Laid Back Camp
Chance meetings are strange occurrences, aren’t they? For all we know, we could have just met our soulmates or the love of our lives. While some meetings are one-off situations with people we may never meet again, others are impactful, establishing connections that may last for years or even a lifetime. Just think: of all the places a person could have been, they just happened to be there, and you just happened to forge a bond worth writing home about. The unexpected nature of these connections adds even more excitement, suggesting that an intertwined journey may have just begun.
“Laid-Back Camp,” also known as “Yuru Camp△” or “Yurukyan,” is a 12-episode TV Anime series that aired from January 4th to March 22nd in Winter 2018. It was produced by Sotsu, AT-X, Sony Music Communications, MAGES., 81 Produce, BS11, FuRyu, and Crunchyroll SC Anime Fund and brought to life by Studio C-Station. The main team behind it includes Watase Shouta, Kobayashi Hiroyuki, Shimosato Satoru, and Tada Yuuichi as producers. Featuring the genre of Slice of Life alongside the themes of CGDCT (Cute Girls Doing Cute Things) and Iyashikei (healing type), this series of 23-minute episodes earned a rating of PG-13 for teenagers 13 years or older.
The Anime is based on the Manga of the same name, which began publication on the 23rd of May 2015 and is still ongoing. It is the work of author and artist Afro and was serialized in Manga Time Kirara Forward. Yen Press published it in English starting on the 27th of March 2018 and in Polish by Dango beginning on the 5th of February 2019. The sequel TV series, "Laid-Back Camp Season 2," aired for 13 episodes in Winter 2021, thanks to the producers Half H.P. Studio, MAGES, and DeNA, alongside the same studio. “Laid-Back Camp Season 3” aired 12 episodes in Spring 2024, produced by Studio 8bit, all following the source Manga. Three Special episodes titled “Laid-Back Camp Specials” aired from March to July 2018, also done by Studio C-Station.
These 8-minute episodes are exclusive pieces included with the Yuru Camp△ BD/DVD releases and even feature "Heya Camp Episode 0," a tale from before the character Nadeshiko joined the club. “Laid-Back Camp: The Movie” was released on the 1st of July 2022, courtesy of Studio C-Station. This 2-hour movie featured the additional theme of Adult Cast, featuring an original story inspired by a moment in the final episode of the main series, where Nadeshiko imagined herself and her friends as adults.
The story is built around protagonist Rin Shima, who has a hobby quite unlike that of most girls her age. While your typical student’s idea of the perfect getaway would be a fancy vacation alongside their friends and family, Rin would prefer to spend her leisure days solitary camping at the base of Mount Fuji. She is capable of doing everything herself, be it pitching her tent or collecting firewood, and has absolutely no reason to trade away her perfect world of solitude for anything else. But during one of her usual camping sessions, something truly unexpected occurs: a surprise get-together for two!
Yes, Nadeshiko Kagamihara, a lost girl, has no choice but to seek refuge at her campsite. While she was initially determined to get the picturesque view of Mount Fuji for herself, Nadeshiko’s plans flip 180 when she falls asleep partway to her destination. Now left alone with zero options, she seeks aid from the only other person nearby: Rin. While their first meeting and introduction were hasty, to say the least, the duo unexpectedly enjoyed a chilly night together, simply eating ramen and engaging in conversation beside the campfire, which kept them warm. Later that night, Nadeshiko's sister finally arrives to pick her up, but at this point, both girls are left silently wondering about the possibility of having another camping trip together.
In the story department, it is effortless and straightforward to follow. The primary focus is camping, which might sound uninteresting, but the narrative remains refreshing, fun, and unique because all the characters love camping. It is never a dull moment here, as the entire cast is committed to their passion in a delightfully absorbing way, conveying the core message: enjoy all the small moments in life. The pacing is soothingly slow, with each character’s entry into and involvement in the narrative making perfect sense. All of them are correlated in some way, and their chemistry is a joy to watch unfold, so none of them felt unnecessary. Everyone has a different personality, and all their actions suit the setting, popping off each other while tackling the themes of trust and friendship. From the onset, Rin liked camping alone. Still, her fateful meeting with Nadeshiko turned them into camping buddies, sharing her preferences and hobbies, while the narrative maintains some realism by giving actual camping tips. Their days are filled to the brim with hilarious scenarios and jokes executed with perfect timing.
The character department is composed of five main characters. While Rin may be the protagonist, it’s safe to say that Nadeshiko steals the show as the glue keeping everyone together, all while being comical. She is full of energy, loves to eat, and is a blissful existence overall. Meanwhile, Nadeshiko's vibes influence Rin, who is the most experienced camper in the gang, to enjoy group camping more. Next up are Inuyama Aoi and Oogaki Chiaki, members of the Outdoor Activities Club, who, thanks to Nadeshiko, continue club activities and even start planning camping meetings. Last but not least is Saitou Ena, whose main trait is her mockery of Rin, which is executed in a way that you’ll love both characters regardless. None of these characters has complicated backstories or “situations” they are dealing with, which is a plus because the plot does not need it.
Moving on to the art and animation department, you can clearly see that the team focused on the landscapes. Yes, this anime is set outdoors, and the creators put so much effort into the backdrops that it's incredible. These scenes are beautiful; they literally made me want to go camping, thanks to superb camera angles and movements that also provide focus to the characters. I could pause a scene in this show and marvel at the exquisite detail of the vast outdoors, captured in all its glory and realistic colors. The remainder of the color palette is very vibrant and attention-grabbing, with a warm and cozy feeling that flows outside the screen. The character designs are straightforward and wouldn't be called distinct either. You've seen characters with these features thousands of times, but that’s honestly not a big issue because they fit well with the straightforward narrative.
The OSTs excel in the sound and music department, perfectly infusing each moment with either calm or joy to match the mood. It’s nothing special, yes, but they did an impressive job of elevating the feel of each moment, even if it goes unnoticed at times. For example, a short and repetitive piece on guitar can bring out the relaxing camping atmosphere better than you’d think. In contrast, a transition between guitar and flute pieces evokes a sense of mystique due to the exploration of the unknown. Finally, a very soothing vocal piece can bring out just how intimately close this group is. The opening theme is "SHINY DAYS" by Asaka, and the ending theme is "Fuyu Biyori" by Eri Sasaki. I enjoyed both for their fun and engaging rhythm. The opening theme, "SHINY DAYS" by Asaka, stuck in my head for a few days, proving to be incredibly catchy, with perfectly crafted lyrics. The voice acting is exceptional, particularly for the five main girls, who skillfully portrayed their unique personalities in this camp setting. Even the minor conversations between Rin and the gang give off this sense of unity amidst nature that you won’t find in any high school.
Overall, Laid Back Camp isn’t a plot-heavy show, but it has incredible production values. It is a series that revels in its simplicity, and I would say that is its ultimate charm. It focuses on the actions of the main cast and the underlying mood of the whole scene, encouraging everyone who watches it to try camping with their friends at some point. If you’ve camped in the great outdoors before, then this show will surely bring back fond memories and spur you to do it again. At the end of the day, this series shows that every action, no matter how minor or insignificant, can bring out the utmost joy and unforgettable memories for people. So take a break from your busy schedule, plan a trip with your loved ones, and just enjoy the scenery every chance you get. So yes, I highly recommend this anime to anyone looking for a chill and soothing show, especially ones that focus on friendship, trust, passion, happiness, and loving the little things in life.
