Blue Period is an anime series about a young boy struggling to find his passion who eventually discovers how to express himself through art. The young boy Yatora has no passion or dreams for the future; his only goal is to graduate school with good grades. He spends his days working hard to maintain his academic standing while hanging out with his equally unambitious friends. Deep down however he wishes he could find something fulfilling.

One early morning returning from hanging out with his friends, his eyes catch the vibrant colours of Shibuya. Not being able to express how he feels about the unusually breathtaking sight, he picks up a paintbrush, hoping his thoughts will be conveyed on canvas.

When he shows his work to his art teacher the praise he gets leads to him considering art school and on a subsequent journey to enter the extremely competitive Tokyo University of the Arts, a school that only accepts one in every 200 applicants.

Initially he struggles, comparing himself to other students while trying to reach their level. Although he doesn’t see immediate results, he doesn’t give up.

Yatora struggles to understand the fine arts, and doesn’t have the immediate approval of his parents. Hoping to secure one of the five prestigious spots in his programme of choice, Yatora must not be defined by his inexperience.

Through 12 episodes, the series showcases not only the struggles students face but also the difficulties everyone could have in their everyday lives, having to decide what’s best for them and what they truly love and are passionate about.

The animators do such a good job portraying Yatora’s story, allowing viewers to feel like they are in his position. For instance, having to practice with him and decide what’s best for his future, something that’s not decided yet but, he so desperately craves.

Blue Period is based on a coming-of-age manga written by Tsubasa Yamaguchi in 2017 and is available on Netflix.