Aria the Animation

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Alternative Titles

Japanese: ARIA The ANIMATION
English: Aria the Animation
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Information

Type: TV
Episodes: 13
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 6, 2005 to Dec 29, 2005
Premiered: Fall 2005
Broadcast: Thursdays at 01:30 (JST)
Studios: HAL Film Maker
Source: Manga
Genres: FantasyFantasy, Sci-FiSci-Fi, Slice of LifeSlice of Life
Theme: IyashikeiIyashikei
Demographic: ShounenShounen
Duration: 24 min. per ep.
Rating: G - All Ages

Statistics

Score: 7.691 (scored by 5095150,951 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #12752
2 based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #1435
Members: 163,952
Favorites: 2,223

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Recommendations

Aria and Sketchbook share the slice of life genre. The pace of these two is incredibly slow and they are both very good, especially after a tiring day at work. I also noticed that cats play quite a big role in both of these. Even the company who animated these two is the same. The only major difference between these two would be the sci-fi found in Aria. 
report Recommended by Andu
Both animes are focused around people and their lives, with no emphasis on action or drama. This makes both series very relaxing to watch, and makes you feel something like an inner peace. 
report Recommended by Kurai--
The music, the characters, the atmosphere, and even their uniform reminds me of Aria. 
report Recommended by noasura
Both are very relaxing and atmospheric anime with a similar style of music. If you liked one of these anime, you'll probably like the other. 
report Recommended by justice0
Beautiful art, a decorative town with a deep history, a young, eager girl and don't forget some soothing, wonderful music. 
report Recommended by Kimura
Both are slow-paced, easy going anime with a loveable and calm lead character. 
report Recommended by Spades-Deuce
A slow and gentle progression, showing a different world, the different people that live there and their various occupations, while the involved characters grow and learn about life. 
report Recommended by ladyxzeus
Non Non Biyori has a laid-back slice of country life appeal, that is similar to ARIA's slice-of-Venetian every day life. However, I feel like ARIA has a bit more depth to it overall and will ultimately carry more substance. I recommend NNB for a nice quiet evening with tea though. It's one of my favourite things of this season. 
report Recommended by starshinesMonet
The atmosphere, the background music, and more! 
report Recommended by gioss
-Both anime's moods, animation, and flow of the story/plot are very lighthearted. -Both are slow-paced and centered around Slice of Life over Comedy. -Both have the calming quality. 
report Recommended by MagicFlier
Although they seem like completely different genres etc, they both have the same relaxed and calming quality to it. natsume yuujinchou is more supernatural, and though aria has its supernatural moments (the mysterious cats), it is more relaxing slice-of-life. however, after watching an episode, they both give you a nice warm feeling. 
report Recommended by sugarplumfairy
Both series have tight sempai/kohai bonds between the main female characters. The three Rose families of Maria-sama ga Miteru are mirrored by the three rival Undine companies of Aria. Both series are light-hearted slice of life stories that never fail to make you smile and feel warm inside (but Marimite can get a little dramatic at times). Also, funnily enough, both series follow the pattern of having a first TV season, a second TV season, and third OVA series, and then a fourth TV series! :D 
report Recommended by neo_horizon
Both shows are by the same director, Satou Junichi. There's a lot of similarities, such as a lot of detail to the little things, and a lot of similar camera shots. Plus they're both slice of life shows at heart, and should be experienced by anyone who enjoys the genre. 
report Recommended by Shiroth
Both anime are light hearted stories about a young girl (not a child) interacting with others, while they work in their chosen profession. Both also have elements of fantasy. 
report Recommended by hajil
Both are relaxed and peaceful Slice of life series. 
report Recommended by ClockLock
Each series takes place in a calm enviornment and focuses on the mundane activities of its characters; Aria features elements of magical realism, while Flying Witch is outright supernatural, though never makes a big deal about it. 
report Recommended by RiverSorcerer
Both are slice of life, and slow paced. Also, they both make atleast me smile. I guess you could say that they also give a similar "Aura". 
report Recommended by Najica
- Both have the same feels. - They show the beautiful of human relationship. - Kinda have a similar setting, while Aria takes place in the future yet like 19th century Italy, Violet Evergarden takes place in 19th century Germany like region. - In certain episode, both use a similar concept of "letter that travel across time". - Great soundtrack, melancholic, have similar feels when you listen to them. Having the same script writer, it's not suprising to find these similar elements. Both are pretty good top tier slice of life anime. 
report Recommended by KyouKaiTen
Extremely high profile non-miyazaki slice-of-life anime that get many installment. In one famous opinion piece about anime, "rowing a boat" is a coined term means slice-of-life anime with slow pace that watch the everyday life of bishoujo characters. Both anime are rowing a boat. One is rowing in a utopia future re-make of classical Venice city, the other row a boat in a modern day Japanese high-school setting. Rowing-a-boat anime will be highly soothing or extremely boring depends on your preferences (of girls in the show or maybe settings.) Let's just say that rowing-a-boat is not new of a genre, but somehow only recently become highly-anticipated. 
report Recommended by lapisdragon
Both are pretty chill series with some nice stories. If you liked one, there's a good chance you'll like the other. 
report Recommended by Neverender
Those who appreciate Frieren's introspective and poignant exploration of time and relationships, Aria presents a perfect companion piece. Set in the tranquil town of Neo-Venezia on the planet Aqua, this serene anime offers a reflective, slice-of-life experience that echoes the gentle pacing and emotional depth of Frieren’s journey. As you follow Akari Mizunashi’s adventures as an apprentice gondolier, you’ll be drawn into a world where the beauty of the mundane is celebrated and every small moment is treasured. Like Frieren, Akari’s interactions with her friends and the residents of Neo-Venezia are filled with warmth and insightful reflections on life. 'Aria the Animation' is an invitation  read more 
report Recommended by Wizy
Both shows have great music that creates a relaxing and laid back atmosphere and both have a supernatural elements in their respective stories. 
report Recommended by MagEarwhig
These two series invoke a serene and peaceful feeling with a slow, gentle kind of story. While Someday's Dreamers contains magic, it's very minimal and not remotely battle-oriented. Both series are about the protagonists meeting and helping different people while learning more about themselves. They both contain valuable life lessons that are revealed to the viewers and the other characters within the series. Their similarity is strikingly strong and if you enjoy one you'll enjoy the other. 
report Recommended by Mirorin
People liken Konohana Kitan to Urara Meirochou, but the characters have much more similar personalities to that of the Aria cast, such as Yuzu's curious airhead nature akin to Akari's. Similar to Konohana Kitan, it is very episodic in nature, and revolves around the protagonist's discovery of the world they live in and the people in it, as well as getting to know the people working in the same profession - though the setting here is in a replica of Venice, recreated on the terraformed planet Mars in the future. On top of all that, the anime boasts an amazingly entrancing soundtrack that  read more 
report Recommended by JNoob
Same group of friends who work for a particular job with a mentor who will help them. Cute as hell for sure. 
report Recommended by S_V
Cute girls doing cute things. Is there any more to say? Embarrassing Marks are not allowed! 
report Recommended by Rizako
They both have similar pacing with Usagi Drop being faster pace. Have comedy sprinkled in each episode also. While having different settings. The end of each episode always makes you feel good on the inside and enjoy life. 
report Recommended by IllegalCyrus
i know its weird recommending Aria to Isekai Shokudou but watching it reminds me alot of Aria. the slow phase story, the characters, the beautiful scenery, making costumer happy, learning some of their background story. etc. just the feeling to it is really similar. if Isekai Shokudou is a cooking theme Aria is the touring counter part of it.. 
report Recommended by meowskie
Both depicts stories of sea maidens, both have a slow development and a serene ambient mood. 
report Recommended by GenSeiren
Both feature sweet, caring females in the lead. They are laid-back, with occasional moments of sxcitement, but generally are relaxing (sorta) slice-of-life animes. 
report Recommended by Sweetpea
It's strange to express this feeling, but I trully enjoyed both shows. Sora is just like Akari a very optimistic girl who wants to do everything to realise her dreams together with the help of her friends. Both shows are also full of touching moments and will result in some moments where u will have tears in your eyes ^^. Although the setting in both show are both totally different (circus in KS and becoming an undine in Aria), I still recommend everybody to check out the both shows. They are very underrated pearls and you won't regret watching either of the 2. 
report Recommended by lifeaspect
Both give a quiet, peaceful vision of the future, and both are relaxingly entertaining.  
report Recommended by Archaeon
Aria the Animation has a feel in which relaxes the viewer. Both Aria and Clannad both give away that impression. Even though Clannad and Aria have different ideas, the given feeling of calm is the same, if you liked aria, and its sequels, you will probably like clannad 
report Recommended by thunderbolt3
Both shows have that relaxed feel to them, and they're both about a place where small miracles happen. Kokoro Toshokan is a bit more story oriented towards the end of the series, but generally each episode is a stand alone story. 
report Recommended by Archaeon
At first glance these two series might not look like they have much in common but the general atmosphere is very much the same, a feel-good slice of life with some comedy and drama along the way. It doesn't hurt that they feature similar (not to mention great) background music. 
report Recommended by kuroshiroi
Both shows are epsiodic in nature, and both have a nice relaxed feel to them. Oh, and both shows have a female lead called Akari :) 
report Recommended by Archaeon
Both have the same relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Both can also be rather philosophical at times and have slight sci-fi/fantasy elements which fit the world naturally. Kino no Tabi is way better though, just saying.  
report Recommended by Fujaku
Although completely unrelated in setting, both shows give a very similar impression. They both offer a feeling of comfort, and deal with relatable issues many have gone through. Aria might be a bit different in that it has uses much comedy, but overall, I think both shows have a similar tone and are trying to tell similar messages. And they're both great shows if you like cats. 
report Recommended by Sesto_
When it comes to relaxing Slice of Life animes, Natsume Yuujinchou, Mushishi and Aria comes to mind. While it is true that the former two are more closer to Mahoutsukai no Yome in terms of the themes they are dealing with (supernatural elements), Aria and MnY do share many similarities. (This recommendation was made from my early impressions of the first 3 episodes of Mahoutsukai no Yome). Both involve telling short, episodic tales on how life can be very beautiful should we view it in a positive light, allowing them to be great shows to ease our stressful minds that took a huge toll from our  read more 
report Recommended by Lord_Odous
Both are slice-of-life and have a similar, unique, calming atmosphere. Both are also relaxing and episodic series. 
report Recommended by Excelsior
watching Aria reminds of Mai-Otome same for reaching dreams that you really want, having friends that always at your side and the teacher/group/company are similar both are fun to watch and both have same ending :) if you watched both you will know (: ----> watch all the series to see ^^ 
report Recommended by sadnesx
Both heavily feature ocean themes and soothing atmospheres. They use very similar colors (blue and white primarily) and there's something about the music that just brings the two of them together. Nagi no Asu kara has more supernatural elements and more drama, Aria is more slow paced and relaxed. But both have a unique aquatic charm that cannot be described without simply giving them a try. So get to it. dive right in.  
report Recommended by Xaeveax
The premises are different. But both are episodic Slice of Life-Drama series with lighthearted comedy in between. The characters are very nice (Heartcatch Precure has some villains because it's classic premise of mahou shoujo fighting evil, but I am talking about the protagonist and side characters who make the story here). They can restore your faith in humanity (a little) if you have lose it lol. 
report Recommended by Jim_Heart
Both shows are slice of life and give a similar relaxing vibe and tend to encourage you and make you feel better.  
report Recommended by shadowraze
The shows have a similar relaxing feel over each episode making you totally relaxed at each episodes end! Although both the concepts differ from the shows either has their own strong and weak points! 
report Recommended by RafaelDeJongh
Although the genres are pretty different, both of these animes are really heartwarming pieces of slice of life. Each episode just makes you feel so calm and happy. Both Natsume and Akari go through every day helping others and learning more about themselves. 
report Recommended by NQ2Resq
Both shows use detailed visuals and evocative music to create a European atmosphere (GsG is set in Italy while Aria's setting is based on Venice). The two stories also feature female protagonists who are very much dedicated to their professions, and each one is accompanied by an authority figure. For some reason never given, their jobs seem to be open only to girls. 
report Recommended by Yuunagi
The Similarities.. on both show.. are it's atmosphere.. Enjoying the broad wided.. view onto set of characters having a moment... of pandering soothening tone.. which.. every... details are either.. very in a calm manner.. 
report Recommended by -HippySnob-
similar kind of isyashikei anime. slow-paced and relaxing. 
report Recommended by rlaxodn
Both series are very atmospheric with beautiful and unique locations. They both have a very laid back tone, and they both focus on cute girls exploring their environments, albeit one as guides and one as wanderers.  
report Recommended by Steve_Meave
Barakamon is slice of life and an Iyashikei. Aria is the same, but the main difference between the two is Aria the animations over-arching plot is less integrated into the episodes, while barakamon has an over-arching plot. Though thats the big main difference between the two, if you want a calm, happy anime to make your depression go away, watch this, both are very episodic and slice of life and made to calm you! 
report Recommended by Eo_nia
An alternate universe's take on Venice, Italy. Heavy on detailed architecture. 
report Recommended by Indochina
Both shows are exemplary Iyashikei (comforting / soul-healing) anime. Whilst Aria is centered around exploring the lives of Undines in Neo-Venezia, Hakumei to Mikochi revolves around the lives of tiny people living in the forest alongside animals. The musical score is excellent in both anime...and is designed to have a calming effect on the viewer. IMO... what really connects the two shows together is the characters' uncomplicated and positive outlook towards life. In that sense, the shows share a certain level of innocence that is heartwarming as well as something that all adults ought to learn from.  
report Recommended by btech2009
Both shows take place on a mostly flooded planet, in a city built in the sea. In these cities, some girls are living their daily lives and do more or less odd jobs. Both their professions are named after legendary water spirits (Undines in Aria, Nereids in Daphne). The protagonists Akari Mizunashi (Aria) and Maia Mizuki (Daphne) have similar age, appearances and personalities. Both start into their new job at the beginning of the series, and move into the upper floor of their working place. From there, they slowly learn the tricks of their new trade. If you want to see girls bring a smile to the face  read more 
report Recommended by Estefan
Both series have a calm and soothing atmosphere, at certain moments touching serious and important topics (it should be noted that watch Kemono no Souja Erin is more anxious and it has a more specific storyline). Also similar music and interesting characters, the main characters study throughout most part of the story. 
report Recommended by Kns-
These shows have similar mostly episodic structures and they are extremely relaxing. They also have main characters who "tell stories" to some other characters which is referenced in similar way. Majority of their time is spent interacting with closest friends.  
report Recommended by opasnimiki
The atmosphere's similar. In Suisei, there's prevalent ambience behind a resonant, calming soundtrack. In Aria, the effect is even greater. Suisei's apt to change. 
report Recommended by mdz
Maybe its not really similar and doesn't have many things in common, but I got the same heartwarming feeling when watching Planetes. Both also episodic. Aria is best to watch when you wake up in the morning, Planetes is best before you go to sleep in the night. 
report Recommended by omponk_donk
similar as far as characters having a "overall" goal and "training" or. both have fun characters though aria IS SLICE OF LIFE. 
report Recommended by midori-
Both Aria and Puchi Puri Yuushi are cute and heartwarming shows about friendship. Both focus on a group of girls at a similar age who explore their world and make precious memories. The girls in Puchi Puri Yuushi are actually older than those in Aria, but they haven't aged since they were ten and so look younger. Each girl has a non-human companion: a cat in Aria and a steward in Puchi Puri Yuushi. There is romance in both shows, but this is more prominent in Puchi Puri Yuushi. The romance aspects are cute and do not create much drama. There is little drama overall  read more 
report Recommended by ccorn
Each series features female protagonists that are undergoing a coming of age story. They truly want to find a purpose in life, and their struggles in finding their dream job is shown throughout the animes. While Aquatope focuses on Fuuka learning to become an aquarium attendant, Aria focuses on Akari's path to becoming a gondolier/water fairy. 
report Recommended by FireX
They are both episodic anime which has a mysterious calming feel. Both show alot of scenery and the world around them. The music is calming in both.  
report Recommended by Deer50
Sasameki Koto has some shoujo-ai elements and is slightly more angsty at times, while Aria is lighter fare, but at heart, both series revolve around a group of girls making friends, having new encounters, and simply living life. Recommended for slice-of-life fans who enjoy a sprinkle of comedy and a dash of funny faces. 
report Recommended by -PixieDust-
They are both easy going, have the same types of characters. The plot is secondary to the interactions between the main characters. 
report Recommended by grebs
Both of these shows depict a day to day routine that contains the spice of mysterious supernatural happenings. In both, those mysteries are never totally resolved, leaving the viewer the freedom to imagine. 
report Recommended by cirruspalace
Optimistic and motivational series that helps you succeed in life. 
report Recommended by roquefort
Two stages dominated by girls, to add absolutely loveable girls, to the point that it's hard to say which one you like the most and so you'll love them all.Man are really just in the background. 
report Recommended by Rychulubicz
Well, if you like the kind of anime that combines comedy with a slice of life, then the Aria series is for you, though the themes are completely different, I found that it appealed to much of the same things... An extremely prevalent and light sense of humor, but is serious when it should be. 
report Recommended by Greyskulduggery
The atmosphere and calming nature of the story and pacing is practically identical between the two. While Aria does not deal much with spirits, it does deal extensively with human nature and understanding/remembering the finer things in life. 
report Recommended by xbandaidx
Both have a girl who left Earth to space trying to make her dream come true, along the way she meets alot of freinds and learn new things in life. they both feel like they are taken from real life Exp. 
report Recommended by yumiche
Japanese national standard of slice-of-life genre. Anime, manga, drama, or other form of fictional works, if it is slice-of-life, this is what it will looks like. Feature both super interesting and blatantly average lead characters to create contrast. Have some place they can gather or some activity they have in common to create conversation. Emphasize a lot on stuffs that ACTUAL Japanese people talk about, like season, weather and how's that guy doing. While both anime looks a lot different visually, I assure you, that if they are both a live-action TV show, they will give you the same reaction. Either OMG this is so  read more 
report Recommended by lapisdragon
Both anime are set in a futuristic version of an Italian city: RxJ is set in Neo Verona, and Aria is set in Neo Venezia. 
report Recommended by RenaPsychoKiller
Beautiful sci-fi slice of life series focusing on the ocean. Real Drive has more action and story at the beginning and the end, but the middle section is quite similar. 
report Recommended by darkmac
Althought having completely diffrent setting, both anime are slice of life, showing students dealing with their passions/work, and later with ineviteble changes in their lives as time passes on. 
report Recommended by hajil
The main character in both series are young, confident women which want to become someone important in the future so they do everything to reach the top. Both series got climax and similar use of colors. When you enjoyed Aria, watching Saiunkoku Monogatari will be a big pleasure.  
report Recommended by Kalafior
These might not be identical, but the main characters in both shows put a lot of pride and emotion into their work no matter what they're doing. 
report Recommended by Mawiin
Both of them are a slice of life and Aria always seems to leave you with a good feeling 
report Recommended by Wandalynn
both Anime are slice of life with an easy going story line but with lesson and character development and I think both main character are quite similar on how they think about their job and life.. 
report Recommended by meowskie
Cute girls voiced by Saitou Chiwa and Hirohashi Ryou are guides in Neo Venezia/Pinky Town. They show beautiful sights of their cities to the tourists and create the warmth of their hearts. 
report Recommended by hsuzumiya
In both anime the protagonist says things about life value in each episode. And they are both slice of life and very calm. 
report Recommended by Faylicia
What's the difference between pure science and applied science? Half the population don't know before Googling it up. Aria is an actionless twist from normal sci-fi genre which usually come bundled with action. Well of course Aria is chilled slice-of-life, but if that actionless, blood-deboiling moments make you overlook its sci-finess then you are not familiar with British soap. And yes sci-fi get along well with comedy, slice-of-life, romance, and actionless drama too. Sci-fi no longer serve purpose as a genre in 2011, it's more like a setting. Denpa Onna is a sci-fi-less twist from normal sci-fi genre which usually come bundles with sci-fi elements. (Wait,  read more 
report Recommended by lapisdragon
The cute characters, peaceful cities, instead of Companies there are clans, the art work is similar. 
report Recommended by Kuro-kage
Both series leave you with a cheerful and positive feeling. Akari and Nadja have very similar personalities. They both like to help others and both can't seem to help charming everyone they meet. Both also have an optimistic view of life. If you enjoyed one I definitely think you would enjoy the other. 
report Recommended by Whimsical
well, Lamune is a romantic anime while aria the animation has noting to do romanic, but there both .... well.... have the same relaxing theme to them, there is no complicated or twisted plots, they're both simple, easy to watch. 
report Recommended by armageddonn
These two anime have a similar calming atmosphere, detailed backgrounds, and an emphasis on friendship. Manaria is shorter and thus more limited in scope while Aria is much longer (and has sequels). Each is well worth the watch, however, for anyone looking for a soothing and quietly enjoyable series. 
report Recommended by KayaTC
Come watch a group of girls start their dream jobs and learn to improve day-by-day. In Shirobako, the main characters are working in the fast-paced, high-stress anime industry. Each girl must overcome the difficulties in landing and succeeding at their careers. Discovering why they wanted to work in the anime industry despite its hardships. In Aria, the main characters are working in the relaxing, scenic tour guide industry. Each girl must develop the skills and maturity needing to become a great tour guide. Discovering how they can become great tour guides and takeover from their mentors. Working is hard so some you just want to  read more 
report Recommended by lancelot200
The same peaceful sensation will invade you as you watch these two series. While missing a plot, each episodic story is touching, original and has an unique sense of humor attached to it. While Aria deals with the link between Neo-Venecia and its citizens. tourists and Undine, Natsume definitely present a similar relationship between Natsume, the ayakashi and the humans.... 
report Recommended by wakka9ca
Both are episodic slice of life tales, and whilst Aria may the more popular, Binchou-tan has a charm all of it's own - a worthy rival to the series. 
report Recommended by Archaeon