In this edition of Anime In-Depth, we'll go to another historical fiction piece, and quickly one of my favorite seasonal anime shows of 2021 and of this decade, Fena: Pirate Princess.
Created by Kazuto Nakazawa and studio Production I.G, produced by Rui Kuroki, and directed by ToyGerPROJECT, Nakazawa, Tetsuya Takahashi and Junichi Fujisaku, the show is a co-production between Crunchyroll and Adult Swim and premiered on August 15, 2021 on both platforms in before taking its Japanese broadcast on October 3, 2021. The music was composed by Yuki Kajiura, while the overall scripts of the story was written by Asako Kuboyama.
The opening theme, "Umi to Shinju (The Sea and Pearls," was performed by JUNNA and the ending theme, "Saihate (The Farthest Shore)," was performed by Minori Suzuki. Meanwhile, the finale episode ending, "Taiyou no Funaji (The Sun's Voyage)," was also performed by JUNNA.
The plot synopsis of Fena was published by the MyAnimeList team:
A decade ago, a tragic shipwreck separated Fena Houtman from her childhood friend Yukimaru and took her father's life. Now, at age 23, she is trapped on an island and is doomed to spend the rest of her life selling herself to men. On the night she is to be forcibly wed to a client, Fena hatches a plan to escape from her employers, but two old acquaintances unexpectedly intervene and help her run away.
The three make haste for the open sea and land upon Goblin Island—a mysterious place that a clan of fierce warriors call home. It is there that Fena learns that her father's ill-fated final journey at sea was in search of a place called "Eden," the location of something important that he had to protect. With nothing but a clear crystal as a clue, Fena is tasked with finding this place, as she is the only person who can do so.
While still contemplating the search for what her father left behind, Fena reunites with Yukimaru, who encourages her to take up the quest. Now the captain of a seven-person crew, Fena must navigate the high seas in search of Eden. But as uncanny groups begin to target her, the perilous journey proves to be even more challenging than it previously seemed.
To culminate the show's recent conclusion, we met a cool fan from the Down Under, Chloe aka Crimson Mage, and were preparing some interesting but heart-wrenching in-depth questions about Fena!
Yona Kuromatoki: Why are you liking the show so much and what it means to you? It could be about the plot, the animation or the storyline, everything is fine.
Chloe aka Crimson Mage: Oh so many things I should say! Uh well first of, I love the story of Fena: Pirate Princess. It is such a unique show that has pirates, ninjas and samurai all together. And I absolutely love the pairing FenaMaru (ship name for Fena Houtman and Yukimaru Sanada). Their love story in my eyes is truly out of this world.
YK: We all know that we love interracial relationships in the fictional universe, specifically, the romantic ones, at all. So speaking of Fena and Yukimaru, how do you find them as a pair generally?
CM: I find the pairing so endearing. Yukimaru and Fena have a great understanding between them. They believe in each other. They're dorks in their own way. What I love about them is that they always protect one another and they love each other so deeply. They are the most strongest, beautiful and understanding couple. The best!
YK: What's your reaction about their reunion during the pilot episode?
CM: My first reaction is that "Oh they're gonna be the endgame ship for sure!"
YK: What else?
CM: Ummmmm that their reunion was really well done. Especially the animation and the acting. The acting was brilliant and hilarious! It felt natural.
YK: I agree.
CM: (smiles and gives thumbs-up) Awesome!
YK: Squeeing aside, your thoughts about Abel Bluefield, as well as Karin and co?
CM: First about Abel. He is really a tragic person who had lost the love of his life, Helena (aka Fena's late mom). I thought he was an intriguing and mysterious character when introduced. He's been driven mad and obsessed but understood his pain when losing a loved one.
The crew. They gave me a team as a family feels. Just every time being shown on the screen. They all have great chemistry and great bonds with each other. They're right knit and work together very well.
YK: Okay I know this is a quite complicated question, but does the secret about Eden make sense in the story?
CM: Hmmm that's a complicated question. Uh, I think in a way it does. The story is filled with mystery and magic. I don't know that's what I think.
YK: In your own words, why is Fena important for Yukimaru?
CM: Fena is so important to Yukimaru because... She is his light, his rock and his first love. She is everything to him. And he loves her and still does after ten years.
YK: A wonderful answer! The next question will be an emotional one, so here I go! What's your reaction when Yukimaru almost lost Fena and then the latter lost her memories?
(Chloe starting to cry slightly for few seconds)
YK: (shocked) Oh boy, I knew this is gonna be hitting in the feels on ya!
CM: (sniffs then gently wipes her tears with her tissue before she begins to answer) My heart was racing... Big time. Cried for two hours I cried a lot and him shouting out to her really hits home. He really does love her even though her memories are lost.
This trope has been rarely used and I want to see where this may lead.
YK: In case of a sequel, what would you wanna see more on Fena and co's expanded adventures?
CM: Oooh hmmm well, see more new lands, new allies and enemies. As well as more... I mean MORE FenaMaru and more crew moments!!
YK: Do you have a message from the cast and staff, both in Japanese and English? And to Fena, Yukimaru and the gang?
CM: Oh! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL ANIME EVER! I ENJOYED EVERY BIT OF IT!
FENA, YUKIMARU AND THE GANG! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE LAUGHTER, THE TEARS AND THE ADVENTURES!!
YK: Thanks for taking your time in making this in-depth impressions for my blog, Chloe!!
CM: Oh, no worries!! Happy to be of service! (smiles)
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