Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night

Doga Kobo is known for two things: creating anime with a pleasant atmosphere featuring cute girls doing cute things, and producing Oshi no Ko, a dramatic exploration of the entertainment industry. With Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night, they've managed to combine the best of both worlds. This series follows a group of four likable girls each facing personal struggles as they strive to make it in various creative fields like music, animation, and streaming. You might think this theme is overdone in anime, but Jellyfish masterfully blends drama with comedy, creating a balance between despair and determination. The creators tackle significant themes that give depth to an otherwise simple story. It's rare for a single plotline to resonate with me emotionally, let alone multiple ones, but this series managed to do just that. Whether it was Kiui's journey or the story of the eternally young idol and her daughter, the emotional weight was palpable. The show emphasizes the importance of facing fears, pursuing dreams despite obstacles, and understanding that age is just a number. It also highlights the impact of those closest to us, who can offer the most support, but can also hurt us the most. The series touches on familiar struggles for anyone who has ever aspired to be creative — fear of judgment, self-doubt, jealousy, and professional detachment. Despite these heavy themes, the overall tone remains positive, and you might even find yourself inspired to tackle your projects or personal challenges. Visually, the anime is stunning, filled with vibrant colors and beautiful animation. Even someone like me, who isn't usually a fan of idols or the Japanese entertainment industry, found the JELEE music videos captivating both musically and artistically. The main quartet of characters is well-developed, endearing, and memorable each with believable emotions and depth. I especially connected with Kiui. If there are any flaws, it's that the final episode felt rushed, and some dramatic elements could have been explored further. Nonetheless, it wrapped up nicely. In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed this show. It's my favorite new anime of the spring season, and I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates creativity, engaging life stories, or just likes cute girls doing cute things. 9/10 (22/06/2024)