Aoki Vuanpaia no Nayami (2021)

The trouble of blue vampires (and humanity)

Aoki Vampire no Nayami introduces us to the aftermath of the COVID 19 pandemic in Tokyo.
The story follows two immature vampires struggling to survive with limited blood supplies whilst living amongst humans in a changing society.

The first episode's opening arc immediately caught my attention. Despite how serious the topic may sound, the 8 episode series blends humour and drama to balance the story. The main and supporting characters all individually have their own personalities and stories.

STORY:

The first thing viewers are introduced to is the drama cover and summary; however, delving into the episodes, we start to learn that the story arc mainly sheds its spotlight on the “people” rather than the “vampires”. I believe this choice of story-telling was made intentionally to create a voice for the voiceless. In other words, each episode introduces a character with their own struggles caused by their surroundings, especially by the pandemic. I found some of the earlier episodes resolved the character arcs too quickly, so it needed a bit of work in terms of pacing.

Some topics include family issues, abuse and work harassment. Many of these issues are common in Japan’s society, with or without the pandemic; therefore, this drama series is relevant to informing viewers of a hopeful outcome to overcoming their struggles. The topics could also inspire overseas viewers as these issues are not limited to Japanese viewers, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic being a global issue.

The troubles of Aoi and Sou’s arc are sprinkled throughout the episodes. If this series had at least 40 minutes per episode, their story could have been fleshed out properly, giving the main leads and guest characters an equal amount of screen time.

In terms of Aoi and Sou, they had an interesting and fun dynamic. Both characters reminded me a little of Drake and Josh; one is mature while the other is goofy and chill. Our main leads may be vampires, but they represent young adults who are forced to adapt and grow (into full-fledged vampires) in a changing environment, hence the pandemic.

Kishiko and Osono were nice addition to the story. Both characters were hilarious and had their brief moments of backstory. I wish we got to see more in-depth exploration. Maybe a clear flashback on these characters.

The regular customers of the cafe all had their charms and moments. It was nice to see each of them contribute in some episodes to connect with the guest characters. Specifically, Mr Oyabu and Nishino were tension breakers to keep the show from seeming too dark. Mia was an interesting character with her own complex and side story. I found her to be grey, and that was intriguing.

ACTING:

Kiriyama Renn - He played his character very well, in my opinion. From the serious to humorous moments, it was not left unforgotten. I had captured many of his scenes for meme-worthy edits. It was pretty interesting seeing his acting grow from my first time seeing him in Switch Girl (2011).

Yuutaro - His acting was so-so. I didn’t find it too bad or phenomenal. I’ve seen his acting background and watched him in 3D kanojo: Real Girl, Cherry magic and Zettai BL. I would be interested to see Yuutaro-san in a darker genre where he breaks away from the cute shounen (young man) role. It seems he gets type-casted into those roles; therefore, it limits viewers from seeing his full potential in acting. I wish him all the best.

MUSIC:

ZAQ - Moonlight - The opening song was very upbeat and catchy, preparing viewers to become hyped for the episode. I’ve roughly translated parts of the songs by hearing the lyrics. To summarise, the opening represents the two blue vampires struggling to get up from their coffins every day “hearing sounds of heartbeats.” I recognised ZAQ as she has covered the opening for the anime, Flip flappers, “Serendipity”. So, I knew I’d get attached to the opening.

Ran - Sekai (The world) - The ending song had a soothing melody in contrast to the opening song. I haven’t analysed the ending song (yet), but from listening carefully to the lyrics. “I wish in this world, we could find a way to understand each other” From my interpretation, this seems to be a very Aoi thing to say. It reflects the inner thoughts of the vampires, more so, Aoi’s perspective.

Overall, if you’re looking for a short drama to be inspired based on the pandemic situation, this show may be for you. It’s not too serious to make you depressed, but it does try to balance both humour and drama. The episodes are roughly 23 mins long, minus the opening and ending songs. Each episode covers different characters with their own obstacles. The main leads can be relatable for both young and older audiences. It’s a show aimed towards the human elements rather than exploring too much into the vampire and supernatural genre.

NOTE: If this gets a season two (which may be unlikely based on the ending conclusion), I hope the show-runners consider giving it international access and not just KKTV (very limited regions). I truly believe this show has the potential to touch international viewers, be explored more and include more build-up on the vampire world.

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The New Normal (really only a spoiler about a supporting character)

It's so quirky, weird, oddly relatable, and fun. These two guys were a great dynamic duo. They played off each other really well. Most of this drama's episodes are generally stand-alone in nature, until we get near the end and have to bring about the final conclusion.

I started this because the premise itself was really different: Two Blue Vampires on a quest for blood so they can become full vampires, however, COVID-19 has changed how they live their every day lives and gets in their way (along with many other things, of course).

I loved the repeating of how Aoi and Sou needed to embrace the "new normal," because of COVID. And not only that, it became a sort of mantra for them to step out of their comfort zone, try something new, break old habits, and/or rethink their perspectives and thoughts.

Accepting or embracing a/the "new normal," can be starting a new job, getting used to wearing a mask, standing up for yourself, accepting yourself for who you are, trying to make the world a better place, allowing your mind to be changed about something you used to believe strongly, etc.

This gave me the same inspiring feelings that "Colorful Love: Genderless Danshi ni Aisareteimasu" did.

Even if we've been set in our ways for months, years, decades, or even centuries, it's never too late to start working to make the world better for others or yourself, even if it's in small ways like just being your authentic self. It may be tough for you now, but you will give others the courage to do the same and make it easier for the next person by making society more accepting.

Aoi and Sou have great character development over the course of the drama and don't let the lessons they learned go to waste in the end. Neither should we the viewers. We need to accept the new normal of this pandemic, and aside from that bring about our own new normal by advancing social causes. Older generations (or Vampire Elders) may scoff and tell us what we are doing is wrong because it's not how things have been done, but we are living in the 21st century and it is the time to move forward, not backward by staying set in our ways because, "That's how it's always been done."

I loved how though Aoi and Sou at first act as if their only intention is to get blood so they can stop being Blue Vamps, you can tell throughout each episode that--in the end--they really just care about helping people (as much as Sou wouldn't like to admit it. Lol). And by the end of each episode, we, the audience, and them have completely forgotten/no longer care about them being successful in their original mission.

This drama managed to cleverly sneak in a Lesbian character, feminism, discussions of toxic masculinity and stereotypes, anxiety, the meaning of true strength, the struggles of finding a job in a failing economy, the negatives of peer pressure, the importance of being yourself and accepting yourself, and that to grow as a person you need to leave the bad views of those before you behind and move forward to a "new normal."

Side Note: I loved how when Sou was told by Mia that she thought he and Aoi were boyfriends (she also mentions that she is a Lesbian), he doesn't get upset or offended at all at her assumption or say something like, "How could you think that?!" or, "Of course not!" You know why? Because he knows there is nothing wrong with it so why would he get upset. Exactly, Sou! Exactly!

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