LOGIC.co.id – Call of the Night (よふかしのうた, Yofukashi no Uta) is an anime adaptation of the manga by the same name, created by Kotoyama. This anime follows the story of Kou Yamori, a middle school student struggling with insomnia, who decides to drop out of school. He begins wandering the streets at night and encounters Nazuna Nanakusa, a vampire who offers him the freedom and thrill of the nocturnal life.
Information:
- Studio: Liden Films
- Director: Tomoyuki Itamura
- Screenwriter: Michiko Yokote
- Music: Creepy Nuts
- Genre: Supernatural, Vampire, Action, Comedy, Romance
- Number of Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Air Date: July 8, 2022 – September 30, 2022 (Season 1)
Synopsis
The story of Call of the Night centers on Ko Yamori, a middle school student suffering from severe insomnia and losing interest in daytime life. In his quest for freedom and meaning, he begins wandering the night, enjoying the serenity and mystery he cannot find during the day.
One night, Ko encounters Nazuna Nanakusa, a vampire who lives without rules. Nazuna offers Ko a new experience: becoming a vampire like her. However, to become a vampire, Ko must fall in love with Nazuna—a condition that proves challenging for a teenager still learning to understand his feelings.
Main Character:
1. Ko Yamori
Role:
Ko Yamori is the protagonist of this anime. A 14-year-old middle school student, he decides to abandon daytime life after feeling bored and disconnected from his daily routines. Ko represents the search for life’s meaning, freedom, and personal identity.
Story Development:
Ko’s insomnia drives him to explore the nocturnal world, a decision that transforms his life when he meets Nazuna. His fascination with Nazuna leads to his desire to become a vampire, only to realize that falling in love is the key condition for this transformation.
Personality:
Ko is a thoughtful and introspective individual, though somewhat naive when it comes to understanding love and relationships. He is courageous enough to defy social norms but often finds himself caught in deep emotional conflicts.
Dynamics with Other Characters:
- Nazuna Nanakusa: Serves as his guide to the nighttime world and the object of his romantic feelings.
- Akira Asai: A reminder of Ko’s past and the normal life he is gradually leaving behind.
- Mahiru Seki: A childhood friend who offers a more realistic perspective on human relationships.
2. Nazuna Nanakusa
Role:
Nazuna is a carefree vampire who disregards rules and becomes the catalyst for change in Ko’s life. She is one of the most captivating characters in this anime.
Background:
As a vampire, Nazuna enjoys absolute freedom to live her life as she pleases. She initially avoids deep emotional connections with humans but gradually begins to open up to Ko.
Personality:
Nazuna is known for her cheerful, laid-back, and often mischievous nature. Despite her carefree exterior, she has a vulnerable side, especially when it comes to understanding human emotions and her relationships with them.
Dynamics with Other Characters:
- Ko Yamori: Their relationship evolves from casual interactions to a deep emotional connection.
- Seri Kikyo: Nazuna shares a complex relationship with Seri, stemming from their differing views on humans.
3. Akira Asai
Role:
Akira is Ko’s childhood friend who maintains her bond with him despite their growing distance. She represents the daytime life that Ko has chosen to leave behind.
Background:
Akira is a mature and grounded girl for her age, with a realistic perspective on life. Her habit of walking to school early in the morning leads to encounters with Ko during his nighttime explorations.
Personality:
Calm, caring, and rational, Akira serves as a balancing force in the story’s dynamics. She often provides Ko with a grounded and realistic point of view.
Dynamics with Other Characters:
- Ko Yamori: She tries to keep Ko connected to the normal world while respecting his decision to explore the night.
- Nazuna Nanakusa: Akira is cautious of Nazuna, especially after learning about her true identity as a vampire.
4. Mahiru Seki
Role:
Mahiru is Ko’s longtime friend who represents a traditional view of relationships and life. His unique perspective adds depth to the story by contrasting with Ko’s newfound nocturnal lifestyle.
Background:
Mahiru is a popular student with significant experience in romantic relationships, making him a stark contrast to Ko, who is only beginning to understand love. Often serving as an advisor on relationships, Mahiru’s views sometimes clash with the night-centered life Ko now pursues.
Personality:
Charismatic and confident, Mahiru exudes charm but can be selfish at times. He approaches life with a realistic and practical mindset, often grounded in conventional norms.
Dynamics with Other Characters:
- Ko Yamori: As an old friend, Mahiru is often frustrated with Ko’s decisions but remains supportive in his own way.
- Seri Kikyo: His interactions with Seri reveal a rarely seen vulnerable side, adding complexity to his character.
5. Seri Kikyo
Role:
Seri is another vampire in the story, characterized by a vastly different personality from Nazuna. She tends to be more manipulative but also harbors a deep emotional side.
Background:
As a vampire, Seri has a complex relationship with humans. While she often uses her charm to manipulate people, deep down, she struggles with feelings of loneliness.
Personality:
Seri is enigmatic and unpredictable. She appears confident and provocative, yet carries deep emotional scars from her interactions with both humans and fellow vampires.
Dynamics with Other Characters:
- Ko Yamori: Initially, Seri views Ko as a naive individual, but her interactions with him help her see a different, more hopeful side of humanity.
- Nazuna Nanakusa: Their relationship is filled with tension due to their contrasting philosophies about relationships with humans.
Themes and Core Messages
The anime explores several profound themes, including:
- Search for Identity: Ko represents teenagers who feel trapped by routine and societal pressures.
- Love and Relationships: The anime delves into romance and complex human connections with depth and emotion.
- Freedom: The night symbolizes freedom and an escape from the constraints of daily life.
- Beauty of the Night: The story highlights the rarely seen beauty and mystery of the nocturnal world.
Visuals and Music
Captivating Nighttime Visuals:
Studio LIDENFILMS successfully brings mesmerizing nighttime visuals to life. Neon lights, shadows, and the quiet yet vibrant cityscape make this anime feel deeply atmospheric.
A Unique Take on Vampires:
Call of the Night portrays vampires in a fresh way, distinct from most other anime. Instead of being depicted as terrifying creatures, the vampires in this story are shown as individuals who relish the freedom and pleasures of life.
Music:
The background score by Yorushika and theme songs like “Daten” by Creepy Nuts add emotional depth to the story, enhancing the intimate ambiance of the night.
