Ao Haru Ride turns ten years without a sequel

Today marks ten years since the anime adaptation of "Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride)" was released in Japan, one of the most beloved and remembered romantic stories by fans of the shojo genre. The series, based on the manga of the same name by Io Sakisaka, first aired on July 8, 2014, capturing the hearts of many with its emotional plot and endearing characters.

"Ao Haru Ride" follows the story of Futaba Yoshioka, a high school girl who, after reuniting with her first love, Kou Mabuchi, decides to change her personality and start over. The manga, known for its deep character development and realistic portrayal of teenage emotions, quickly became a hit both in Japan and internationally.

The manga series was serialized in Bessatsu Margaret magazine from 2011 to 2015, compiling a total of 13 volumes. The anime adaptation, produced by the Production I.G studio and directed by Ai Yoshimura, remained true to the aesthetics and spirit of the original work, but unfortunately, it only managed to adapt the first introductory volumes of the story.

The anime adaptation consists of 12 episodes and an OVA, which focus mainly on the first arcs of the manga's story. Tomoko Konparu was in charge of the script, while Rena Igawa designed the characters, perfectly capturing the essence of Sakisaka's original drawings. The soundtrack, composed by Keiko Osaki, Hiroaki Tsutsumi and Shouta Hashimoto, complemented the melancholic and romantic atmosphere of the series.

Despite the popularity of the anime, the adaptation did not even reach half of the total volumes of the manga, leaving many fans wanting more. Throughout these ten years, fans have repeatedly expressed their desire to see a continuation that encompasses the rest of Futaba and Kou's story. However, to date, there have been no official announcements about a possible second season or a film adaptation that concludes the plot.

The anniversary of "Ao Haru Ride" not only marks a decade since the anime's premiere, but it also highlights fans' lingering hope for a continuation. The series, with its combination of romance, drama, and personal growth, has left a lasting mark on the anime and manga community, and its legacy continues to live on in the hearts of its fans.

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