REVIEW: ‘Ayaka’ Episode 4 — “You Can Do It”

Ayaka Episode 4 encapsulates all of what frustrates me about the series. Created by Gora and King Records, the series suffers from a severe lack of personality. Every element and narrative beat is so streamlined that it’s stripped of any color or intrigue, in its place a show that’s hollow and placating. It’s what I imagine AI would come up with if tasked with creating the most basic anime series. 

There’s nothing overtly offensive or even necessarily unwatchable — the animation is clean and at least possesses a level of coherence, something that can’t be said for every new anime that debuted this summer. However, there’s no vision. Ayaka Episode 4 deals with the same problems as the previous three with very few variances. Yukito travels to another part of the Ayaka islands, this time, Third Island, which is more rural than Second Island, a striking contrast to First Island, from last week. As always, Jingi is a drunken buffoon, possessing clear power but written with one defining, annoying characteristic. Yukito worries about his powers and getting close to people. Ley powers are discussed, as are the right ways to contend with Ari-Mitima, as this week’s mentor of the week, Kurama disagrees with Ibuki’s methods from Episode 3. 

The only sliver of hope comes with hints of necessary development. Jingi steps in and helps Yukito control a display of power that threatens to become destructive. He stays calm and collected, doesn’t tease Yukito, and instead reminds him that balance is key which means it’s not just about strength but control too. This display of power, in turn, earns Yukito two new friends who aren’t afraid of what he’s able to do. Jingi may go straight to drinking some more following his support of Yukito, but he does have a moment of reflection as he wonders if his Master, Yukito’s father, would believe in him as a teacher. 

The series has promise in the basic functions of the story. With the right animation and strong action direction, the setting offers a tremendous amount of landscape to work with in terms of world-building. The mitima themselves, then the Ari-Mitima’s, add to the texture of this universe, where environmental elements manifest themselves into wandering sprites. 

Even the dynamic between the three men who were disciples of Yukito’s fathers has promise due to their contrasting personalities. From Jingi’s youthful clumsiness but inherent power to Ibuki’s violence against Kurama’s pacifist teachings, there’s obvious strain. But we don’t care about these characters enough. And sure, we’re only four episodes in, but to look at our favorite anime is to see examples of characters we latched onto immediately. To compare it to another summer debut, there’s no watching the premiere of Zom 100 and not loving and rooting for Akira’s happiness. 

Ayaka has yet to establish a purpose or an artistic presence. There’s still potential for development, but it’s been a sluggish start. Ayaka Episode 4 exemplifies the ongoing issues with the series that keep it from being an engaging viewing with few hints of greater things to come. 

Ayaka Season 1 is available now on Crunchyroll.