Gen Kinokura (Daiki Hamano) is looking forward to some peace and quiet. He’s on a solo camping trip, ready to get back to nature and escape the hustle and bustle of reality for a while (and you know what? Valid). He sets up his tent, gets a fire going, and is about to settle in for the night…when all of a sudden, his trip is turned upside down by another person.
A woman named Shizuku Kusano (Mizuki Niizaki) quite literally crashes into his life—she’s a rookie camper looking for a place to stay for the night as she’s lost and has conveniently forgotten to rent herself a tent. But hey, there’s plenty of room at Gen’s camp, right? What follows is a whole lotta arguing, more than a few hilarious mishaps, and a (begrudging on his part, enthusiastic on hers) deal to turn their time together into a solo camping trip…for two.
I’m a total sucker for campfire-style animes and Solo Camping for Two immediately made itself at home in my heart. Gen is the grumpy lone wilderness expert with a heart of gold who finds himself having to share his wisdom, while Mizuki has all the eagerness of someone who is clueless when it comes to nature but knows exactly how to get what she wants. Together, they make a great pair and, in just the opening episode, they already endear you to them.
Another cozy camping anime fave is Laid-Back Camp—and the meals the crew whip up at each campsite look downright delicious. So if you want more deliciousness, check out all the campfire recipes from all three seasons and the movie!
The animation style is super pretty, with painted backgrounds to show off the beauty of the scenic setting, and darker lines and shading to emphasize Gen’s ruggedness, which contrasts with Mizuki’s softer, more blended style. The score by Shota Kowashi is just as pretty, highlighting the whimsy of the situation and keeping you uplifted. And the food—gosh, the food—Mizuki cooks on the campfire looks divine and is one of my personal highlights (you know me and campfire recipes).
Based on the manga of the same name by Yudai Debata, Solo Camping for Two is a cute adventure under the stars sprinkled with a pinch of comedy, some delicious campfire cooking, and a whole lotta heart. I can’t wait to see what camping escapades they head on next!
Rating: B+
Level of Enthusiasm: 90%