English Dub Review: Aharen-san wa Hakarenai “Sea Bathing, Huh?”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Raido, Aharen, and the others decide to go to the beach for fun and relaxation.  Their destination: a reclusive island!

Our Take:
It’s no summer vacation without a harmless trip to the beach to soak up the sun and even get a nice tan.  This occasion is unsurprisingly no different, as Raido and the others head to an island for their summer break.  Of course, Riku is also invited, as she still attempts to fit in with the crowd, even though her friends have already accepted her.  At least her friendship with Oshiro is still endearing to watch, despite her being a nervous wreck.  Unsurprisingly, it’s not without a few issues that almost derailed their almost perfect summer day, including Ishikawa messing up the boat departure schedule and missing the sunset.  Thankfully, the island consists of a town to tide them over, so not all hope was lost for these students.
Instead of relying on the usual sitcom-ish tropes we’re familiar with, “Sea Bathing, Huh?” utilized the ordinary “beach trip” plot to develop its characters further.  More importantly, it also offered a pleasantly humorous and laid-back endeavor that’s as gorgeous as a sunrise.  For the former, Reina develops a sudden fear of change, mainly for her relationship with Raido, as she’s concerned about his changed opinion of her upon seeing her in a cute swimsuit. This heavily implies the phobia associated with life’s changes, especially in the context of a serious relationship.  Fortunately, Reina has supportive friends like Raido, Ishikawa, and Sato to help her find the courage to face whatever changes she’ll encounter.  Amid its charm and goofy humor, especially its reference to Ari Aster’s “Midsommar” when Eru becomes concerned for Reina’s safety, the show continues to find the right spots to enforce these relatable messages in a heartfelt yet intentionally corny manner.