I'm a bit unsure about putting this thread here, because it's not really romance. And yet, the anime gives off such a nice feeling that it's hard not to think of it as a tad romantic.

In any case! ARIA the ANIMATION is the first part of this series. In ARIA, we humans have made the earth so filthy that it's almost inhabitable and created a new "earth" on the moon or another planet - I'm not really sure. In any case, the anime takes place on a planet not so unlike ours, called Aqua. Not surprisingly, the largest part of this planet is covered in water.

One of the main places on there is Neo-Venezia, a city modeled like Venice on Earth. The entire anime centers around this place, and about the undines who ferry the gondolas in this beautiful city. Main character is Akari, a sort of trainee when it comes to being an undine, who is so sweet and cute and gentle that she can easily match Belldandy. Seriously.

It's hard to explain what makes this series so wonderful. No big events happen, but the warmth and fluffy feelings this anime has given me are unlike any other. I got Lionfish equally hooked to it, and Jimmy - being the smart man he is - found it on his own. I recommend this series to everyone who enjoys a slice of life series or who simply needs a break from all the drama or action.

Let me know what you think. ^_^

"Smart man"? Your so sweet Reiyuka-chan. From what I've seen. ARIA is a very beautiful and ................calming anime. I guess thats how you can put it. The copy I have is not subtitled, but it should be released in the U.S. soon. I highly recommend it. I thought it was so nice, I bought the soundtrack, 3 pvc figures and a gashapon set as well as a little diorama of the boat house with a couple of kawaii super-deformed figures. ^_^

But it's true. ^-^
Lionfish showed me some of the things you bought and mentioned he's been looking for some things himself. Personally, I've pixelated the company's uniforms almost completely.
I'd love to get my hands on the soundtrack, though. The music of that anime is just so beautiful. It's one of the only anime series where I didn't fastforward through the opening scenes.
So very calming... the OVA is coming out sometime soon, I think in September, but it'll be a while before fans can translate it and upload it on various things. Still, I can't wait. I miss my bit of Neo-Venezia.

hmm sounds like a nice series.puts it on to watch list.

Go you~! ^-^ I can't wait 'till the OVA comes out. I miss my daily portion of "Emberrasing remarks are not allowed!"

It IS a romance Rei, just not exactly an obvious one. The romance is between the city of Neo Venezia and the characters, though most especially with the city and the main character, Akari . (and btw, the planet is actually a terraformed Mars.)

I wasn't sure if it was Mars or the moon.

I think anyone would fall in love with Neo Venezia.