Diamond Daydreams: Atsuko + Karin, Volume 1

This series of interconnected short stories focusing on love in Hokkaido, Japan is refreshingly presented without the slapstick so common in anime romantic encounters, with each story following one young woman as she tries to navigate the treacherous waters of love. In this four-episode dual-language opening volume, rated TV-PG, the first two of six tales are presented. Atsuko, a dutiful daughter forgoing college to help run her widowed mother's fish market, finds herself caught between a suitable and wealthy fiancé whom she doesn't love and an older customer who shares her love for jazz. Karin, a 16-year-old patient who can only be saved by surgery (but is afraid of going under the knife), escapes her unfeeling doctors by recording dreams in her popular blog, ultimately attracting the attentions of an online fan who appeals to her romantic side. Refreshingly, neither young woman is a complete stereotype, though romantic conventions are part of the appeal here, and each story has a nice sense of humor. With its concentration on romance rather than sex, this fine series is likely to attract older teens. Highly recommended. [Note: Diamond Daydreams, Vol. 2 is slated for release on Apr. 4.] Aud: P. (R. Brenner)