Lights, Love, Action! 10 Things You Didn't Know About 'Ano Natsu de Matteru'

If you're a fan of anime that beautifully blends romance, sci-fi, and slice-of-life elements, you've likely come across the delightful series 'Ano Natsu de Matteru' (Waiting in the Summer). This hidden gem has captured the hearts of viewers around the world with its captivating story, well-developed characters, and stunning visuals. However, even the most dedicated fans may not be aware of some intriguing facts and details about the series. In this article, we'll delve into the world of 'Ano Natsu de Matteru' and uncover 10 things you didn't know about this remarkable anime.

1. The Interstellar Connection

'Ano Natsu de Matteru' isn't just a story of love and friendship on Earth; it has a subtle interstellar connection. The series is set in the same fictional universe as the 1993 anime 'Please Save My Earth' (Boku no Chikyū o Mamotte), which adds an interesting layer of depth to both narratives.

2. A Familiar Voice

If you found the voice of the alien character Ichika Takatsuki strangely familiar, you're onto something. Ichika is voiced by none other than Kana Hanazawa, a renowned voice actress known for her roles in various anime series, including 'Psycho-Pass' and 'Bakemonogatari.'

3. A Filmmaker's Tribute

'Ano Natsu de Matteru' pays homage to the legendary Japanese director Steven Spielberg. The character Remon Yamano's nickname, "Lemon," is a direct reference to the character of Eliott in Spielberg's iconic film 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.'

4. An OVA Surprise

The series includes an original video animation (OVA) episode titled 'Ano Natsu de Matteru: Bokutachi wa Koukou Saigo no Natsu o Sugoshi nagara, Ano Natsu o Matteru' (Ano Natsu de Matteru: We'll Always Have the End of Summer, I'll Be Waiting for That Summer). This OVA serves as a sequel to the main series and provides closure to some of the character arcs.

5. Real-Life Locations

The anime doesn't just take place in a fictional world; it's grounded in reality. Many of the locations featured in 'Ano Natsu de Matteru' are inspired by real places in the Japanese city of Tateyama, located in Chiba Prefecture.

6. A Familiar Team

The production team behind 'Ano Natsu de Matteru' includes several key members from the highly acclaimed anime 'Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.' Director Tatsuyuki Nagai and screenwriter Mari Okada, known for their work on 'Anohana,' brought their talents to this series as well.

7. A Familiar Surname

If you've watched 'Anohana,' you might notice a connection between the characters in the two series. In 'Ano Natsu de Matteru,' the character Lemon Yamano shares the same surname as Meiko "Menma" Honma from 'Anohana,' providing a subtle link between the two stories.

8. The Filmmaking Theme

'Ano Natsu de Matteru' revolves around the making of an independent film. Interestingly, the anime's production team created an actual short film titled 'Ano Natsu de Matteru: Natsu no Owari ni' (Waiting in the Summer: At the End of the Summer), which serves as the film within the anime.

9. Alien Inspiration

The character of Ichika Takatsuki was inspired by the legendary sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke, particularly his concept of the "Clarke Orbit," a geostationary orbit now commonly known as the Clarke Orbit.

10. The Enigmatic UFO

Throughout the series, an unidentified flying object (UFO) plays a significant role. While the show incorporates many elements of science fiction, the UFO's appearance and its mysterious nature leave viewers with questions about its origin and purpose.

In conclusion, 'Ano Natsu de Matteru' offers much more than meets the eye. Beyond its heartwarming romance and sci-fi intrigue, the series is filled with references, connections to other anime, and hidden details that enrich the viewing experience. Whether you're revisiting this anime or discovering it for the first time, these 10 intriguing facts add an extra layer of appreciation for the series and its creators. 'Ano Natsu de Matteru' is more than just a summer love story; it's a multifaceted gem in the world of anime.