Blue Spring Ride (2014)
A tender shoujo anime about rekindled first love, second chances, and the emotional distance that grows between people over time.
Blue Spring Ride - Series Information
- Original Title: アオハライド
- First Air Year: 2014
- Last Air Year: 2014
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 23 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 8, 2014 (United States - TV-14), July 8, 2014 (Australia - M), July 8, 2014 (Brazil - 10)
- Networks: Tokyo MX
- Alternative Titles: 闪烁的青春 (CN), Aoharaido (JP), Blue Spring Ride (CH), Пътят на младостта (BG), Неудержимая юность (RU)
- Production Companies: Production I.G, TOHO, Shueisha, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), AnimatiC, BS11, Sony PCL, MBS, movic, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners
- Production Countries: Japan
Blue Spring Ride - Plot
At the end of her first year of high school, Futaba Yoshioka suddenly has a chance encounter with her first love, Kou Tanaka. Three years ago, he transferred schools before she was able to say how she felt about him. After meeting each other again, Futaba realizes that he has gone through many changes. He acts more cool and even had his last name changed to Mabuchi. Gradually the two rekindle their love while piecing together what had happened in the time that they were apart.
Blue Spring Ride - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the story of Futaba and Kou.
Where to Watch Blue Spring Ride
Looking for where to watch Blue Spring Ride?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Blue Spring Ride - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Maaya Uchida
- Yuki Kaji
- Ai Kayano
- KENN
- Mikako Komatsu
- Daisuke Hirakawa
- Yusuke Handa
- Shintaro Ogawa
- Sohta Arai
- Haruka Terui
Writers
- Tomoko Konparu
- Miharu Hirami
- Yuka Yamada
Executive Producers
- Yoshihiro Furusawa
- Satoshi Adachi
- Masanori Fujita
Blue Spring Ride - FAQs
What is Blue Spring Ride about?
Blue Spring Ride follows Futaba Yoshioka, a high school girl who unexpectedly reunites with her first love, Kou Tanaka — now going by Kou Mabuchi. As they slowly reconnect, both must navigate the emotional distance created by years apart, personal change, and the complicated feelings they never got to resolve.
Is Blue Spring Ride based on a manga?
The anime is a direct adaptation of the shoujo manga Ao Haru Ride by Io Sakisaka, serialized in Bessatsu Margaret magazine from 2011 to 2015. The manga was a major hit in Japan and also inspired a live-action film released in 2014.
Where can I stream Blue Spring Ride?
Blue Spring Ride is available to stream on Rakuten Viki, both with a subscription and with ads. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming options in your region, JustWatch is a great resource to check availability.
How many episodes does Blue Spring Ride have?
The series runs for 12 episodes across a single season, with each episode averaging around 23 minutes. There are also 2 bonus special episodes available, making it a compact but emotionally satisfying watch from start to finish.
Does Blue Spring Ride have a satisfying ending?
The anime ends on a bittersweet, open note that stays true to the manga's tone at that point in the story. While it doesn't fully resolve the central romance, it leaves viewers with a sense of emotional progress and hope — though many fans wish the story had continued further.
Who are the main voice actors in Blue Spring Ride?
Maaya Uchida voices lead character Futaba Yoshioka, while Yuki Kaji brings Kou Mabuchi to life. The supporting cast includes Ai Kayano as Yuuri Makita, KENN as Aya Kominato, and Mikako Komatsu as the reserved Shuuko Murao.
Is Blue Spring Ride worth watching for romance fans?
For fans of heartfelt shoujo romance, it's a genuine treat. The series captures the awkwardness and longing of first love with real emotional nuance, and the chemistry between Futaba and Kou is compelling throughout. It's tender, nostalgic, and beautifully animated by Production I.G.
What are shows similar to Blue Spring Ride?
If you enjoy Blue Spring Ride, you'll likely love From Me to You: Kimi ni Todoke (2009) and Maid Sama! (2010), both beloved shoujo romance anime with similar emotional depth. Noragami (2014) and Senryu Girl (2019) are also popular picks among fans of the genre.
More About Blue Spring Ride
Explore further details about Blue Spring Ride on these trusted reference sites.