TV Review | Tsurune Season 2 (Episode 1: Summer Calls)

“Tsurune makes a triumphant return with its season two premiere. A compelling story, endearing characters and impressive visuals. It feels so good to see these characters again.”

Tsurune is finally back with its second season! Even though you haven’t seen the feature film, you can still watch this season. Indeed, the film is actually a recap of season 1. This one is set to be released later this year by Sentai Filmworks. As for the series, we will all be able to enjoy episodes weekly.

STORY

For this season two premiere, Tsurune sends our Kazemai students to a sports tournament away from Kyudo club. It puts them in a different setting as we see them playing other sports. Obviously, even in a tournament, you can’t separate the iconic duo Seiya and Minato who play on the same futsal team. It is definitely a nice way to start the season. I had missed these characters. So, it just feels so good to see them back. Their dynamic is still the same. It is a diverse team of characters who get along so well.

But do not worry, this episode also involves Kyudo. Indeed, after the tournament the team meets Masa for some training. We are introduced to the art of Yagoe, which is when you call your shots like in tennis. There is always something to learn.

Moreover, Eisuke Nikaido makes his debut. And, he sure is going to cause some troubles to the students of Kazemai and Kirisaki. The new rival has arrived!

VISUALS

It is Kyoto Animation making this series so I think we all know what to expect with them. This series has the same quality of visuals as Free!. The scenery feels like paintings. Plus, the characters are so beautifully drawn. On top of that, the animation for when the characters shoot their arrows is truly impressive. No other studios do it like Kyoto Animation.

SOUND AND MUSIC

The sounds play an important role in this series. In fact, the word Tsurune is the sound made when the bowstring hits the bow when shooting an arrow. And we do hear this sound quite a lot. We hear many sounds like the wind, the sound of the Fuu’s wings. And the crew making the series does an incredible job at recreating these.

Furthermore, Masaru Yokoyama who composed the score for the film returns for season 2. I love how relaxing and soothing the score is. It really transports you into the art of Kyudo with the characters.

OPENING CREDITS

Finally, it is a new season so that means a new opening credits. Once again, Luck Life is back. This band is part of the DNA of the series. The theme is called “℃” and it is another great song. The credits really put us in the mood showcasing the different characters and the beautiful scenery of this series.

As for the ending theme, it is “Hitominaka” by Tei. Similar to the previous ending song, this one is more peaceful than the opening. For this episode, the song plays as the scene continues so there is no proper ending credits. We will likely get them during the next episode.

VERDICT

Tsurune makes a triumphant return with its season two premiere. A compelling story, endearing characters and impressive visuals. It feels so good to see these characters again.