Aquatope of White Sand

Alternate Titles

白い砂のアクアトープ
Shiroi Suna no Aquatope

Synopsis

Kukuru Misakino is an honest and straightforward 18-year-old high school girl who lives in Okinawa and works at the Gamagama Aquarium. She loves the aquarium more than anyone else, and even calls herself the director, even though the actual director is her grandfather. One day, she meets a girl named Fuuka Miyazawa, a former idol who gave up on her dreams and traveled aimlessly from Tokyo to Okinawa. Looking for a place to stay, Fuuka asks to work at the aquarium, and so begins their slow and gentle days together. But things aren’t all peaceful and carefree, and the aquarium is facing the threat of closure. With time running out, the two begin working toward revamping the aquarium to save it from going under.

Background

Aquatope of White Sand is an original TV anime being produced by P.A. Works, which is known for such hits as A3!, Hanasaku Iroha - Blossoms for Tomorrow, Sakura Quest, and Shirobako. The anime was announced in January 2021 and features Toshiya Shinohara (Black Butler, IRODUKU: The World in Colors, A Lull in the Sea) as director, Yuuko Kakihara (Aikatsu Friends!, Cells at Work!, Unbreakable Machine-Doll) handling series composition, Yuki Akiyama (Angel Beats!, The Eccentric Family, Glasslip) handling character designs, and Yoshiaki Dewa (Ah! My Goddess: Flights of Fancy, Flying Witch, Kino's Journey -The Beautiful World-) composing the music. The anime’s opening theme song is "Tayutae, Nana-iro" by ARCANA PROJECT, and the ending theme song is "Tsukiumi no Yurikago" by Mia REGINA. The anime will premiere in Japan on July 8, 2021 on Tokyo MX, BS Fuji, and other channels.

Characters

Kukuru Misakino (Voiced by: Miku Ito)
A high school student who works as the deputy director of the Gamagama Aquarium. She has a straightforward and cheerful personality. She is emotionally attached to the aquarium more than anyone else. She also has a professional side and isn’t afraid to use a harsh tone when the animals are involved. She doesn’t keep up with the trends and styles of her generation. She is working hard to revamp the aquarium before it is forced to close.

Fuuka Miyazawa (Voiced by: Rikako Aida)
A former idol who gave up on her dream to move back in with her parents. On her way home she sees a tourism poster and sets off for Okinawa, where she meets Kukuru. She is diligent and a hard worker. She is sensitive to others’ feelings and is looked up to by those around her. For that reason, she keeps her own feelings close to the chest.

Tsukimi Teruya (Voiced by: Azumi Waki)
Kukuru’s classmate and friend since elementary school. Her mother owns a restaurant which she helps out at, and she seems to always be making friends there. Her nickname is “Udon-chan.” She has a carefree and positive attitude, takes care of others, and is looked up to by those around her.

Karin Kudaka (Voiced by: Lynn)
A government employee who works on the tourism board. She helps out with the work at the aquarium. She is a reliable older sister type who offers positive support whenever a problem arises. Kukuru and the others consider her an older friend.

Kai Nakamura (Voiced by: Shimba Tsuchiya)
Kukuru’s classmate and childhood friend. He helps his fisherman dad early in the morning before daybreak and delivers the fish he catches to Kukuru’s family. He knows Kukuru well, and during summer vacation he volunteers to help out at the aquarium.

Kuuya Yakamashi (Voiced by: Youhei Azakami)
A caretaker at Gamagama Aquarium. He may look blunt and determined, but he does his job well. He is bad at talking to girls his age, so much so that he avoids eye contact whenever talking to them. He works long shifts due to the aquarium having a shortage of caretakers and always works hard. He loves the plum liquor that Kukuru’s grandmother makes.

Ojii (Voiced by: Hiroshi Yanaka)
Kukuru’s grandfather and the director of the Gamagama Aquarium. He entrusts the aquarium’s operation to Kukuru during summer vacation while he travels all over on important missions for the aquarium. He has a very kind and gentle personality.

Music

Opening Theme Song: "Tayutae, Nana-iro" by ARCANA PROJECT
Ending Theme Song: "Tsukiumi no Yurikago" by Mia REGINA

• Official Site (Japanese)
• Official Twitter (Japanese)

• Original Creator: Project Tingara
• Original Character Design: U35
• Director: Toshiya Shinohara
• Series Composition: Yuuko Kakihara
• Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Yuki Akiyama
• Art Director: Kurumi Suzuki
• Art Supervision: Junichi Higashi
• Art Setting: Yoshinori Shiozawa
• Color Design: Naomi Nakano
• Director of Photography: Tomo Namiki
• 3D Director: Haruki Suzuki
• Special Effects: Masahiro Murakami
• Editing: Ayumu Takahashi
• Sound Director: Yo Yamada
• Music: Yoshiaki Dewa
• Music Production: Lantis
• Production: Infinite
• Animation Production: P.A. Works