Yuru Camp – Final Review

Back in 2018, I kind of forgot about this show despite being a Manga Time Kirara title since I had too much to watch. Yes, it’s Yuru Camp, which is a slice of life story that focuses on cute girls going camping outdoors. As expected, this might be one of the most enjoyable iyashikei shows, especially given what is happening now.

The story focuses on girls going camping. A high school girl named Shima Rin frequently goes camping alone. After arriving to the camp site on a lake side that has a view of Mount Fuji, she sets up her campsite. She builds her tent, collect firewood, and cut them, and lit the campfire. Meanwhile, Nadeshiko, who just moved is sleeping on a bench near the bathroom.

Apparently, Nadeshiko comes up to Rin in tears. Rin becomes scared after Nadeshiko chases her. Apparently, since the tunnel is dark, she is scared to go home. To make matters worse, she forgot her phone.

Rin hears her stomach rumbling and offers her cup ramen. After Rin boils water and cooks it, it seems that Nadeshiko enjoyed the meal and calls her older sister with Rin’s phone.  Still, after Nadeshiko’s older sister picks Nadeshiko up, she becomes interested in outdoor camping.

Nadeshiko eventually joins the Outdoor Activities Club, which consists of Oogaki Chiaki, the cheerful leader of the club. The other member is Inuyama Aoi, who has a funny accent. Together, they do various outdoor activities. Also, Nadeshiko eventually goes camping with Rin. Aside from Rin doing a few solo-camping trips, she eventually participates in a Christmas camping activity with the Outdoor Activities Club and her friend, Saito Ena.

I must admit that I enjoyed both viewpoints of camping. First off, Rin seems to enjoy camping alone. It’s not too surprising given how much experience Rin has regarding camping. Not only that, she wants to explore areas on her own. Also, part of this has to do with her grandfather who camps alone. Of course, Chiaki somehow runs into him.

However, thanks to Nadeshiko probably, she eventually defrosts on the idea of camping with other people. This is very evident when they gone camping together. It’s not too surprising since Nadeshiko grown closer to Rin. She eventually accepts the idea of trying group camping during Christmas, after initially rejecting it first.

Even so, it’s also nice to see the other side of group camping with Nadeshiko, Chikai and Aoi. Of course, it’s a lot easier since it’s more of a team effort, making tasks a lot easier and enjoyable for some. Despite this, it’s nice that Rin eventually enjoyed her first-time experience of camping with her friends together.

As for the characters, they are very enjoyable. Sure, Chiaki may look smart with those glasses and pretends to know a lot about camping, it seems that others are savvier. Also, besides Aoi’s voice, her scheming with others is quite funny.

Still, the main spotlight is obviously on Rin and Nadeshiko. While I like Rin’s determination, especially when it comes to hot springs, cute dogs, and going to destinations. Also, I like Rin’s hair, especially when Ena does ridiculous thing with her hair.

Also, there is Nadeshiko, who is a precious cinnamon bun. Sure, she is very ditzy and cheerful, she is also a good cook. Yes, it’s obvious that Rin enjoyed her hot pot when she at it the first time. Still, I must admit that the Rin and Nadeshiko pairing is precious, especially how close they grown since they first met.

Lastly, there is the production values. I must admit that the animation looks really great along with the music. It does bring the strong feeling of escapism. The detailed and beautiful sceneries of the forest, lakes and the mountains bring the viewer in. Of course, the music adds to the iyashikei feeling.

Overall, Yuru Camp is a very enjoyable schoolgirl slice of life show mostly because of the characters and scenery. This is from someone who is not an outdoors type of person. Given that this show premise is cute girls camping outside, this is the thing we need as we are still stuck at home. Also, I liked how somewhat educational it is showing the various aspects of camping such as putting up a tent to lighting a campfire. Lastly, Nadeshiko and Rin are an enjoyable pairing for obvious reasons. I think that reason alone is one of the big reasons to watch this show in my opinion. ¶