Air

📖 SYNOPSIS

Air is a Japanese anime series adapted from a visual novel of the same name developed by Key, a brand under Visual Arts. The anime, produced by Kyoto Animation, was directed by Tatsuya Ishihara, written by Fumihiko Shimo, and featured character designs by Tomoe Aratani, based on Itaru Hinoue’s original concepts. It premiered on January 6, 2005, airing 12 main episodes, a recap episode, and a two-episode special titled Air in Summer (August 28 and September 4, 2005) on the BS-i network in Japan. A film adaptation by Toei Animation, directed by Osamu Dezaki, was released on February 5, 2005. The series was licensed for North American release by ADV Films in 2007, with Funimation taking over in 2008. The story follows Yukito Kunisaki, a wandering puppeteer searching for the “girl in the sky,” a figure from a tale passed down by his late mother. Arriving in a quiet seaside town, Yukito meets Misuzu Kamio, a cheerful but mysterious girl, along with other locals like Kano Kirishima and Minagi Tohno, each with their own struggles. As Yukito forms bonds with them, he uncovers connections to a 1,000-year-old legend involving a winged maiden cursed to suffer. The narrative, divided into “Dream,” “Summer,” and “Air” arcs, blends emotional drama, supernatural elements, and themes of family, loss, and reincarnation, exploring whether Yukito can find and free the girl in the sky.