Tsurune Collector’s Edition [Blu-ray] Review

4 star atmospheric and uplifting sporting anime.

Tsurune is a 2023 Japanese anime based on the light novel series written by Kotoko Ayano and illustrated by Chinatsu Morimoto. Adapted for anime by Kyoto Animation (K-On!!, Love, Chunibyo and Other Delusions), it is directed by Takuya Yamamura (Sound! Euphonium).

It available to own in the UK from 13th November 2023 on Collector’s Edition Blu-ray courtesy of MVM Entertainment.

“When was that? Where was it? All I remember is one thing. Just that single sound. A sound like soaring through the sky, like the very sound of light piercing through the dark.”

Minato (Bryson Baugus – Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon) discovered the Japanese art of archery kyudo, at a young age and was an avid and talented member of his junior high school kyudo club, until an incident at a tournament led to him hanging up his bow for good.

Due to financial issues, he is forced to attend a high school in a different area, but much to his surprise, his friend Seiya (Gareth West – Golden Time, Haikyu!!) also applies to join him at the same school. When they arrive, they meet up with childhood friend Ryōhei (Gabriel Regojo – Akame Ga Kill!), who has the bright idea of signing them all up for the Kyudo club, led by Tomio (Ty Mahany – Vinland Saga).

Minato reluctantly agrees, but when he is asked to shoot first, his target panic kicks in again and he misses. Humiliated, he leaves and flees to a nearby shrine. Here he meets a solitary archer, Masaki (Joe Daniels – Baki) and his owl Fu. They talk and eventually he discovers that Masaki too once suffered from target panic.

Heartened, he resolves to join the club and along with teammates Nanao (Clint Bickham – Black Bullet) and his cousin Kaito (Courtland Johnson – Mr. Tonegawa: Middle Management Blues), they begin to prepare for a regional high school tournament. Can Minato regain his lost form?

“I can do this now. I will never repeat what happened that day.”

Tsurune is a really enjoyable watch. The animation is beautiful and the laid back style is somewhat at odds with your average sporting anime. It’s a slice-of-life story that not only teaches us the in and outs of the Japanese art of Kyudo, but also allows us to grow with the characters.

Watching Minato come to terms with and defeat his target panic resonated quite strongly with me, as I have experienced dartitis and it is surprisingly debilitating.

The story is far more about the conflicts, friendships and doubts among the characters than the actual results, although that’s not to say that it doesn’t get pretty tense when they are competing. It gives a strong message about the importance of teamwork and togetherness and is thoroughly heartwarming. Well worth a watch.

“I’ll tell you how if it wasn’t for your target panic, we would have won that stupid tournament last year. Do you get it now? If I really wanted you to have it, pity wouldn’t even be on my list. I can make you cry without even trying.

Tsurune is available to buy now on Collector’s Edition Blu-ray.