We are finally talking a little bit about Japanese work culture in The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 18, and all that comes to mind is “What took so long?” Let’s find out how it went down in this review!
The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 18 Overview
The Aquatope on White Sand is the latest anime by the Anime Studio P.A. Works, previously known for producing critically and commercially acclaimed anime like Angel Beats and Another. Toshiya Shinohara directs the series, a director whose career so far has been intrinsically linked with P.A. works, having previously directed Irozuku Sekai no Ashita kara and Nagi no Asu kara for the studio before. It is an original series by P.A. works, which means it is not based on a previously existing property, such as a Manga or a Light Novel.
If you want to know how I felt about the sixteenth episode of the season, or if you want to catch up on it, check out my review of it here. This episode is also known in original Japanese as Shiroi Suna no Aquatope Episode 18.
– The Aquatope of White Sand Episode 18 Review does not contain spoilers –
The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 18 Review: Plot and Characters
Ever since the second half of The Aquatope on White Sand began, the show shifted its focus from a family-oriented slice of life with a tiny bit of magic involved to an entirely separate story about adapting to a job that you might not like and fitting into a new place. Since then, I and some other people have been wondering if the show would ever wander into the controversial issue of Japanese work culture.
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If you’re not aware of the issue, allow me to tell you about it. In some industries in Japan, the companies don’t just appreciate overtime work, they demand it. Leaving on time is sometimes seen as taboo, especially leaving before your superior leaves. This culture leads to intense stress levels across the country and has been roundly criticised by people worldwide. While work conditions have been steadily improving with time, the process still is quite prevalent.
The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 18 approaches the issue in a roundabout way, as it never addresses it by name or even its effects. Instead, it paints the only person who follows the clock and doesn’t spend any more time at work as someone who doesn’t love the job. While the show tried to portray it as a non-issue, what happens towards the end portrays a clear picture of what the show thinks is a more noble outlook to have.
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While I can’t say that I’m surprised by this, I am somewhat disappointed. Kukuru was portrayed as somewhat unhinged when she took work too seriously, so there is a little mixed-messaging going on. The show brushed everything off at the end, so that’s what I’m going to do as well. It’s not that big of a deal, but it was worth talking about nonetheless. After all, the show is as much about working as it is about oceans or fish.
On the other side, The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 18 involved tons of planning by the entire staff of Tingaara to make the place as attractive to kids as possible. This led to a lovely cosplay event set up by Kukuru and Co.TM. The event was fantastic, and the preparations for it even more so. We got to see cute girls dressed as mermaids and Umi-yan as an abomination that is an affront to Gods. Good times were had by all.
The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 18 Review: Art and Music
The usual compliments all applied here as well. The show was gorgeous and the nights brilliantly animated. One could spend an entire afternoon just gazing at the beautiful night skies that The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 18 featured if one had any more time. Alas, this isn’t the only anime most people watch, and all good things must come to an end sometime. Oh well, that’s the beauty of the show. You know the next time you watch, it will look just as good as right now.
Verdict
While The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 18 was a perfectly fine outing on the surface, it might have hidden some secrets about work culture underneath.
Click here to read the review of the next episode!