The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Mayu Murata’s popular romance manga, Honey Lemon Soda, has finally premiered, and fans are buzzing with excitement. The series, which debuted on Crunchyroll, brings to life the sweet and effervescent story that has captivated readers for nine years. This review dives into the first two episodes, examining the animation, storyline, and overall impact of this new addition to the shojo genre.
A Refreshing Take on a Coming-of-Age Story
Honey Lemon Soda centers around Uka Ishimori, a shy and reserved high school student who struggles with self-confidence. She finds herself drawn to the brightly charismatic Kai Miura, a boy who stands out with his vibrant personality and unique way of expressing himself. The story explores Uka’s journey of self-discovery, as she navigates her insecurities and learns to step outside of her comfort zone. The premise is not entirely new in the world of shojo anime, but the series carves its own path by presenting these familiar themes with charm and genuine emotion.
Uka’s Transformation: A Story of Growth
The anime does a fantastic job of highlighting Uka’s personal growth. The animation is meticulous in depicting the small steps she takes forward, adding a layer of depth to her inner struggles and triumphs. The show portrays her emotional journey beautifully, allowing the audience to connect with her vulnerabilities and cheer for her victories. Her interactions with Kai are not only heartwarming, but also help to propel her forward in her journey of self-discovery.
Kai Miura: More Than Just a Flashy Love Interest
Kai’s character is presented as someone who isn’t afraid to be himself and possesses a strong sense of individuality. He acts as a catalyst for Uka’s change, encouraging her to express herself more openly. The first two episodes demonstrate his nonchalant, yet kind nature, creating an interesting dynamic between him and the more timid Uka.
Visuals and Animation: A Feast for the Eyes
The visual elements of Honey Lemon Soda are one of its strongest assets. The series features a vibrant and diverse setting at Hachimitsu High School, which adds to the overall charm of the story. The animation quality is high, particularly during the more emotional scenes, which truly bring the characters’ inner worlds to life.
A Colorful Palette
The use of color in Honey Lemon Soda is noteworthy. While the manga uses golden browns, the anime opts for a more vibrant palette. The color scheme is generally bright and cheerful, matching the lighthearted tone of the narrative. Although some viewers may feel that the yellow theme feels more “electric banana” than honey lemon, the colors create a unique visual experience.
Character Design
While the character designs stay true to the manga, some viewers have noted that the anime’s style does not fully replicate Murata’s art. Specifically, the large, expressive eyes that are characteristic of shojo manga don’t always translate perfectly to the screen. Despite this, the characters are still visually appealing and well-defined.
Pacing and Script: Bringing the Story to Life
The pacing and script of Honey Lemon Soda are well-executed, effectively capturing the story of young love and personal growth. The anime manages to balance the light-hearted, comedic moments with the more serious, emotional scenes. The dialogue feels natural and relatable, further drawing viewers into the world of the characters.
Emotional Depth
The script highlights every small step Uka takes forward, paying attention to detail and design. The emotional scenes are particularly well-done, bringing depth to Uka’s inner world as she faces her fears and explores new emotions. This blend of lightheartedness and emotional depth is key to the success of the series.
Is Honey Lemon Soda Worth the Hype?
Honey Lemon Soda has been a highly anticipated anime, and the first two episodes do a great job of setting the stage for the rest of the series. While some viewers may be critical of some aspects of the animation style, the series provides an enjoyable, heartfelt viewing experience.
A Sweet Treat for Shojo Fans
The anime is a great fit for fans of the shojo genre, offering a refreshing take on the familiar themes of self-discovery and young love. It successfully captures the charm of the source material, bringing the beloved story to a new audience.
Room for Improvement
While the show is generally well-received, some viewers have expressed their opinions on the animation style of the show. The adaptation of the manga’s art may not fully please every fan, however the anime still manages to maintain the core charm of the story.
Beyond the Anime: Exploring Honey Lemon Soda as a Drink
While the anime captures the essence of the Honey Lemon Soda name, the drink itself is quite popular. Honey lemon soda, or honey lemon water, is a beverage with a variety of health claims. Here’s a look at its composition and alleged benefits:
What is Honey Lemon Soda?
The basic recipe consists of honey, lemon juice, and a carbonated water. Many variations exist, some using fresh fruits, herbs, and spices. It’s a popular drink, often enjoyed for its refreshing and tangy flavor.
Health Benefits and Claims
Many people drink honey lemon soda (or warm honey lemon water) as a health beverage. It is often claimed to:
- Boost Immunity: Lemon is a source of Vitamin C, which is believed to support immune function.
- Soothe Sore Throats: Honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Aid Digestion: The acidity of lemon is believed to stimulate digestive enzymes.
- Provide Hydration: The water content of the beverage helps with hydration.
- Act as a Detoxifier: While the body naturally detoxifies itself, some believe the drink aids in the process.
- Help with Weight Loss: Some claim it “melts fat”, although this claim is not supported by science.
Scientific Evidence
While honey and lemon have individual benefits, many of the claims surrounding honey lemon water lack substantial scientific evidence. There is not enough evidence to prove that it will melt fat, boost cognitive function, or detoxify the body. However, it is a tasty and low-calorie alternative to sugary sodas, making it a good option for people looking for a healthier option.
Brands and Recipes
Several companies offer their versions of honey lemon soda:
- Green Bee: Known for their all-natural honey sodas, including the Lemon Sting flavor, made with honey, lemon juice, and rosemary.
- The Beekeeper’s Daughter: Sells a Swarmin’ Strawberry Lemonade Honey Soda made with real honey.
- Monin: Offers a recipe for a Honey Citrus Soda, using honey syrup, lemon and lime juice, and club soda.
- Suntory: Produced a carbonated soft drink called Honey Lemon Gina.
Many homemade recipes also exist, with slight variations in the ingredients. Some include fresh fruits like blackberries, and others add spices like sumac.
Final Thoughts
Honey Lemon Soda, both the anime and the drink, offers a sweet and refreshing experience. The anime adaptation provides a heartfelt coming-of-age story with vibrant animation, while the drink provides a tangy and potentially healthy beverage. Both offer an enjoyable and unique experience for those who choose to partake. As the anime progresses, it will be interesting to see how the characters develop and how their stories unfold, and whether the show will live up to the high expectations set by its source material.
