationships (with the family, friends...), all blended with a special melancholy for the past. 

These two short stories, each less than 30 minutes long, trace the growth of realistic and relatable main characters from childhood to adulthood through a series of vignettes alternating between the past and present to provide context for the main character's current state in life. In such a brief run time, the anime present a thorough look into the characters' development, decisions, dreams, memories, lessons learned, and emotions over the course of their lives. Because the audience sees the characters' interests, concerns, and social circles shift as they mature, it is reminded of the sad reality that life is fleeting and people will never be as young as they once were. For that reason, the stories make the characters, and the audience, consider what they strive and live for. With themes and characters so relatable, especially to older anime viewers, it's sad that these series are so brief, but it's possible that they work better because of their impermanence. read more 

Both works deal with the reviving or rejuvenation of a smaller sized country town with the introduction of new or old ideas, as well as the effect the current decay has had on the local population, geography and economy. The two main heroines, although one is at least ten years the senior of the other, are both finding life in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo difficult due to a lack of personal luck in progressing their career. A coincidence recalls them to the countryside where they are invited or hired to participate in an effort to bring back something the town lost along the years. Both works also delve deeply into character motivations and the hurdles they encountered in the past that put them where they are, as well as how they overcome them to find their own path in life. These are stories of opening up to the world, finding opportunities you didn't think you had and pursuing a new dream. Light on drama and with charming characters, if you are looking for quintessential slice of life either will provide.  read more 

both are about traditional arts school club aki no kanade is taiko drumming hanayamata is about yosakoi dance hanayamata is more laidback and comedic 

Nice half hour films about the themes of reconnecting to the childhood memories of your home town that is undergoing the inevitable change of time as well as the importance to keep believing in your passion. 

"Aki no Kanade" and "Shirobako" reminded me of each other, as both starred a young woman somewhat unsure of her life. As the story moves forward, each of the two female protagonists realizes that they have made the right choice and begins to be more comfortable in their lines of work. 

These anime shorts explore similar themes about childhood and growing up. Both stories portray the lives of individuals in a realistic manner. The characters experience complex emotions despite the length of their stories. If you enjoyed watching one of these anime short then you should appreciate the other.  

In both movies, the protagonist returns to their old towns in the countryside from the city. They are dispassionate and apathetic as adults because their dreams and meaning in life have become dull. When they return to their small towns, a lot has changed. However, a lot has also remained, and as the protagonists reminisce about their past, they rediscover their passions and values. Aki no Kanade is about a professional Taiko drummer who comes back to help with the revival of a old festival and ties up the loose ends of her youth. In Omoide Poroporo, the protagonist rediscovers her feelings and enjoyment in simple country life. Both series are full of subtlety, nostalgia, and contain a touch of realism (more so in Omoide Poroporo). They are about adults who validate and reassure their decisions in life, their identity, and reignite their sense of self by revisiting their pasts. read more 

"Aki no Kanade" and "Chihayafuru" both focus on a young girl who was one day suddenly inspired to partake in a hobby of Japanese origin that eventually takes over her life. In their high school years, each of the two female protagonists tried their best to recruit new members to a club that they respectively started in order to revitalize a tradition. 

"Aki no Kanade" and "Mitsuwano" both involve a group of motivated young people entering a Japanese cultural performance. They are stories of friendship and more importantly of heritage. 

Anyone who enjoys short stories or shot films understand how challenging it is to create them. Their objectives are different than a feature film or a novel. They focus on specific literary elements (e.g, theme, style, narrative structure, mood, etc) to communicate the intent of the author. Otona Joshi no Anime Time and Aki no Kanade provide a glipse into the lives of your everyday women and the issues they face. Aki no Kanade provides a more positive outlook than Otona Joshi no Anime Time. Otona Joshi no Anime Time is better at crafting short stories and has better visuals compared to Aki no Kanade. Both are still very much worth your attention. read more