Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    EA Sports Madden NFL 26 Head Coach But Why Tho 5

    Dear EA Sports, Why Can’t I Make A Hot Coach?

    08/14/2025
    Blade in Marvel Rivals Season 3.5

    Blade Can Shut Down The Other Team In Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 If You Know How

    08/08/2025
    John Cena and Cody Rhodes during Summerslam 2025

    The SummerSlam 2025 Main Event Was A Fever Dream We All Needed

    08/08/2025
    Street Fighter 6 Sagat

    Sagat Brings Depth And Approachability To ‘Street Fighter 6’

    08/07/2025
    Battlefield 6 Classes - Support trailer image

    Battlefield 6 Really Wants You To Play Support (But Knows You Won’t)

    07/31/2025
  • Indie Games
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Apple TV+
But Why Tho?
Home » Anime » REVIEW: ‘AYAKA,’ Episode 1 — “Why Don’t You Go For A Ride?”

REVIEW: ‘AYAKA,’ Episode 1 — “Why Don’t You Go For A Ride?”

Allyson JohnsonBy Allyson Johnson07/01/20234 Mins ReadUpdated:02/12/2024
AYAKA Episode 1
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

AYAKA Episode 1

There’s a relative pull to AYAKA Episode 1 that is dampened by one, crucial, element. Despite an immediate hook involving a mystery on an island being engulfed with the embers of a volcano, as community members rush to boats to transport them, the original anime from Studio Blanc is too rigid in the animation thus far to fully engage with viewers. Directed by Nobuyoshi Nagayama, the series premiere demonstrates clear potential and intrigue as we’re introduced to our main characters, and there are some other technical achievements, most notably the music from composer Ryō Tanaka, but the hard lines and stiff movements of the characters will be an ultimate deciding factor for those with different preferences.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Written by GoRA, the series follows Yukito (Yūto Uemura), an orphan who has been living in foster care since early childhood following the death of his father. As he readies himself to graduate middle school, he receives a letter from a man claiming to have been a friend of his father’s who tells him it was his father’s wish for him to return to his birthplace, the Ayakajima islands. Escorted by disciples of his father, Jingi (Takuma Terashima), who we first meet in the flashback as he helps guide Yukito to safety, “Why Don’t You Go For a Ride” establishes the world in which Yukito is returning to.

While the relationship between Yukito and Jingi will be interesting to explore further as the former becomes more accustomed to the latter’s eccentric behavior — especially as they were once as close as brothers — the main pull of the series so far is the islands. From trains that glide over water (an image that can’t help but recall Spirited Away) and mysterious beings called “Mitama” which can either be harmless or threats that require purification from “Ley Masters,” these fantasy elements elevate what otherwise could be a rather rote story.

Based on what’s shown in AYAKA Episode 1, the islands themselves will be a major plot device for the show, especially as we get glimpses of Yukito’s father’s other two disciples in the closing moments. One resides in a study with other students as the other seemingly is out hunting/purifying would-be threats. As ley masters, those who strike a balance between yin and yang in order to maintain harmony on the island, it will be interesting to see their differing approaches, especially when it comes to teaching Yukito.

Unfortunately, along with the animation, Yukito is the other main drawback of the series thus far, largely due to the writing. It takes a gavel to the head to make sure we’re aware that his main personality trait so far is that he doesn’t like to get close to people. He announces it himself through internal dialogue in the opening, as he’s the latest accused of it by Jingi. He explains why, telling Jingi he decided it was safer to remove himself from potential relationships for fear of hurting someone. His own powers inherited from his father are seemingly triggered by heightened emotions. Jingi is quick to dismiss these thoughts though in one of the better character beats of the episode, telling him that there are plenty of adults around him who are able to handle a little childish outburst. So, to help himself grow, he should just wear his heart on his sleeves.

Despite initial drawbacks and disinterest in the overall character animation style, there’s enough to warrant follow-up. While the character designs are lacking and their motion muted, the landscapes and background animation is allowed greater detail and lush colors. The music from Tanaka embodies a traditional soundscape including the usage of instrumentation such as an erhu that helps build a greater, spiritual sense of the world. The production might be clumsy, but there are pieces of brilliance that need to be brought further into the spotlight.

AYAKA Episode 1 is a lore-heavy introduction that lacks in engaging visuals and kinetic combat, despite the action-driven premise. That said, there’s enough worthy of praise that the weaker elements don’t draw too much focus. While it may not be the strongest premiere of the summer season, the mystical aspects and worldbuilding make it a worthy addition to a “to-watch” list.

AYAKA Season 1 is available now on Crunchyroll.

AYAKA Episode 1
  • 6.5/10
    Rating - 6.5/10
6.5/10

TL;DR

AYAKA Episode 1 is a lore-heavy introduction that lacks in engaging visuals and kinetic combat, despite the action-driven premise. That said, there’s enough worthy of praise that the weaker elements don’t draw too much focus.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleCrunchyroll Acquires ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead July 9 Simulcast
Next Article REVIEW: ‘Hell’s Paradise,’ Episode 13 — “Dreams And Reality”
Allyson Johnson

Allyson Johnson is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of InBetweenDrafts. Former Editor-in-Chief at TheYoungFolks, she is a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics and the Boston Online Film Critics Association. Her writing has also appeared at CambridgeDay, ThePlaylist, Pajiba, VagueVisages, RogerEbert, TheBostonGlobe, Inverse, Bustle, her Substack, and every scrap of paper within her reach.

Related Posts

My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 7 Marin
7.5

REVIEW: ‘My Dress-Up Darling’ Season 2 Episode 7 — “Capture Those Delicious Moments”

08/16/2025
DanDaDan Season 2 Episode 7
8.0

REVIEW: ‘DanDaDan’ Season 2 Episode 7 – “Feeling Kinda Gloomy”

08/15/2025
Slur / X in Sakamoto Days Episode 16
8.0

REVIEW: ‘Sakamoto Days’ Episode 16 – “Slice Slice Dance”

08/12/2025
Still from See You Tomorrow At The Food Court
8.0

REVIEW: ‘See You Tomorrow At The Food Court’ Is A Delightful Slice-Of-Life

08/11/2025
Gojo's Nerves in My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 6
10.0

REVIEW: ‘My Dress-Up Darling’ Season 2 Episode 6 — “I’ll Make It Happen. No Matter What, With These Two Hands”

08/10/2025
DanDaDan Season 2 Episode 6
8.5

REVIEW: ‘DanDaDan’ Season 2 Episode 6 – “We Became A Family”

08/07/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
Still from Shin Godzilla
8.5
Film

REVIEW: ‘Shin Godzilla’ Is More Relevant Than Ever

By Sarah Musnicky08/16/2025Updated:08/17/2025

It is understandable how Shin Godzilla succeeded at the box office nearly a decade ago. The strength of its story still stands today.

Botanical Bliss Update Palia But Why Tho 5 News

Palia’s New Botanical Bliss Update Brings New Flora, Decorations, And Quest Mechanic

By Matt Donahue08/18/2025Updated:08/18/2025

The Botanical Bliss update adds new event, more plushes, and a host of quality-of-life improvements and more to celebrate 2 years of Palia.

BOOTS Netflix First Look promotional images News

First Look at Coming-of-Age Story BOOTS, Coming to Netflix This October

By But Why Tho?08/17/2025

Netflix is reporting for duty this fall with the new eight-episode series BOOTS, a comedic drama starring Miles Heizer and Vera Farmiga

Nuestra Magia Secret Lair Art Interviews

EXCLUSIVE: How The ‘Nuestra Magia’ Secret Lair Found Its Identity And Raised Over $1M

By Kate Sánchez08/15/2025Updated:08/15/2025

We spoke with Ovidio Cartagena about Magic: The Gathering’s Nuestra Magia Secret Lair drop, its impact, and the real treasure within.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here