Nozomi In The Sun · review
Final Score: 6.0 Intro: One of the earliest anime to tackle the struggles of chasing music dreams. It contrasts privilege vs raw talent, wealth vs hardship, in a way that’s direct but still relevant. For me, it stands out as a rare piece of 70s anime that dared to dig into the music industry. Animation: 5/20 The style is clearly dated, with stiff movements and unpolished detail. Still, considering it’s 1970s TV, it does its job. Modern audiences may find it slow, but if you adjust your expectations, the deliberate pacing and expressive character beats hold up decently, if a little awkward and cringy at times. Story: 10/20 The narrativedoesn’t shy from the harsh truths of its time, showing how money can grant careers while true talent struggles. Even predictable turns feel earned, with pacing that lets you sit with each choice. Character interactions are mostly believable, though occasionally they do seem to be a little backwards, and break the emotional weight.
Music: 15/20
Recordings have aged poorly, but the core is still rewarding. Vibrato-heavy kayōkyoku vocals may feel odd for teenage leads, but they fit the era. Jazz mixed with Japanese instruments gives a unique sound. Catchy songs, though tragically hard to find outside of the anime.
Uniqueness: 15/20
A bold mix of music, drama, and social critique from the 70s. While not the only anime with idols or musicians, its willingness to address systemic inequality in the arts makes it stand out. Its datedness also gives it a unique charm modern shows can’t quite replicate.
Enjoyment: 15/20
I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone; it’s slow and niche. But if you like kayōkyoku, coming-of-age drama, or vintage anime, it’s worth giving a few episodes. If the style hooks you, you’ll find it rewarding to stick with it despite the rough edges of age and medium.