Drawing his "Yumi", once more...Regulating his breathing...Releasing the "Ya" that exemplifies his Sincerity and Purity.

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White velvet clouds rolls in over a blue sky. A brilliance of a new page upon the canvas of consistent hue. Beneath the marvellous sky in the foreground stands five firm figures entwined in colored bands. The sequence concludes with what very well may be a determining shot. That is the OP–the theme is established and the direction of this series has been determined.

Sports Anime are often portrayed with great intensity but "Tsurune" observes the inverse. Tsurune S1 introduced us to the sport of Kyudo: a refined form of archery that centres around calmness and composure. S1 excelled in setting the foundation and atmosphere, one which depicts the elegance and spiritual nature of the sport. To achieve the state of "Shin–Zen–Bi"(Truth, Goodness, Beauty). It also acts as the cornerstone for Minato Narumiya, our MC as he relearns and reaffirms his love for Kyudo. S2 not only enhances these constructs but also introduces its own set of novel elements. Visually, S2 is presented through increased contrast and a brighter outlook. And yet what truly differentiates S2 from its predecessor, is undoubtedly, it's plot. The focus of this season gravitates towards the thematic value of ‘Teamwork’.

Teamwork is universally recognized as the collective effort made to achieve a common goal. For the Kazemai boys team, that common goal is Nationals. In order to secure their victory they have to not only sharpen their skills but also refine their teamwork. That means helping each other improve, resolve misunderstandings and placing faith in one another. All of this to ultimately attain "ikiai", an original term which is the symbolic imagery for unified synergy. It is a state that all teams subconsciously work towards such as Tsujimine High, a new rivalling team. And the effects of "ikiai" are evidently observed amongst the Kazemai High Girls team(yes the writer did not forget about them). This season presents an opportunity for the trio: Yuuna Kanazawa, Rika Seo and Noa Shiragiku to vindicate themselves and display their months of effort since their last competition in S1. It underlines the significance of ikiai born from impeccable teamwork and bonds. Most crucially, their participation acts as a narrative tool to exemplify the unity the Kazemai boys team is searching for.

With that being said, greater teamwork is often coupled by stronger bonds; another highly prevalent concept portrayed in S2. This is represented as early as the colored bands we constantly see in the OP which portrays the bonds between our 5 representatives from Kazemai. But it does not end there–Shuu Fujiwara, Minato's childhood friend and rival who is rather detached courtesy of his more privileged background is also seen with colored bands. Our main casts needs no introduction by now but with the advent of a new season, a new story comes several new faces one of whom is Eisuke Nikaidou from the aforementioned Tsujimine High. He is another past acquaintance of Minato who appears friendly on the front but holds onto deep seated resentment yet he can also be identified with colored bands. Regardless of personality, any human being is likely to have made one meaningful connection. As such, those bands represent interpersonal relationships and, perhaps, new ones they have made. Stronger bonds extends to greater teamwork, and this aids in the journey of inducing "ikiai".

S2 ‘unintentionally’ becomes a character study albeit relatively brief for core characters such as Shu and Eisuke. Their circumstances are expressed with numerous visual imagery. Additionally, it reinforced the personalities we came to know in S1 whilst incorporating purposeful development that we are deliberately made to observe such as Kazemai High Ryouhei Yamanouchi with his self acceptance, and the Kirisaki High Twins nurturing maturity.

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Beyond the narrative composition is an abundance of excellent–quality–sensations. The Director and Team waste no time in telling the story; each scene fits into the rhythm of the whole. Adequately well paced transitions and a myriad of camera angles increases dynamism to hook viewers. Despite the serene nature of the sport, these inputs convey the inherent competitiveness of the sport keeping one on tenterhooks hence providing a multifaceted experience. "Tsurune", it's titular significance, defined as the vibration of a bowstring is more evidently captured to further the sensorial appeal. The sharp and bold sounds are easily distinguishable and it is no surprise given that Youta Tsuruoka, an experienced Sound Director, who was also responsible for "The Monogatari Series" and other Kyoto Animation works such as "Hibike! Euphonium" was in charge. Soothing soundtracks that evoke poignant emotions are also incorporated. One aspect that I particularly love is the temperature of the scenes; utilized to convey appropriate emotions and toning in the numerous environments–it truly makes the composition look beautiful. I believe it is no overstatement to say that KyoAni has once again presented a high quality production–enhanced technical elements and mechanical storytelling from its predecessors.

___ > “What do we get after practising and shooting so much?”

“Tsurune” is indisputably one of the most serene and captivating (sports) anime to indulge in. Peppered with its share of comedic moments makes it an especially enjoyable watch. In this season, our cast of characters actively and subconsciously attempt to uncover their reasons. This series offers us the opportunity to glean what answers they arrive to, particularly Minato, who constantly pursues his passion for Kyudo to find the "Shin–Zen–Bi".