Aria (manga)

Infobox animanga/Header
name = Aria


caption =
ja_name = アリア
ja_name_trans =
genre = Drama, Science fiction, Slice of life story, Coming of AgeInfobox animanga/Manga
title = Aqua
author = Kozue Amano
publisher = flagicon|Japan Enix (former)
flagicon|Japan Mag Garden (current)
publisher_en = flagicon|Canada flagicon|United States Tokyopop
publisher_other = flagicon|France Kami
flagicon|Italy Star Comics
flagicon|Germany Tokyopop Germany
flagicon|Spain Editorial Ivrea
demographic = ShōnenThis is the identified demographic of "Comic Blade"; seecite web|url=http://www.mangaoh.co.jp/list_product/list_magazine_teiki.php?|title=Mangaoh's page for magazines|accessdate=2008-01-01|language=Japanese]
magazine = flagicon|Japan Monthly Stencil
first = 2001
last = 2002
volumes = 2Infobox animanga/Manga
title = Aria
author = Kozue Amano
publisher = flagicon|Japan Mag Garden
publisher_en = flagicon|Canada flagicon|United States ADV Manga (former)
flagicon|Canada flagicon|United States Tokyopop (current)
publisher_other = flagicon|France Kami
flagicon|Italy Star Comics
flagicon|Indonesia M&C Comics
flagicon|KOR Bookbox
flagicon|Taiwan Tong Li Comics
flagicon|Thailand Bongkoch Comics
demographic = Shōnen
magazine = flagicon|Japan Comic Blade
first = 10 November 2002
last = April 2008
volumes = 12Infobox animanga/Anime
title = Aria the Animation (Season 1)
director = Jun'ichi Satō
studio = Hal Film Maker
licensor = flagicon|USA flagicon|Canada Nozomi Entertainment
network = flagicon|Japan TXN
flagicon|KOR Animax
first = 5 October 2005
last = 28 December 2005
episodes = 13
episode_list = List of Aria episodes#Season 1: Aria the AnimationInfobox animanga/Anime
title = Aria the Natural (Season 2)
director = Jun'ichi Satō
studio = Hal Film Maker
licensor = flagicon|USA flagicon|Canada Nozomi Entertainment
network = flagicon|Japan TXN
flagicon|KOR Animax
first = 2 April 2006
last = 26 September 2006
episodes = 26 [ann manga|id=3597|title=Aria. Accessed 2006-09-29.]
episode_list = List of Aria episodes#Season 2: Aria the NaturalInfobox animanga/OVA
title = Aria the OVA: Arietta
director = Jun'ichi Satō
writer = Jun'ichi Satō
studio = Hal Film Maker
licensor = flagicon|USA flagicon|Canada Nozomi Entertainment
episodes = 1
episode_list = List of Aria episodes#Aria the OVA ~Arietta~
released = 21 September 2007
runtime = 30 minutesInfobox animanga/Anime
title = Aria the Origination (Season 3) [cite web | title=Aria TV Anime's 3rd Season Greenlit for Production | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-08-28/aria-tv-anime's-3rd-season-greenlit-for-production | publisher=Anime News Network | accessdate=2007-09-17]
director = Jun'ichi Satō
studio = Hal Film Maker
licensor = flagicon|USA flagicon|Canada Nozomi Entertainment
network = flagicon|Japan TXN
first = 8 January 2008
last = 31 March 2008
episodes = 13
episode_list = List of Aria episodes#Season 3: Aria the Origination

nihongo|"Aria"|アリア is a science fiction manga by nihongo|Kozue Amano|天野 こずえ|Amano Kozue. The series was originally titled nihongo|"Aqua"|アクア when it was published by Enix in the magazine "Monthly Stencil", being retitled when it moved to Mag Garden's magazine "Comic Blade".cite book | title=Manga: The Complete Guide | first=Jason | last=Thompson | publisher=Del Rey | location=New York | year=2007 | page=page 15 | ISBN=978-0-345-48590-8] "Aqua" was serialized in "Stencil" from 2001 to 2002 and collected in two tankōbon volumes. "Aria" was serialized in "Comic Blade" from November 2002 to April 2008 and collected in twelve volumes. The series has been adapted as an anime television series, with a first season broadcast in 2005, a second season in 2006, an OVA released September 2007, and a third season in 2008 that ended around the same time as the manga serialization.cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com.au/news/2007-12-26/aria-manga-to-end-in-60th-installment-in-japan-in-2008 | title="Aria" Manga to End in 60th Installment in Japan in 2008 | publisher=Anime News Network | date=2007-12-27 | accessdate=2008-01-20]

ADV Manga released English translations of the first three volumes of "Aria" in 2004, before dropping the license. Tokyopop then acquired the rights to publish the English translation of "Aqua" as well as "Aria".cite web | title=Tokyopop Manga License | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-07-03/tokyopop-manga-license | publisher=Anime News Network | accessdate=2007-07-17] cite web | title=Tokyopop Online Store | url=http://www.tokyopop.com/shop/2123/Aria/1.html | publisher=Tokyopop | accessdate=2007-11-23] The Tokyopop editions of "Aqua" were published in October 2007 and February 2008, and the Tokyopop version of "Aria" volume one was published in January 2008.

In May 2008, The Right Stuf International announced that its Nozomi Entertainment imprint had licensed the "Aria" anime franchise for American and Canadian release. A box set including the first season, "Aria the Animation", was released on September 30, 2008. [cite web | url=http://www.rightstuf.com/rssite/main/news/individual/?ForumThreadName=FT0000000416&ReturnTo=Main | title=Right Stuf's Nozomi Entertainment Licenses ARIA Anime | accessdate=2008-05-01]

tory

"Aqua" and "Aria" take place in the early twenty-fourth century, in the city of Neo-Venezia on the planet Aqua—formerly Mars, which was renamed after being terraformed into a habitable planet covered in oceans. Neo-Venezia, based on Venice in both architecture and atmosphere,cite web | url=http://www.tcj.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=513&Itemid=70 | title=ADV's Abandoned Manga | author=Dirk Deppey | publisher=The Comics Journal | date=2007-01-24 | accessdate=2008-01-01] is a harbor city of narrow canals instead of streets, traveled by unmotorized gondolas.

At the start of "Aqua", a young woman named Akari arrives from Manhome (formerly Earth) to become a trainee gondolier with Aria Company, one of the three most prestigious water-guide companies in the city. Her dream is to become an undine, a gondolier who acts as tour guide (see "Terms" below). As she trains, Akari befriends her mentor, Alicia, trainees from rival companies, Aika and Alice, and others in the city. "Aqua" covers her arrival on Aqua and early training as a Pair, or apprentice, while "Aria" continues her training as a Single, or journeyman, culminating in the graduation of her, Aika, and Alice as full Prima undines.

Each chapter is a slice of life episode of Akari's exploration of the worlds of gondoliering, Neo-Venezia, and Aqua itself. Amano frequently uses several pages of lush art to depict an environment, showing the wonder of both everyday activities as well as one-of-a-kind events. It is very similar in tone to "Yokohama Kaidashi Kikō". [cite web | title=Manga review - Aria | url=http://manganime.animeblogger.net/64/manga-review-aria/ | author=Northlander | publisher=Uknighted Manganime | accessdate=2007-07-11]

Main characters

Aria Company

Aria Company is a very small company, with only two employees. Its uniform line color is blue, and its president (and namesake) is Aria Pokoteng.

;nihongo|Akari Mizunashi|水無 灯里|Mizunashi Akari Anime voices|Erino Hazuki: A native of Manhome (Earth) who immigrated to Aqua when she was 15 to become an undine. While not as skillful at sculling a gondola as Alice, nor as familiar with the history of her adopted city as Aika, Akari makes friends quickly and converses easily with customers and other strangers. She finds enjoyment in things or events that others think humdrum and mundane, for which Aika and Alice call her "mysterious." Akari often says "hohe" or "hahi", which is her short version of "wow." When Akari used gondola simulations on Manhome, she accidentally learned how to row backwards and had to relearn the proper method when she started at Aria Company; however, as Aika notes, "Akari is almost invincible when she rows backwards." : Akari is often shown writing letters to someone, who in the manga is revealed in the final chapter to be Cait Sith, a cat spirit who appears several times through the story, but in the anime is a young girl named Ai, a customer in the first episode. : At the start of "Aqua", Akari arrives on Aqua as a new Pair at Aria Company. In chapter 5 of "Aqua", when Aika is promoted to Single, Alicia administers the promotion test to Akari as well. Later, in chapter 58 of "Aria", after Aika is promoted to Prima, Alicia tests Akari as well. When Akari passes, she is given the title nihongo|"Aquamarine"|遙かなる蒼|Harukanaru Ao|lit. "Distant Blue".

;nihongo|Alicia Florence|アリシア・フローレンス|Arishia Furōrensu Anime voices|Sayaka Ohara: The only other undine with Aria Company, Alicia is one of the three Water Fairies of Neo-Venezia, called the nihongo|"Snow White"|白き妖精|Shiroki Yōsei|lit. "White Fairy". At the start of the series, she is 19 and the most popular undine in the city. Like Akari, she is relaxed and easy-going, but she also likes to tease others (especially her childhood friend Akira). Her favorite phrase is "Ara Ara" ("Well Well") and she frequently giggles, to Akira's annoyance. : In the manga, she is a heavy drinker, although Akira comments that she holds her liquor well. At the end of the series, she announces her retirement to get married and take a position with the gondolier's association; she says she had put off Akari's Prima exam because she had been planning to retire afterwards, and didn't want to leave her student and friend. : In the Akari Special edition of Monthly Undine, it was revealed that "Snow White" was to become the 8th "honored appellation". Honored appellations are designated by the Gondola Association, and belonged to retired undines who made great contributions to the industry.

;nihongo|Akino Ametsuchi|天地 秋乃|Ametsuchi Akino Anime voices|Yoshiko Matsuo:A famous and longest-serving Prima undine, who started Aria company with Aria Pokoteng after realizing she was missing too much of life as Himeya's top ace. She was Prima undine for 30 years and mentor to Alicia, her last disciple, to whom she left the company on her retirement. She is highly respected by young undines, especially Alice, and is known as "Grandmother" or more informally "Grandma". Her appellation has never been revealed.

;nihongo|Ai|アイ|Ai Anime voices|Kaori Mizuhashi:A girl from Manhome and Akari's apprentice after Akari's promotion and Alicia's marriage. In the anime, she befriends Akari in episode 1 and becomes the recipient of Akari's letters, while visiting Aqua whenever she can. In the manga, she makes her appearance as Aria Company's newest member in Navigation 60, the final chapter. She is still a Pair.

;nihongo|Anna|アンナ|Anna Anime voices|Risa Hayamizu:Anna is a retired undine who was an apprentice under Grandma and become a Prima before Alicia. She left Aria Company while Alicia was still a new Prima. She is married to a fisherman named Albert and has a son named Ahito. After leaving her life as an undine, she began working lace while she was pregnant with Ahito. She lives with her family on Neo-Burano Island.

Himeya Company

Himeya Company is the oldest and currently second-ranking water-guide company in Neo-Venezia. It employs 80 undines, with a uniform lined in red. Its president is Hime.

;nihongo|Aika S. Granzchesta|藍華・S・グランチェスタ|Aika S. Guranchesuta Anime voices|Chiwa Saitō: The first friend Akari makes on Aqua, Aika is 16 when they meet. Aika is a Pair and then Single at Himeya Company. She is the only daughter and heir of Himeya's owners, but does not enjoy the distinction as she feels the company's employees fawned on her too much. Aika speaks bluntly and often responds to Akari's idealistic comments with nihongo|"Embarrassing remarks are not allowed!"|恥ずかしいセリフ禁止!|Hazukashii serifu kinshi!. Despite their contrasting personalities, she gets along well with Akari, and later with Alice. She is proud of her gondola skill as an undine, and can be very competitive about it. She also greatly admires Alicia, and finds any excuse to visit Aria Company—and once says that if not for her family obligations, she would join Aria Company. Over the course of the series, Aika develops feelings for Al. : In chapter 58, Aika becomes a Prima, taking the title nihongo|"Rosen Queen"|薔薇の女王|Bara no Joō|lit. "Queen of Roses". She takes charge of a newly opened Himeya branch office, in preparation for one day taking on the whole company.

;nihongo|Akira E. Ferrari|晃・E・フェラーリ|Akira E. Ferāri Anime voices|Junko Minagawa: One of Neo-Venezia's three Water Fairies, and a native of Aqua. As a Prima undine, Akira is called the nihongo|"Crimson Rose"|真紅の薔薇|Shinku no Bara and is famed for her conversational skills. She has many admirers among her customers, more of them female than male—which she admits bothers her, as she considers herself very feminine. Akira is Aika's trainer; her student calls her the Demon Instructor for her strictness and her loud, brusque personality. Akira is particularly harsh with Aika because she believes there is potential in her; and Aika admits that it is only due to Akira's strictness (and honesty) that she has become a good undine.: Akira and Alicia are childhood friends, and their relationship mirrors Aika and Akari's, though Alicia teases Akira far more than Akari does Aika. Akira still resents that Alicia became a Prima before her, despite initially becoming an undine to tag along with her friend.cite book | last=Amano | first=Kozue | title=Aria | series=Volume 3 | chapter=Navigation 14: Three Water Fairies | year=2004 | language=English | publisher=ADV Manga | isbn=978-1-4139-0089-7] Upon Alicia's retirement, Akira becomes the top Undine in Neo-Venezia.

;nihongo|Ayumi K. Jasmine|アユミ・K・ジャスミン Anime voices|Ryoko Shiraishi:Ayumi is a cheerful girl who works for Himeya and often works as a traghetto guide along with Atora and Anzu. Unlike many undines, Ayumi has no plans to become a Prima and wants to specialize on traghettos. She enjoys working as a Single carrying people on a traghetto because it lets her get involved the city and its people, as well as make money.

Orange Planet

Orange Planet is the largest water-guide company in Neo-Venezia, employing 81 undines (including 20 Primas). Its uniform line color is yellow, and its president is Maa.

;nihongo|Alice Carroll|アリス・キャロル|Arisu Kyaroru Anime voices|Ryō Hirohashi: Alice is an undine for Orange Planet. She first appears (in volume 3 of "Aria"/episode 3 of "Aria the Animation") as a standoffish, snotty girl of 14. Alice speaks in a deadpan manner, and frequently uses the word nihongo|"huge"|でっかい|dekkai. Although initially only a Pair, her sculling already surpasses both Aika and Akari's—for which skill she was scouted by Orange Planet despite her age. Despite working for rival companies, Alice, Akari, and Aika often practice together, and Alice sincerely enjoys the others' company. Because of her age and lower status, Aika often addresses her as nihongo|"kōhai-chan"|後輩ちゃん|extra="junior" said in a friendly manner. Through her friendship with Akari and Aika, Alice lightens up as the series progresses. This does not stop her from telling the other girls to be quiet when they argue, however.: For a long time, Alice is not confident in singing skills, until Athena advises her simply enjoy what she sings and not worry about her performance. In volume 11 of "Aria", Alice graduates from middle school. She is later promoted to Prima straight from Pair, the first undine to do so, taking the name the nihongo|"Orange Princess"|黄昏の姫君|Tasogare no Himegimi|lit. "Twilight Princess". Her name comes from Lewis Carroll, author of "Alice in Wonderland".

;nihongo|Athena Glory|アテナ・グローリィ|Atena Gurōrī Anime voices|Tomoko Kawakami: The third Water Fairy of Neo-Venezia, known as the nihongo|"Siren"|天上の謳声|Tenjō no Utagoe|lit. "Heavenly Voice" for her beautiful singing voice. She is Alice's mentor at Orange Planet. She is quiet most of the time and often appears to be an who does not pay attention to her surroundings (in the anime, she once forgets to duck when she rows under a bridge), but she genuinely cares about Alice. Athena has a strange laugh that comes out sounding as though she is angry. She was a trainee undine with Alicia and Akira, and joined them in joint practice sessions much like Akari, Aika, and Alice do now. At the conclusion of the series, Athena remains an undine, but also debuts as an opera singer.

;nihongo|Atora Moteverdi|アトーラ・モンテヴェルディ Anime voices|Houko Kuwashima:Atora is an undine who works for Orange Planet and often works as a traghetto guide along with Anzu and Ayumi. Atora took the Prima promotion exam once, but did not pass. Although she wants to become a Prima, she became discouraged and has not challenged the exam again. After meeting Akari, she becomes refocused and decides to train harder in order to retake the exam.

;nihongo|Anzu Yumeno|夢野 杏| Yumeno Anzu Anime voices|Kana Asumi:Anzu is an undine who works for Orange Planet and often works as a traghetto guide along with Atora and Ayumi. Although Anzu has failed her Prima exam more than once, she continue to challenge it and is determined to become a Prima.

Cats

Because blue-eyed cats are considered lucky on Aqua, all undine companies have a blue-eyed cat as a mascot, who is given the title President. Cats on Aqua have been bred to be as intelligent as humans, though they cannot speak. [cite book | last=Amano | first=Kozue | title=Aqua | series=Volume 1 | chapter=Navigation 01: The Water Planet | year=2007 | language=English | publisher=Tokyopop | isbn=978-1-4278-0312-2]

;nihongo|President Aria Pokoteng|アリア・ポコテン|Aria Pokoten Anime voices|Chinami Nishimura: President and namesake of Aria Company, and an Aqua cat. Aria is large and fat, massing 10 kg. He is quite attracted to President Hime, who does not appear to reciprocate his sentiments; his pursuit of her is a common comic relief scene.

;President Hime M. Granzchesta Anime voices|Kaori Mizuhashi|: President of Himeya Company, a small, delicate, black female cat from Manhome. "Hime" means princess in Japanese.

;President Maa Anime voices|Akeno Watanabe|: President of Orange Planet, an Aqua cat with very tiny blue eyes. President Maa is a female cat, but Alice initially calls her "Maa-kun" after her unusual meow. Maa often bites President Aria's belly.

;Cait Sith: A very large cat who has powers in black magic. He has been the head of the cat kingdom in Aqua for at least 100 years and is implied as the spiritual guardian of Aqua.

Other characters

;nihongo|Akatsuki Izumo|出雲 暁|Izumo Akatsuki Anime voices|Hirofumi Nojima: Akari's first customer as a Single. He is a tall, impatient young man who calls Akari "Pigtails" ("momiko") to tease her. [As translated in the ADV editions; it is translated as "Sideburns" in the Tokyopop editions.] He works as an apprentice Salamander, someone who helps maintain Aqua's climate in the floating buildings that are tethered overhead. Although drawn like a typical bishōnen, his constant scowl combined with a loose-fitting robe usually cover up his more "attractive" features, which he rarely displays. Akatsuki has an older brother who teases him to the point of rage.: Akatsuki is not on the ground often, so every visit to the surface is an adventure for him. He claims to be in love with Alicia, though Alicia suggests that he is really attracted to Akari. In any case, every visit to Neo-Venezia, no matter his official reason, he always spends the entire time with Akari.

;Udo Ayanokohji the 51st Anime voices|Yuji Ueda: More commonly known as "Woody." Woody is a Sylph who delivers packages and other goods to people in Neo-Venezia. His physique is well-built, and he is often seen wearing sunglass/goggles. He was childhood friends with both Akatsuki and Al.

;nihongo|Albert "Al" Pitt|アルバート・ピット|Arubāto Pitto Anime voices|Akeno Watanabe: Al is a Gnome, a person who lives underground regulating the Aqua's gravity so that it is the same as Manhome's.cite book | last=Amano | first=Kozue | title=Aria | series=Volume 2 | chapter=Navigation 08: Voices of the Stars | year=2004 | language=English | publisher=ADV Manga | isbn=978-1-4139-0071-2] Gnomes rarely come to the surface except to shop. He looks younger than Akari and Aika, but is actually nineteen.

;nihongo|Namihei Anno|庵野波平|Anno Namihei Anime voices|Motomu Kiyokawa: An elderly mailman in Neo-Venezia, and is referred as "Mailman-san" by Akari. He is the first person that Akari meets after arriving on Aqua. He is a very kind man who is devoted to his work. Akari does not learn his name until the end of the series, when he hires her for a gondola ride after he retires from his job.

Terms

Several terms of the world of Aqua are derived from mythology:

;Undine: A female gondolier acting as a refined tour guide for visitors.

;Pair: An apprentice undine who has just begun practising sculling a gondola. A Pair is recognized by her pair of gloves, worn to protect her hands of as she builds up calluses. When a Pair is promoted to Single, she removes one glove.cite book | last=Amano | first=Kozue | title=Aqua | series=Volume 1 | chapter=Navigation 05: The Hill of Hope | year=2008 | language=English | publisher=Tokyopop | isbn=978-1-4278-0312-2]

;Single: A journeyman undine qualified to take customers only under supervision. So-called because she wears only one glove.

;Prima: A fully qualified undine. A Prima does not wear gloves. Tokyopop has decided not to use this terminology instead using the expression "full fledged Undine" which has been controversial to some. [ [http://otakuism.animeblogger.net/category/anime/aria Otakuism: Notes on Tokyopop’s Translation of ARIA V.1] ]

;Salamander: A person working at controlling the weather and adding heat to the atmosphere as part of terraforming Aqua. Salamanders live in floating islands tethered at high altitude.

;Gnome: A person working underground to regulate the gravity of Aqua, so that it is as strong as Manhome (Earth). Because of their environment, most gnomes are short and have bad eyesight.

;Sylph: A person who makes deliveries by aircraft. Deliveries are done by air in Neo-Venezia because only unpowered craft such as gondolas are allowed in the canals of the city.cite book | last=Amano | first=Kozue | title=Aria | series=Volume 4 | chapter=Navigation 18: Fish That Swim in the Sky | year=2004 | language=Japanese | publisher=Mag Garden | isbn=978-4-86127-016-1]

;Traghetto: A gondola specifically designed to carry a number of people across larger canals. Because passengers are usually standing and carrying various items, the gondola is navigated by 2 Singles.

;The Three Water Fairies: Currently, Neo-Venezia's three most accomplished undines: Alicia Florence, Akira E. Ferrari, and Athena Glory.

Development

Amano created many of the fictional locations in Neo-Venezia from real locations in Venice. [cite web | url=http://veniceorigination.blogspot.com/ | title=Venice The Origination | accessdate=2008-10-08] Examples include:
* The Aria Company headquarters corresponds to the location of a vaporetto stop. [cite web | url=http://veniceorigination.blogspot.com/2008/09/hunt-for-aria-company.html | title=Venice The Origination: The Hunt for ARIA Company | date=2008-09-18 | accessdate=2008-10-08]
* The Himeya Company headquarters is based on the Danielli Hotel, located on the southern promonade, near Piazza San Marco. [ cite web | url=http://veniceorigination.blogspot.com/2008/08/hunt-for-himeya.html | title=Venice The Origination: The Hunt for Himeya | date=2008-08-18 | accessdate=2008-10-08 | quote=Himeya actually exists - as the 5-Star Danielli Hotel with rooms starting from as low as €400 a night!]

Reception

In Japan, new volumes of "Aria" routinely reached the best-seller list for manga.

The manga of "Aria" was described by a reviewer at "The Comics Journal" as "quite conceivably the best comics series ever created for elementary-school girls," calling it "a masterpiece of storytelling and illustration, gorgeous to look at and a feast for the young imagination in its ability to present an inviting, fully realized world." "Aqua" and "Aria" together have been praised for their moments of magic,cite web | url=http://okazu.blogspot.com/2005/02/aria-volumes-12-and-3.html | title=Yuri Manga: Aria, Volumes 1,2 and 3 | author=Erica Friedman | publisher=Ozaku | date=2005-02-08 | accessdate=2008-01-16 | quote=What really makes Aria work, though, is the sense of whimsy that fills the pages ... very chapter is filled with some moment of life that was totally worth having been there for.] joyful calm,cite web | url=http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/Ariav1.htm | title=Aria v1 Review | author=Lisa Anderson | publisher=Manga Life | accessdate=2008-01-16 | quote="Aria" reads much like a treasured old journal, recounting life events - some big, some little - with the warm personal touch only true joy can bring.] cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/aria/gn-1 | title=Aria GN 1 - Review | author=Carlos Santos | publisher=Anime News Network | date=2008-01-20 | accessdate=2008-01-20 | quote="Aria"'s first volume is 180 pages of pure, serene happiness.] vividly depicted futuristic world,cite web | url=http://comics.ign.com/articles/829/829518p1.html | title=Aqua Vol. 1 Review | publisher=IGN | author=Kai-Ming Cha | date=2007-10-23 | accessdate=2008-01-20 | quote=Whimsical, smooth, the measured pace of the chapters follows a "slice-of-life" rhythm, but in a magical, imaginative frontier.] and sense of whimsy.cite web | url=http://www.animeboredom.co.uk/manga-reviews/aria/169/ | title=Aria GN 2 | author=David Rasmussen | publisher=Anime Boredom | date=2005-05-22 | accessdate=2008-07-09 | quote=The stories are just brimming with this delightful innocence and whimsy that captivates the readers, and sticks with you after you read it. Its artwork is wonderous, and sometimes captivating in its wide visuals of the beautiful city of Neo Venezia (both above and below ground).] Amano's artwork is praised for her crisp lines and details, especially in the backgrounds and landscapes.cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/aria/gn-1 | title=Aria GN 1 - Review | author=Carlos Santos | publisher=Anime News Network | date=2008-01-20 | accessdate=2008-01-20 | quote=Yet this precise style still manages to capture the sense of wonder on planet Aqua: the airborne confetti at the gondola race, the falling autumn leaves in the first chapter, and especially the Japanese architecture and landscape on the shrine island. It's really the backgrounds and landscapes that are the main character in this series.] Amano has also been criticized for confusingly giving every character a name that begins with A, for letting some slice-of-life stories "drift too far out," and for making Akari's character too sweet and effusive.cite web | url=http://madinkbeard.com/blog/archives/aria-by-kozue-amano | title=Aria by Kozue Amano | author=Derik Badman | date=2005-10-12 | accessdate=2008-07-09 | quote=The character of Akari is a little too much the overly sweet, wide-eyed gawking girl. She is often too enthusiastic about learning new things, meeting new people, about life in general. Too often Amano shows us Akari’s effusive reaction to something but does not let us linger on that same discovery.]

In 2006, the anime of "Aria" was ranked in the top 100 animated television series of all time in a poll by TV Asahi. [cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-10-13/japan's-favorite-tv-anime | title=Japan's Favorite TV Anime | publisher=Anime News Network | date=2006-10-13 | accessdate=2008-01-10]

Media

Manga

The manga has a complicated publishing history in both Japan and North America. "Aqua" was originally published by Enix in "Monthly Stencil" magazine and collected in two tankobon volumes. When the series moved to Mag Garden's "Comic Blade" magazine, the title changed to "Aria" and Mag Garden rereleased, with additions, the two volumes of "Aqua". In turn, "Aria" (but not "Aqua") was licensed in English by ADV Manga. After publishing three volumes, ADV dropped the license. The license for "Aqua" and "Aria" was picked up by Tokyopop, which is releasing the entire series starting with the first volume of "Aqua".

In all, 14 volumes of "Aqua" and "Aria" were published in Japan. Each volume is called a "voyage" and each chapter a "navigation."

Graphic novel list/header
Language = Japanese
SecondLanguage = EnglishGraphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aqua 1
OriginalRelDate = 2001-07-27 (Enix) 2003-10-03 (Mag Garden)
OriginalISBN = 978-4-7575-0504-9 (Enix) ISBN 978-4-901926-89-8 (Mag Garden)
LicensedRelDate = 2007-10-09 (Tokyopop)
LicensedISBN = 978-1-4278-0312-2 (Tokyopop)Graphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aqua 2
OriginalRelDate = 2002-03-27 (Enix) 2003-10-03 (Mag Garden)
OriginalISBN = 978-4-7575-0647-3 (Enix) ISBN 978-4-901926-90-4 (Mag Garden)
LicensedRelDate = 2008-02-05 (Tokyopop)
LicensedISBN = 978-1-4278-0313-9 (Tokyopop)Graphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aria 1
OriginalRelDate = 2002-10-10 (Mag Garden)
OriginalISBN = 978-4-901926-12-6 (Mag Garden)
LicensedRelDate = 2004-04-20 (ADV) 2008-01-08 (Tokyopop)
LicensedISBN = 978-1-4139-0040-8 (ADV) ISBN 978-1-4278-0510-2 (Tokyopop)Graphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aria 2
OriginalRelDate = 2003-03-10 (Mag Garden)
OriginalISBN = 978-4-901926-36-2 (Mag Garden)
LicensedRelDate = 2004-07-27 (ADV) 2008-05-13 (Tokyopop)
LicensedISBN = 978-1-4139-0071-2 (ADV) ISBN 978-1-4278-0511-9 (Tokyopop)Graphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aria 3
OriginalRelDate = 2003-07-10 (Mag Garden)
OriginalISBN = 978-4-901926-71-3 (Mag Garden)
LicensedRelDate = 2004-11-23 (ADV) 2008-09-16 (Tokyopop)
LicensedISBN = 978-1-4139-0089-7 (ADV) ISBN 978-1-4278-0512-6 (Tokyopop)Graphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aria 4
OriginalRelDate = 2004-02-10
OriginalISBN = 978-4-86127-016-1
LicensedRelDate = 2008-12-02 (Tokyopop)
LicensedISBN = 978-1-4278-0513-3 (Tokyopop)Graphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aria 5
OriginalRelDate = 2004-08-10
OriginalISBN = 978-4-86127-062-8
LicensedRelDate = 2009-03-10 (Tokyopop)
LicensedISBN = 978-1-4278-0514-0 (Tokyopop)Graphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aria 6
OriginalRelDate = 2005-01-11
OriginalISBN = 978-4-86127-110-6
LicensedRelDate = —
LicensedISBN = Graphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aria 7
OriginalRelDate = 2005-09-10
OriginalISBN = 978-4-86127-194-6
LicensedRelDate = —
LicensedISBN = Graphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aria 8
OriginalRelDate = 2006-01-10
OriginalISBN = 978-4-86127-224-0
LicensedRelDate = —
LicensedISBN = Graphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aria 9
OriginalRelDate = 2006-07-10
OriginalISBN = 978-4-86127-282-0
LicensedRelDate = —
LicensedISBN = Graphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aria 10
OriginalRelDate = 2007-03-30
OriginalISBN = 978-4-86127-370-4
LicensedRelDate = —
LicensedISBN = Graphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aria 11
OriginalRelDate = 2007-10-03
OriginalISBN = 978-4-86127-401-5
LicensedRelDate = —
LicensedISBN = Graphic novel list
VolumeNumber = Aria 12
OriginalRelDate = 2008-03-10
OriginalISBN = 978-4-86127-482-4
LicensedRelDate = —
LicensedISBN =

Anime

"Aqua" and "Aria" were adapted by Hal Film Maker as a 54-episode anime television series comprising two seasons titled "Aria the Animation" and "Aria the Natural", an original video animation (OVA) titled "Aria the OVA: Arietta", and a third season titled "Aria the Origination". The series was directed by Junichi Sato, with character designs by Makoto Koga, and broadcast on TV Tokyo Network between 2005 and 2008. The first two seasons have been released on DVD in Japan, with release of the third season on-going as of July 2008.

The series is licensed in North America by The Right Stuf International. A DVD box set of the English subtitled first season is scheduled for release on 30 September 2008 under its Nozomi Entertainment imprint.

oundtracks

Several soundtrack albums were released for "Aria".

Infobox Album
Name = Aria the Animation Original Soundtrack
Type = soundtrack
Artist =


Released = November 23 2005
Recorded =
Genre = Anime Soundtrack
Length =
Label =
Producer = Victor Entertainment
Reviews =
Last album =
This album =
Next album =

Aria the Animation Original Soundtrack

The soundtrack for the first season, "Aria the Animation Original Soundtrack", was produced by Victor Entertainment. It was released November 23, 2005.

The opening and closing themes were both released as singles on October 21, 2005. The opening theme single performed by Makino Yui included "Undine" and "Symphony" in both vocal and instrumental versions. The ending theme single performed by Round Table feat. Nino" included "Rainbow" and "Just for You" in both vocal and instrumental versions.

Tracklist
collapsed = yes
headline = Japanese Release

note1 = ゴンドラの夢
title1 = Gondola no Yume
length1 = 1:45

note2 = ウンディーネ -forest mix-
title2 = Undine -forest mix-
length2 = 1:40

note3 = 鐘楼のバトリ ～ネオ·ヴィネツィア～
title3 = Shourou no Patri ~Neo Venezia~
length3 = 1:56

title4 = Aqua
length4 = 2:14

note5 = 夏便り
title5 = Natsu Tayori
length5 = 1:25

note6 = アクアアルタ日和
title6 = Aqua Alta Hiyori
length6 = 2:12

note7 = 満月のドルチェ
title7 = Mangetsu no Dolche
length7 = 4:07

note8 = 恋とはどんなもの？
title8 = Koi to wa Donna Mono?
length8= 3:22

note9 = バルカローレ
title9 = Baracarole
length9 = 1:48

note10 = 迷い込んだ路地へと
title10 = Mayoikonda Roji he to
length10 = 1:57

note11 = 幻想カーニバル
title11 = Gensou Carnival
length11 = 2:08

note12 = 静かにあふれる涙
title12 = Shizuka ni Afureru Namida
length12 = 2:03

note13 = 届かぬ想い
title13 = Todokanu Omoi
length13 = 3:02

note14 = 逆漕ぎクイーン
title14 = Gyakuakogi Queen
length14 = 1:50

title15 = Aria
length15 = 2:47

note16 = 水の鏡
title16 = Mizu no Kagami
length16 = 4:51

note17 = アドリアの海辺
title17 = Adria no Umibe
length17 = 1:34

note18 = 星影のゴンドラ
title18 = Hoshikage no Gondola
length18 = 2:47

note19 = オレンジの日々
title19 = Orange no Hibi
length19 = 3:37

note20 = 天気雨
title20 = Tenki Ame
length20 = 3:24

note21 = サンタクロウスの空
title21 = Santa Claus no Sora
length21 = 3:58

note22 = 歓喜の街
title22 = Kanki no Machi
length22 = 1:21

title23 = Aqua -reprise-
length23 = 2:34

note24 = そして舟は行く
title24 = Soshite Fune wa Iku
length24 = 2:42

title25 = Rainbow -acoustic ver.-
length25 = 3:46 -Infobox Album
Name = Aria the Natural Original Soundtrack: Due
Type = soundtrack
Artist =


Released = May 24 2006
Recorded =
Genre = Anime Soundtrack
Length =
Label =
Producer = Victor Entertainment
Reviews =
Last album =
This album =
Next album =

Aria the Natural Original Soundtrack: Due

The soundtrack for the second season, "Aria the Natural Original Soundtrack: Due", was produced by Victor Entertainment. It was released May 24, 2006. "Due" is Italian for "two."

The opening and closing themes were both released as singles on April 26, 2006. The opening theme single performed by Makino Yui included "Euforia" and "Amefuri Hana" in both vocal and instrumental versions. The ending theme single performed by Round Table feat. Nino" included "Natsu Machi" and "Shiosai" in both vocal and instrumental versions.

Tracklist
collapsed = yes
headline = Japanese Release

note1 = ネオ·ヴェネツィアの水彩画
title1 = Neo Venezia no Suisaiga
length1 = 1:43

note2 = ユーフォリア -TVサイズ-
title2 = Euforia -TV Size-
length2 = 1:41

note3 = 夏の妖精
title3 = Natsu no Yousei
length3 = 2:19

note4 = 運河はめぐる
title4 = Unga wa Meguru
length4 = 2:27

note5 = サンタクロウスの空～Riverside Christmas Mix～
title5 = Santa Claus no Sora he ~Riverside Christmas Mix~
length5 = 2:51

note6 = 入道雲の下で
title6 = Nyuudougumo no Shita de
length6 = 4:13

note7 = アジサイの小径
title7 = Ajisai no Shoukei
length7 = 2:33

note8 = 星まで続く想い
title8 = Hoshi Made Tsudzuku Omoi
length8 = 2:48

note9 = 子供の時間
title9 = Kodomo no Jikan
length9 = 2:24

note10 = おかしなふたり
title10 = Okashi na Futari
length10 = 1:41

note11 = いつか来た道
title11 = Itsuka Kita Michi
length11 = 2:54

note12 = 篝火のノクターン
title12 = Kakaribi no Nocturne
length12 = 3:00

note13 = コッコロ　-オルガンVer.-
title13 = Coccolo -Organ Ver.-
length13 = 2:17

note14 = アリアの憂鬱
title14 = Aria no Yuuutsu
length14 = 2:02

note15 = 春一番
title15 = Haru Ichiban
length15 = 1:10

note16 = ケットシーの行進
title16 = Kettsy no Koushin
length16 = 1:32

title17 = Samba de Aqua
length17 = 2:11

note18 = 遠い小舟
title18 = Tooi Kobune
length18 = 3:04

note19 = 落陽
title19 = Rakuyou
length19 = 3:28

note20 = 花冷え
title20 = Hana Hie
length20 = 2:52

note21 = 通り雨がやんだら
title21 = Toori Ame ga Yandara
length21 = 2:43

note22 = Second Season～出会い～
title22 = Second Season ~Deai~
length22 = 1:59

note23 = 夕凪
title23 = Yuunagi
length23 = 2:53

note24 = 夏待ち -TVサイズ-
title24 = Natsu Machi
length24 = 1:36

title25 = Aqua -Guide Solo-
length25 = 1:36 -Infobox Album
Name = Aria Piano Collection - Studio One Kisetsu -
Type = soundtrack
Artist = Takeshi Senoo, Mina Kubota


Released = August 2 2006
Recorded =
Genre = Anime Soundtrack
Length =
Label =
Producer = Victor Entertainment
Reviews =
Last album =
This album =
Next album =

Aria Piano Collection: Stagione

An album of piano music titled "Aria Piano Collection: Stagione" produced by Victor Entertainment was released on August 2, 2006. It had instrumental versions of music from the first two seasons of "Aria", with a focus on different seasons of a year on Aqua, performed by Takeshi Senoo and Mina Kubota. "Stagione" is Italian for season.

Tracklist
collapsed = yes
headline = Japanese Release

note1 = スタジオーネ－序章－
title1 = Stagione -Joshou-
length1 = 0:25

note2 = ユーフォリア
title2 = Euforia
length2 = 2:20

note3 = スタジオーネ－春－
title3 = Stagione -Haru-
length3 = 0:50

title4 = Aqua
length4 = 2:23

note5 = 花冷え
title5 = Hanabie
length5 = 2:25

note6 = 夏待ち
title6 = Natsu Machi
length6 = 2:22

note7 = スタジオーネ－夏－
title7 = Stagione -Natsu-
length7 = 1:01

note8 = 遠い小舟
title8 = Tooi Kobune
length8 = 2:45

title9 = Smile Again
length9 = 2:49

note10 = スタジオーネ－秋－
title10 = Stagione -Aki-
length10 = 0:39

note11 = 恋とはどんなもの？
title11 = Koi to wa Donna Mono?
length11 = 2:32

note12 = ウンディーネ
title12 = Undine
length12 = 2:03

note13 = スタジオーネ－冬－
title13 = Stagione -Fuyu-
length13 = 0:46

note14 = 鐘楼のパトリ～ネオ ヴェネチア～
title14 = Shourou no Patori ~Neo Venezia~
length14 = 2:26

note15 = サンタクロウスの空
title15 = Santa Claus no Sora
length15 = 3:42

note16 = そして舟は行く－Short Ver.－
title16 = Soshite Fune wa Iku -Short Ver.-
length16 = 2:26

note17 = スタジオーネ－終章－
title17 = Stagione -Shuushou-
length17 = 0:27

title18 = Rainbow
length18 = 3:05 -Infobox Album
Name = Aria the Natural Vocal Song Collection
Type = soundtrack
Artist =


Released = September 6 2006
Recorded =
Genre = Anime Soundtrack
Length =
Label =
Producer = Victor Entertainment
Reviews =
Last album =
This album =
Next album =

Aria the Natural Vocal Song Collection

An album of additional vocal music titled "Aria the Natural Vocal Song Collection" produced by Victor Entertainment was released on September 6, 2006.

Tracklist
collapsed = yes
headline = Japanese Release

note1 = バルカローレ ～a cappella～
title1 = Barcarole ~a cappella~
length1 = 1:46

note2 = ウンディーネ～弾き語り～
title2 = Undine ~Hikigatari~
length2 = 2:37

note3 = シンフォニー
title3 = Symphony
length3 = 5:15

title4 = Rainbow
length4 = 3:46

note5 = 満月のドルチェ
title5 = Mangetsu no Dolce
length5 = 4:02

note6 = 雨降花
title6 = Amefuribana
length6 = 5:50

note7 = 髪とヘアピンと私
title7 = Kami to Hairpin to Watashi
length7 = 4:42

note8 = Second Season ～希望～
title8 = Second Season ~Kibou~
length8 = 2:28

note9 = 夏待ち
title9 = Natsu Machi
length9 = 5:43

note10 = コッコロ
title10 = Coccolo
length10 = 2:18

note11 = ユーフォリア ～弾き語り～
title11 = Euforia ~Hikigatari~
length11 = 2:12

title12 = Smile Again
length12 = 3:42

note13 = でっかいシアワセです。
title13 = Dekkai Shiawase Desu.
length13 = 6:17 -

Aria the Natural: Tooi Yume no Mirage OP & ED Single

A single of the opening and ending themes of the visual novel "Aria The Natural: Tooi Yume no Mirage" performed by KAORI was released October 06, 2006. It included vocal and instrumental versions of "Blue Blue Wave" and "Sono Chiisana Chiisana Hohoemi de".

Tracklist
collapsed = yes
headline = Japanese Release

title1 = Blue Blue Wave
length1 =

title2 = Sono Chiisana Chiisana Hohoemi de
length2 =

title3 = Blue Blue Wave (instrumental)
length3 =

title4 = Sono Chiisana Chiisana Hohoemi de (Instrumental)
length4 = -

Aria the OVA: Arietta OP & ED Single

A single of the opening and ending themes of "Aria the OVA: Arietta" was released September 21, 2007. It included "Nana iro no Sora o" performed by Sonorous and "Ashita, Yūgure Made" performed by Erino Hazuki, both in vocal and instrumental versions.

Tracklist
collapsed = yes
headline = Japanese Release

title1 = Nana iro no Sora o
note1 = 七色の空を
length1 =

title2 = Ashita, Yūgure Made
note2 = 明日、夕暮れまで
length2 =

title3 = Nana iro no Sora o (Instrumental)
length3 =

title4 = Ashita, Yūgure Made (Instrumental)
length4 =

title5 = Nana iro no Sora o ~Hikigatari~
length5 = -

Aria the Origination Original Soundtrack: Tre

The soundtrack for the third season, "Aria the Origination Original Soundtrack: Tre", was produced by Victor Entertainment. "Tre" is Italian for "three."

The opening and closing themes were both released as singles on January 22, 2008 and January 23, 2008, respectively. The opening theme single performed by Makino Yui included "Spirale" and "Yokogao (acoustic version)" in both vocal and instrumental versions. The ending theme single performed by Arai Akino" included "Kin no Nami Sen no Nami" and "Torikago no Yume" in both vocal and instrumental versions.

Tracklist
collapsed = yes
headline = Japanese Release

note1 = 七色の空を－OVAサイズ－
title1 = Nanairo no Sora o -OVA Size-
length1 = 2:17

note2 = スピラーレ－TVサイズ－
title2 = Spirale -TV Size-
length2 = 1:56

note3 = 落葉の並木道
title3 = Rakuyou no Namikimichi
length3 = 3:15

note4 = おだやかな午後
title4 = Odayakana Gogo
length4 = 1:49

note5 = 夕闇漕ぎ
title5 = Yuuyami Kogi
length5 = 2:27

note6 = 頼りない船出
title6 = Tayorinai Funade
length6 = 1:48

note7 = 眠りの森で
title7 = Nemuri no Mori de
length7 = 2:33

note8 = アリアとお散歩
title8 = Aria to Osanpo
length8 = 1:44

note9 = つないだ手と手
title9 = Tsunaida Te to Te
length9 = 2:36

note10 = 望楼
title10 = Bourou
length10 = 2:22

note11 = アマレットの夏
title11 = Amaretto no Natsu
length11 = 2:59

note12 = ジェット気流
title12 = Jet Kiryuu
length12 = 2:49

note13 = 未来への航跡
title13 = Mirai he no Kouseki
length13 = 3:45

note14 = ルーミス エテルネ
title14 = Lumis Eterne
length14 = 4:36

note15 = 風読み
title15 = Kaze Yomi
length15 = 2:56

note16 = 魔女
title16 = Majo
length16 = 1:41

note17 = 夕立ちのあとで
title17 = Yuudachi no Ato de
length17 = 2:51

title18 = quiet tea time
length18 = 2:46

note19 = 小さな幸せ
title19 = Chiisana Shiawase
length19 = 3:25

note20 = 永遠の海 ～A Song for Zephyr～
title20 = Eien no Umi ~A Song for Zephyr~
length20 = 3:03

note21 = 七色の空を－choro ver.－
title21 = Nanairo no Sora o -choro ver.-
length21 = 2:30

note22 = 金の波 千の波－TVサイズ－
title22 = Kin no Nami Sen no Nami -TV Size-
length22 = 1:56

note23 = 四季 ～そして僕は海に還る～
title23 = Shiki -Soshite Boku ha Umi ni Kaeru-
length23 = 2:41 -Infobox Album
Name = Aria the Origination Piano Collection II: Di Partenza
Type = soundtrack
Artist = Takeshi Senoo, Sonorous


Released = March 26 2008
Recorded =
Genre = Anime Soundtrack
Length =
Label =
Producer = Victor Entertainment
Reviews =
Last album =
This album =
Next album =

Aria the Origination Piano Collection II: Di Partenza

A second album of piano music titled "Aria the Origination Piano Collection II: Di Partenza" produced by Victor Entertainment was released on March 26, 2008. It had instrumental versions of music from the the third and final season performed by Takeshi Senoo and Sonorous. "Di partenza" is Italian for "of departures."

Tracklist
collapsed = yes
headline = Japanese Release

note1 = 四季 ～そして僕は海に還る～
title1 = Shiki ~Soshite Boku wa Umi ni Kaeru~
length1 = 2:41

note2 = スピラーレ
title2 = Spirale
length2 = 2:43

note3 = いつか来た道
title3 = Itsuka Kita Michi
length3 = 2:55

note4 = 永遠の海 ~A Song for Zephyr~
title4 = Eien no Umi ~A Song for Zephyr~
length4 = 3:16

title5 = Waltz for Aria
length5 = 2:11

note6 = 七色の空を
title6 = Nanairo no Sora o
length6 = 2:18

note7 = 未来への航跡
title7 = Mirai he no Kouseki
length7 = 3:45

note8 = アマレットの夏
title8 = Amaretto no Natsu
length8 = 1:58

note9 = 金の波 千の波
title9 = Kin no Nami Sen no Nami
length9 = 2:48

note10 = 望楼
title10 = Bourou
length10 = 2:51

note11 = 天気雨
title11 = Tenki Ame
length11 = 3:24

note12 = 明日、夕暮れまで
title12 = Ashita, Yuugure Made
length12 = 4:54 -

Drama CDs

Four series of drama CDs have been released. The first series was produced before the anime began and uses different voice actors; the other three were produced in conjunction with the three seasons of the anime, using the anime voice actors.

* The first series comprises two volumes dramatizing episodes from the early volumes of "Aria", released August 25 2004 and August 24 2005, and one volume dramatizing episodes from the "Aqua" manga, released September 22 2005.

* The second series was produced in conjunction with "Aria the Animation". It comprises three volumes titled "Blue", "Red", and "Orange", after the uniform colors of Aria Company, Himeya Company, and Orange Planet, released November 25 2005, December 22 2005, and January 25 2006, respectively.

* The third series was produced in conjunction with "Aria the Natural". It comprises two volumes released June 23 2006 and July 21 2006

* The fourth series was produced in conjunction with "Aria the Origination". It comprises three volumes titled "Yuki" ("snow"), "Tsuki" ("moon"), and "Hana" ("flower"), released March 21 2008, April 23 2008, and May 21 2008, respectively.

In addition, several Radio CDs were released under the series title "Aria the Station".

Three poster books have been released, each containing ten A2-format posters.

Novels

"Aria" has also been adapted as series of light novels published by Mag Garden, with two released as of January 2008:

* by Ayuna Fujisaki (ISBN 4-86127-241-6) - published 2006-03-14
* by Mari Okada, Ayuna Fujisaki, Tatsuhiko Urahata, and Reiko Yoshida (ISBN 978-4-86127-448-0) - published 2008-01-10

References

External links

* [http://www.ariacompany.net/2nd/index.htm "Aria" anime official website] ja icon
* [http://www.tokyopop.com/shop/1887/Aqua/1.html "Aqua" manga Tokyopop website]
* [http://www.tokyopop.com/shop/2123/Aria/1.html "Aria" manga Tokyopop website]
* [http://ariapokoten.sakura.ne.jp/ Kozue Amano's official website] ja icon
*
* [http://aria.rightstuf.com/ Right Stuf/Nozomi's official "Aria" website]
* [http://veniceorigination.blogspot.com/ "Venice The Origination" - compares locations depicted in the anime to real photos]