Kanon

Yuichi Aiz

Kanon (カノン, Kanon^?) is a Japanese visual novel developed by Key and released on June 4, 1999. The original version, made for the PC, was rated 18 or older by Japan's Ethics Organization of Computer Software, but an all ages version was released on in January 2000. Subsequent general-audience versions were produced for the Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation Portable. Later, the Kanon Standard Edition was released for the PC, playable as a DVD-ROM in adult and all-ages versions. The Kanon Standard Edition incorporates the few extra graphics added to the all-ages version of the game. Both Standard Editions add support for Windows 2000/XP and other technical changes such as more save slots. Otherwise, the all-ages Kanon Standard Edition is the same as the original all-ages version released for the game.

The gameplay in Kanon follows a linear plot line where the player interacts at predetermined times to choose several options that appear on the screen. The game was developed so that the focus for the player would be an intricate plot and the appeal of the five female main characters. The title is generally believed to be derived from the musical term canon; the second TV adaptation plays on this association by using of Pachelbel's Kanon D-dur, or Canon in D major, as a background piece at certain instances throughout the series.

Kanon has made several transitions to other media. There are two anime adaptations, the first being a thirteen episode TV series that first aired on January 31, 2002; this version includes a one episode OVA, Kazahana, released on May 3, 2003. Both the original anime adaptation and the OVA were produced by the animation studio Toei Animation. The second anime adaptation, created by Kyoto Animation, aired in Japan between October 5, 2006 and March 15, 2007, containing twenty-four episodes; this series was licensed by ADV Films to be released in English.^[1] The story was also adapted into light novels, drama CDs, and two manga series.

Setting and themes

There are several important locations featured in the Kanon story that are based on those of the city Moriguchi and Sapporo, located in Japan.^[3] Key have consistently used real world locations as inspiration for their game settings; their later game Air also takes place in a city inspired by a real world location. The location names are seldom mentioned explicitly in their works.

The time of year the story occurred in was during winter, and since it often snowed periodically over the course of the entire story, the city was always presented covered in a layer of snow. The covering snow helps to develop the mysterious mood that the story flows through.

There are recurring themes that appear throughout the story. A music theme is present, as the name of the series is generally believed to be based on a classical composition named Canon in D. The episode titles from the 2006-2007 anime have parts in their titles related to music, such as overture and introit. Another theme is the presence of snow around the entire city which helps to develop a mysterious mood coupled with a supernatural theme which the story revolves around. Furthermore, miracles play a large part in the story; Kanon's plot line and characters are influenced by various instances where miracles occur.^[4] The act of promising and keeping promises is found throughout the story.^[5] Yuichi eventually makes important promises to the five main girls while at the same time fulfilling past promises he had made with them when he used to visit the city as a kid.

One of the sub-themes in the story is amnesia, or the loss of memory; three of the main characters—Yuichi, Ayu and Makoto—suffer from amnesia in varying degrees; this is used as a plot device to advance the story. Another sub-theme deals with the favorite foods of the five main heroines. Newtype USA stated in an article on Kanon that, "it's when the characters are eating something really tasty that they seem most beautiful and alive," despite the somber setting and overall tone of the series.^[6] These five foods of choice are: taiyaki (Ayu), strawberries (Nayuki), nikuman (Makoto), ice cream (Shiori), and gyudon (Mai).

Kanon's story, set in the middle of winter, regards a group of five girls who are connected back to the same boy. Yuichi Aizawa, the main protagonist, had visited the city where the story takes place seven years prior to the story's beginning.

In the beginning Yuichi is very detached from the city and its inhabitants. Prior to his return, it is decided that he is to stay with his cousin, Nayuki Minase, and her mother, Akiko. After his long absence, Yuichi has forgotten almost everything except minor details of what happened seven years before and is in need of being reminded of what he left behind.

On the day after Yuichi's return, he is out with Nayuki who is showing him around town. Nayuki remembers that she has to buy things for dinner and Yuichi is reluctant to go with her, arguing that he might get lost. Moments after Nayuki left him waiting on the sidewalk, a strange girl named Ayu Tsukimiya barges into him with little warning. Upon recovering, she drags him away to a nearby café and confesses to inadvertently stealing a bag filled with taiyaki after being accidentally scared away by the salesman before she had a chance to pay. Yuichi then drags Ayu back to the salesman, they both apologize for the trouble, and Ayu is forgiven. They decide to meet up again another day and Ayu scampers off.

Yuichi is not aware at first, but three other girls which he had forgotten are familiar with him. Throughout the story, as he learns about the supernatural undertones of the town, Yuichi is reminded of each girl and the events of seven years ago in the city covered in snow.

music

Ads

please buy products from this site and get a free gift

PLEASE DONATE AND MAKE THIS SITE WORK FOR YOU

	Yuichi Aiz Kanon (カノン, Kanon^?) is a Japanese visual novel developed by Key and released on June 4, 1999. The original version, made for the PC, was rated 18 or older by Japan's Ethics Organization of Computer Software, but an all ages version was released on in January 2000. Subsequent general-audience versions were produced for the Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation Portable. Later, the Kanon Standard Edition was released for the PC, playable as a DVD-ROM in adult and all-ages versions. The Kanon Standard Edition incorporates the few extra graphics added to the all-ages version of the game. Both Standard Editions add support for Windows 2000/XP and other technical changes such as more save slots. Otherwise, the all-ages Kanon Standard Edition is the same as the original all-ages version released for the game. The gameplay in Kanon follows a linear plot line where the player interacts at predetermined times to choose several options that appear on the screen. The game was developed so that the focus for the player would be an intricate plot and the appeal of the five female main characters. The title is generally believed to be derived from the musical term canon; the second TV adaptation plays on this association by using of Pachelbel's Kanon D-dur, or Canon in D major, as a background piece at certain instances throughout the series. Kanon has made several transitions to other media. There are two anime adaptations, the first being a thirteen episode TV series that first aired on January 31, 2002; this version includes a one episode OVA, Kazahana, released on May 3, 2003. Both the original anime adaptation and the OVA were produced by the animation studio Toei Animation. The second anime adaptation, created by Kyoto Animation, aired in Japan between October 5, 2006 and March 15, 2007, containing twenty-four episodes; this series was licensed by ADV Films to be released in English.^[1] The story was also adapted into light novels, drama CDs, and two manga series. Setting and themes There are several important locations featured in the Kanon story that are based on those of the city Moriguchi and Sapporo, located in Japan.^[3] Key have consistently used real world locations as inspiration for their game settings; their later game Air also takes place in a city inspired by a real world location. The location names are seldom mentioned explicitly in their works. The time of year the story occurred in was during winter, and since it often snowed periodically over the course of the entire story, the city was always presented covered in a layer of snow. The covering snow helps to develop the mysterious mood that the story flows through. There are recurring themes that appear throughout the story. A music theme is present, as the name of the series is generally believed to be based on a classical composition named Canon in D. The episode titles from the 2006-2007 anime have parts in their titles related to music, such as overture and introit. Another theme is the presence of snow around the entire city which helps to develop a mysterious mood coupled with a supernatural theme which the story revolves around. Furthermore, miracles play a large part in the story; Kanon's plot line and characters are influenced by various instances where miracles occur.^[4] The act of promising and keeping promises is found throughout the story.^[5] Yuichi eventually makes important promises to the five main girls while at the same time fulfilling past promises he had made with them when he used to visit the city as a kid. One of the sub-themes in the story is amnesia, or the loss of memory; three of the main characters—Yuichi, Ayu and Makoto—suffer from amnesia in varying degrees; this is used as a plot device to advance the story. Another sub-theme deals with the favorite foods of the five main heroines. Newtype USA stated in an article on Kanon that, "it's when the characters are eating something really tasty that they seem most beautiful and alive," despite the somber setting and overall tone of the series.^[6] These five foods of choice are: taiyaki (Ayu), strawberries (Nayuki), nikuman (Makoto), ice cream (Shiori), and gyudon (Mai). Kanon's story, set in the middle of winter, regards a group of five girls who are connected back to the same boy. Yuichi Aizawa, the main protagonist, had visited the city where the story takes place seven years prior to the story's beginning. In the beginning Yuichi is very detached from the city and its inhabitants. Prior to his return, it is decided that he is to stay with his cousin, Nayuki Minase, and her mother, Akiko. After his long absence, Yuichi has forgotten almost everything except minor details of what happened seven years before and is in need of being reminded of what he left behind. On the day after Yuichi's return, he is out with Nayuki who is showing him around town. Nayuki remembers that she has to buy things for dinner and Yuichi is reluctant to go with her, arguing that he might get lost. Moments after Nayuki left him waiting on the sidewalk, a strange girl named Ayu Tsukimiya barges into him with little warning. Upon recovering, she drags him away to a nearby café and confesses to inadvertently stealing a bag filled with taiyaki after being accidentally scared away by the salesman before she had a chance to pay. Yuichi then drags Ayu back to the salesman, they both apologize for the trouble, and Ayu is forgiven. They decide to meet up again another day and Ayu scampers off. Yuichi is not aware at first, but three other girls which he had forgotten are familiar with him. Throughout the story, as he learns about the supernatural undertones of the town, Yuichi is reminded of each girl and the events of seven years ago in the city covered in snow. music Ads please buy products from this site and get a free gift PLEASE DONATE AND MAKE THIS SITE WORK FOR YOU

This layout made by the fansquabulous Sailor Xork. For more spiffy anime layouts, visit her web site at www.huntersglade.com/xork/ Spread the xorkness! Pogo for president! Weeeeeee! I love subliminal messages, don't you?