‘ARIA THE ANIMATION’ is an anime based on manga by Kozue Amano, set in “Neo-Venice,” a city that recreates Venice, Italy, on the terraformed planet Mars. This work skillfully weaves the beauty and culture of real Venice into a futuristic setting, captivating many fans.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the charm of Italian-style Venice as depicted in ARIA THE ANIMATION, comparing it with real Venice.
The Stage of ARIA THE ANIMATION: What is Neo-Venice?
A Water City Recreated on Future Mars
The stage of ARIA THE ANIMATION is Neo-Venice, a city built on Mars (called “Aqua” in the series), which has become a water planet through terraforming. This city faithfully recreates Venice, Italy on Earth, with canals crisscrossing throughout and gondolas serving as the primary means of transportation.
According to the setting, Neo-Venice was rebuilt on Mars to preserve the streetscape and culture of Venice after Earth’s Venice faced the threat of submersion. This setting can also be said to reflect the author’s thoughts on the rising water level problem that real Venice faces.
The World of Gondolas and Water Guides (Undines)
The protagonist, Akari Mizunashi, is depicted growing as an “Undine,” a water guide who operates gondolas. Undine is an Italian word meaning water spirit, but in the series it refers to the professional who operates gondolas.
This setting follows the tradition of gondoliers (gondola rowers) in real Venice while adding fantastical elements to create a unique professional identity.
Comparison with Real Venice: Faithfully Reproduced Architecture and Culture
St. Mark’s Square and Its Surroundings
Many locations featured in ARIA THE ANIMATION are based on famous sites in real Venice. Particularly striking is St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco).
The actual St. Mark’s Square is located in the heart of Venice and is called “the most beautiful square in the world.” In the series, this square appears as an important location multiple times, with its beautiful architectural style carefully depicted.
The Depiction of St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) is known as a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, characterized by its lavish exterior and interior mosaic decorations. In ARIA THE ANIMATION, the characteristic domes and front facade of this basilica are faithfully depicted, beautifully recreating the atmosphere of the actual building.
The Presence of the Campanile (Bell Tower)
The bell tower, standing 98.6 meters tall at St. Mark’s Square, also appears as an important landmark in the series. This bell tower serves as an observation deck from which the Venice cityscape can be viewed, and it is popular with tourists. In the series, it is effectively used in scenes where characters look out over the city.
The Rialto Bridge and Surrounding Canals
The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), the oldest bridge in Venice spanning the Grand Canal (Canal Grande), is characterized by its beautiful arched structure and shops on the bridge.
In ARIA THE ANIMATION, multiple scenes feature this bridge, with gondolas passing impressively beneath it. The real Rialto Bridge is also a popular spot for gondola tours, and the series’ depiction faithfully reflects the real tourism experience.
The Maze of Narrow Canals and Alleyways
One of Venice’s charms is the maze-like streetscape created by intricate canals and calli (alleyways). ARIA THE ANIMATION carefully depicts this complex urban structure, showing how the protagonists make various discoveries while navigating the canals.
In real Venice, getting lost is not uncommon even with a map. The series also includes episodes where Akari loses her way, realistically expressing Venice’s complexity.
Elements of Italian Culture: Authentic Culture Woven into the Work
Language and Greetings
ARIA THE ANIMATION uses Italian words and phrases throughout.
- “Aria”: This word, which also appears in the title, means “air” or “melody” in Italian.
- “Buongiorno”: Good morning, good afternoon
- “Grazie”: Thank you
- “Prego”: You’re welcome
By naturally incorporating these words into conversations, the entire work exudes an Italian atmosphere.
Italian Cuisine and Food Culture
The series features many scenes of enjoying Italian cuisine. Pasta, pizza, gelato, espresso and other iconic Italian foods are depicted, giving authenticity to the characters’ daily lives.
Seafood cuisine unique to Venice and “bacaro” (tavern) culture are woven into the background of the work.
Carnival and Mask Culture
Venice is famous for its gorgeous Carnival (Mardi Gras). ARIA THE ANIMATION includes episodes themed around carnival, featuring traditional Venetian masks.
The actual Venice Carnival is a traditional event continuing from the Middle Ages, where people dressed in elaborate masks and lavish costumes brighten the streets. By incorporating this cultural element, the work expresses respect for Venice’s history and traditions.
Venetian Architecture and Its Recreation
Gothic-Byzantine Style Palaces
Venetian architecture is characterized by a unique fusion of Gothic and Byzantine styles. In particular, the palaces lining the Grand Canal are known for their splendid appearance.
Many buildings appearing in ARIA THE ANIMATION faithfully recreate this unique Venetian architectural style, with details such as pointed arches, delicate stonework, and balconies carefully depicted.
Lavish Architecture Like Ca’ d’Oro (The Golden House)
Ca’ d’Oro is known as “the Golden House” and is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. Its name comes from the fact that the exterior walls were once covered with gold leaf.
Among the lavish buildings appearing in the series, some evoke the design of Ca’ d’Oro, functioning as elements symbolizing Venice’s wealth and artistry.
Characteristics of Architecture Built on Water
Venetian buildings are constructed by driving wooden pilings into soft ground. Through this unique construction technique, a landscape is created where buildings appear to rise directly from the water’s surface.
In ARIA THE ANIMATION, this characteristic of the “water city” is emphasized, and the relationship between buildings and water is beautifully depicted.
The Everyday Beauty Depicted in the Work: The World of “No Embarrassing Lines”
The Expression of Light and Shadow in Venice
One of the major charms of ARIA THE ANIMATION is how beautifully it depicts the light and shadow of Venice. The light reflecting on water, sunlight filtering between buildings, the orange-tinted streetscape at dusk—the changes in appearance by time of day and weather are delicately expressed.
Real Venice is also known as “the City of Light” and has captivated many painters and photographers. The work brilliantly recreates this unique Venetian light in the animation medium.
The Expression of Water Sounds and Silence
A characteristic of the work is its quiet and calm atmosphere. The sound of gondolas cutting through water, the distant sound of bells, the sound of ripples—Venice’s soundscape is effectively used.
Real Venice, where automobiles cannot enter, is exceptionally quiet compared to other cities. This unique sense of silence is an important element in creating the work’s healing-like atmosphere.
Finding “Loveliness” in Daily Life
One of ARIA THE ANIMATION’s main themes is finding small moments of “loveliness” in everyday life. Venice as a beautiful setting is an ideal place to express this theme.
A small flower in an alley, an encounter with a cat, a building illuminated by sunset, interaction with people met by chance—the work carefully depicts the beauty of ordinary moments. This is common to the “joy of discovery” that actual Venice tourists experience.
Original Elements of Neo-Venice: Charm Unique to the Futuristic Setting
The Meaning of Mars as a Setting
ARIA THE ANIMATION goes beyond being a mere recreation of Venice because of its futuristic Mars setting. This setting allows the work to possess the following unique elements:
- Gravity Difference: Mars’s low gravity enables movements and phenomena impossible on Earth’s Venice.
- Two Moons: Mars has two satellites (Phobos and Deimos), adding fantastical elements to the night sky depiction.
- The History of Terraforming: The grand background of humanity’s modification of Mars gives the story depth.
The Relationship Between Aqua and Manheim
In the series, Mars is called “Aqua” and Earth is called “Manheim.” The relationship between these two worlds, particularly the setting that Neo-Venice was built on Mars because Earth’s Venice faced submersion, can be read as a warning about environmental issues.
Coexistence of Future Technology and Tradition
In Neo-Venice, gondolas—a traditional means of transport—are the mainstream while futuristic technology also exists in the background. This theme of “coexistence of tradition and innovation” overlaps with the challenges real Venice faces (balancing the preservation of traditional streets with modern life).
The Influence of ARIA THE ANIMATION on Venice Tourism
As a Pilgrimage Destination
The popularity of ARIA THE ANIMATION has increased the number of fans visiting real Venice. “Sacred site pilgrimage,” visiting places that appeared in the series, has become a popular travel style among anime fans.
By visiting places that appeared in the work—St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal waterfront—fans can experience the world of the series more deeply.
Increased Interest in Venice
Through the work, people who previously knew little about Venice became interested in this city’s history and culture. ARIA THE ANIMATION can be said to have served as a cultural bridge conveying Venice’s charm to the world.
As an Entrance to Italian Culture
Italian phrases, food culture, and living customs appearing in the work have become an entry point for many viewers to learn Italian culture. It is not uncommon for people to begin studying Italian or develop an interest in Italian cuisine after encountering the work.
Explanation of Specific Locations Featured in the Work
The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)
The Bridge of Sighs is a bridge connecting the Doge’s Palace and the prison. It is named after the legend that prisoners who crossed this bridge would sigh as they saw Venice’s beautiful scenery for the last time.
In ARIA THE ANIMATION, romantic stories related to this bridge are told, and it serves as the stage for touching scenes in the series. The real Bridge of Sighs has also become a popular spot visited by couples.
The Color of Burano Island
Located about 40 minutes by boat from Venice’s main island, Burano Island is characterized by colorfully painted houses. In ARIA THE ANIMATION, a brightly colored streetscape thought to be modeled after this island appears.
The reason Burano Island’s houses are painted in various colors is the practical purpose of making it easier for fishermen to find their homes in the fog, but today it has become popular as a tourist attraction.
The Glass Craftsmanship of Murano Island
Murano Island is world-renowned as a center of Venetian glass production. In the series, scenes featuring glass crafts appear, expressing respect for Venice’s traditional craftsmanship.
On the actual Murano Island, glassworking techniques with a history of over 700 years continue to be passed down, and visitors can enjoy workshop tours and purchase works.
Venice’s Seasons and the Work’s Depiction
The Expression of Acqua Alta (High Tide)
Venice is hit by a phenomenon called “Acqua Alta” (high tide) from autumn through winter. This phenomenon causes inundation in low-lying areas such as St. Mark’s Square.
ARIA THE ANIMATION includes episodes depicting this phenomenon, serving as a reference to environmental issues Venice faces. In real Venice, the construction of a movable flood barrier called the “MOSE Project” has been underway to counter Acqua Alta.
The Beauty of All Four Seasons
The work depicts Neo-Venice’s four seasons beautifully. Spring flowers, summer’s blue sky and sea, autumn foliage, winter snow—the changes in seasonal appearance are carefully expressed.
Real Venice also presents a completely different face depending on the season. Winter Venice, in particular, with fewer tourists, is popular among discerning travelers who enjoy a quiet and calm atmosphere.
A Deep Dive into Gondola Culture
The History and Structure of Gondolas
Gondolas have been used in Venice since around the 11th century. Their unique asymmetrical structure is designed to be efficiently maneuvered by a single rower.
In ARIA THE ANIMATION, scenes exist that depict the structure and maneuvering techniques of gondolas in detail, showing deep understanding and affection for this traditional vessel.
The Profession of Gondolier
In real Venice, becoming a gondolier requires passing a rigorous examination. Knowledge of Venice’s geography, history, and foreign language ability are tested, and the pass rate is said to be very low.
In ARIA THE ANIMATION, the training to become a full-fledged Undine is depicted, expressing the professionalism and pride of this occupation.
The Gondola Company Setting in the Work
Three major gondola companies appear in the series: “ARIA Company,” “Hime-ya,” and “Orange Planet.” Each has its own characteristics, and their relationship of competition and cooperation is depicted.
This setting is thought to reflect the existence of gondola associations in real Venice and the professional community of gondoliers.
The Relationship Between Music and Venice
Venice as a City of Baroque Music
Venice is also a musical city that produced great composers such as Antonio Vivaldi. During the Baroque period, Venice was one of the centers of musical culture.
The ARIA THE ANIMATION soundtrack is characterized by elegant and beautiful music as if conscious of this history. In particular, music by Choro Club featuring Senoo beautifully expresses the atmosphere of Venice.
The Atmosphere Created by the Work’s Music
The work’s music is an important element in creating the series’ healing atmosphere. Instruments such as guitar, mandolin, and accordion are used, incorporating elements of Italian folk music.
Through this combination of music and images, viewers can experience a sense of immersion as if actually visiting Venice.
The Message ARIA THE ANIMATION Conveys
The Preservation and Succession of Cultural Heritage
At the foundation of ARIA THE ANIMATION lies the desire to preserve beautiful culture and traditions for the future. The setting where Earth’s Venice faces submersion and is rebuilt on Mars symbolically expresses the importance of cultural heritage preservation.
Real Venice also faces the threat of extinction due to global warming and rising sea levels, as well as ground subsidence. The work serves as both a warning about such real-world problems.
The Value of Slow Life
In contrast to the busyness of modern society, ARIA THE ANIMATION depicts the value of “time flowing slowly.” The life of progressing leisurely through canals on gondolas and enjoying small discoveries in daily life has become an object of longing for many viewers.
This “slow life” philosophy is common to the lifestyle of real Venice. Life in a quiet car-free city, moving about on foot or by boat, is a precious experience in the modern world.
Human Connection
The work repeatedly depicts warm human interaction. The mentor-student relationships among Undines, friendship, meetings with customers—human connection is at the center of the narrative.
Venice is an ideal stage for expressing this “connection.” The environment where people naturally encounter each other in narrow alleyways and canals, the strong sense of community in island culture—Venice’s characteristics support the work’s themes.
Points to Keep in Mind When Visiting Real Venice
A Guide to ARIA Sacred Site Pilgrimage
For ARIA THE ANIMATION fans visiting Venice, here are must-see locations.
- St. Mark’s Square: The location most frequently featured in the work. Visiting early morning or at dusk is recommended.
- The Rialto Bridge: Enjoy both the view from the bridge and the experience of passing beneath it by gondola.
- Grand Canal Waterfront Stroll: Taking the water bus (vaporetto) along the canal to view the buildings is also worthwhile.
- Exploring Back Alleyways: By walking with a map and deliberately getting lost, you can experience the work’s atmosphere.
Tips for Experiencing Gondolas
Points to note when riding a gondola in Venice:
- Price: The official rate is about 80 euros (daytime) or 100 euros (evening) for 30 minutes. Confirm before boarding.
- Time of Day: Dusk is particularly beautiful, but the quiet early morning is also recommended.
- Route: Routes through small canals rather than just the Grand Canal more closely match the work’s atmosphere.
- Shared Rides: Sharing a gondola with other tourists can reduce costs.
Best Seasons to Visit
Different seasons offer different charms when visiting Venice.
- Spring (April-June): Pleasant weather with beautiful flowers. Relatively fewer tourists.
- Summer (July-August): Hot, and the busiest tourist season. Expect crowds.
- Autumn (September-November): Good weather with many arts festivals. Acqua Alta is also possible.
- Winter (December-March): Cold, but the carnival season (around February) offers special experiences. Fewer tourists and quiet.
Conclusion: The Eternal Charm of ARIA THE ANIMATION and Venice
By recreating the real Italian city of Venice on the futuristic stage of Mars, ARIA THE ANIMATION created a unique world. The work faithfully depicts Venice’s architecture, culture, and lifestyle while adding its own fantastical elements and messages.
The environmental issues real Venice faces and the challenges of cultural preservation are expressed in the work through the setting that “Earth’s Venice faced submersion and was rebuilt on Mars.” This transcends being mere entertainment and serves as a message urging us to recognize the value and importance of preserving cultural heritage.
The theme depicted through the work of “finding loveliness in daily life,” the leisurely passage of time, and warm human connections resonate with many people living in modern society. And as the stage for this story, Venice (Neo-Venice) was nothing short of a perfect choice.
Many people who watched ARIA THE ANIMATION wish to visit real Venice, and those who visit Venice recall the work. This interaction itself is an ideal relationship between a work and the real city that served as its stage, and represents one of the great achievements of ARIA THE ANIMATION.
The story of Italian-style Venice recreated on the future Mars continues to convey the charm of this beautiful water city to many people across time. And simultaneously, it gently yet firmly appeals to us about the importance of protecting irreplaceable cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations.