I think In the Clear Moonlit Dusk looks absolutely amazing. The overall aesthetic feels really refreshing, and the art style has such a soft, atmospheric look to it that makes it feel fresh/new.
One of the biggest highlights for me is Yoi Takiguchi as the main character. It’s honestly really nice to see a protagonist who has short hair and more boyish mannerisms. She feels different from the typical “cute,” childlike heroines we see so often, which often makes me feel uncomfortable and unable to connect with the characters. Yoi comes across as more mature, composed, and naturally cool. She actually looks and acts closer to her age, which makes her way more interesting to watch.
That said, both her personality and Kohaku Ichimura’s can be a bit confusing at times, especially Ichimura's. His behavior can feel contradictory. On one hand, he says he likes Yoi and even wants to date her, but later he mentions that he's questioning whether he actually likes her at all. Despite that, he still wants her to be his girlfriend, which makes his intentions hard to fully understand.
I think part of what makes it confusing is that Ichimura doesn’t seem to fully understand his own feelings yet. At times, he says that he loves her, which makes the situation feel even more inconsistent. It comes across like he’s acting on impulse, curiosity, or even fascination rather than clear emotions. At the same time, there’s a sense that he’s genuinely drawn to Yoi in a way he hasn’t experienced before, which might be why he’s so unsure and conflicted.
Overall, I really like how the series handles its characters, even if they can be a bit hard to read. I think the dynamic between Yoi and Ichimura is part of what makes the story stand out, even if it can be confusing at times. Their interactions don’t feel overly idealized or perfectly romantic, but instead a bit awkward and uncertain, which makes them feel more real. It’s interesting to see how both of them are still trying to figure themselves out while also navigating their relationship. That sense of emotional uncertainty adds another layer to the story, and even though it can be frustrating, it also makes me more invested in how their relationship will develop over time. The story also has a nice pacing, which really helps build the emotional atmosphere between the characters. Even the smaller interactions feel meaningful and add to the overall development of their relationship. It’s the kind of series that doesn’t rely on big dramatic moments, but instead focuses on subtle expressions, tension, and character growth, which to me makes it more engaging.
13.5 out of 18 users liked this review