Abenobashi Maho Shotengai

Dreary and stagnant Osaka, feeble redevelopment, and empty shopping districts. An elderly shopkeeper evicted from his land where he lived for many years. This work has a distinct atmosphere, the main boy and girl have outgoing personalities, the development of the story is smooth and it uses familiar techniques to heighten anticipation for change. Overall, the work makes a favorable impression on the viewer. The gray, dusty background was probably intended to contrast with the vivid magic book, but we would have liked a bit of contrivance with the darkening methods. Only the first episode has been seen by all the judges. Since the impression would change from the second episode, in which swords and magic take a prominent role, the award has been given out specifically for the first episode.