Thoughts on Anime Ending Sequences

Today I’d like to talk about an aspect of the anime episode that is almost always present, the ending sequences. These animation sequences (lasting about a minute and a half each) are often skipped by viewers and are easily forgotten. However, while it is easy to forget about these sequences, they do contribute (sometimes significantly) to the overall presentation of an anime episode. For good or for bad, there are times when the ending sequences stand out and I will be highlighting some of those instances in this post.

How Do You Watch Anime?

Is there a specific way you prefer for your anime watching? To give you an example of what I mean, let me describe two very different experiences I had of watching anime.

Clannad After Story’s Unsatisfying Ending

Warning. The post will contain spoilers for Clannad After Story. If you have not seen Clannad After Story, I highly recommend that you do not read any further at risk of spoiling some incredible moments.

Recently, I managed to finish Clannad and Clannad After Story. Overall, I was very pleased with it, but if I have any complaint, it is that I just did not like the ending of Clannad After Story. It was not a bad ending strictly speaking. The illusionary world and the light orbs were worked in from the very beginning and the ending did not leave me thinking “what just happened?” Additionally, it was nice to finally see Tomoya’s family finally find happiness together. However, I just didn’t feel that the ending fit with the themes of the rest of the story.