アオハライド
Blue Spring Ride - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Rain
Rain symbolizes the beginning of Futaba and Kou's connection and their shared past. It represents a time of innocence and budding feelings, a nostalgic memory that both characters hold onto.
Their first significant bonding moment in middle school happens while taking shelter from a sudden rain shower at a shrine. This memory is frequently revisited in flashbacks throughout the series, serving as a benchmark for how much they have changed and the connection they are trying to recapture.
The Train
The train symbolizes the forward momentum of life, missed opportunities, and the desire to reconnect. It represents the quiet, unspoken moments and the internal turmoil of the characters as they navigate their feelings side-by-side.
One of the most iconic scenes in the anime involves Futaba and Kou on a train. Kou falls asleep on Futaba's shoulder, a moment of vulnerability that allows her to feel close to him again. The train's movement reflects their own journey, moving forward even as they are stuck in their unspoken emotions. It's a pivotal scene that deepens their complex relationship without words.
The Clock at the Park
The clock symbolizes their broken promise and the time they lost. It is a physical reminder of their planned first date to the summer festival that never happened, which marks the turning point in their relationship and their subsequent separation.
In middle school, Kou asked Futaba to meet him at 7 o'clock by the park clock for the summer festival. He never showed up, and she soon learned he had moved away. This location becomes a poignant symbol of their missed connection and the unresolved feelings that linger between them years later.
Philosophical Questions
Can you ever truly go back to the way things were?
The series constantly grapples with this question. Futaba's initial desire is to return to the simple, sweet connection she had with the middle school version of Kou. However, she is forced to confront the reality that time and trauma have irrevocably changed him. The series explores the idea that nostalgia can be a trap, and that trying to recapture the past is futile. Instead, it suggests that the only way forward is to build a new relationship based on who people are in the present, acknowledging and accepting their changed selves. The 'ride' of the title implies continuous forward motion, not a return trip.
What is the nature of an authentic identity?
Futaba's journey is a direct exploration of this question. She begins by performing an identity she thinks will make her life easier, but finds it hollow. The series asks what it means to be 'yourself'. Is it being the person you were, or the person you are now? For both Futaba and Kou, their 'true' selves are not static. Their identities are shaped by past experiences, present choices, and the influence of their friends. The series posits that authenticity isn't about reverting to a past self, but about making conscious choices to be honest and vulnerable in the present.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Blue Spring Ride" revolves around the themes of second chances, personal growth, and the courage to be authentic. The title itself, "Ao Haru Ride," is a Japanese portmanteau created by the author, combining "Ao Haru" (blue spring), which signifies youth, with "Ride," representing the journey. The series posits that youth is a journey filled with struggles, misunderstandings, and regrets, but it is also a time of profound connection and self-discovery. It conveys the message that you cannot truly move forward without confronting the past, and that genuine relationships require vulnerability and communication. The story emphasizes that while people change, the core of who they are and the connections they forge can endure, and that it's never too late to start over and build meaningful bonds by being true to oneself.