The anime beach episode is an iconic trope in the medium that has been used in many series. It is a plot device that takes the main characters away from their typical daily lives and has them enjoy the thrills of a beach vacation. While some viewers look forward to these episodes, others can't overlook the problems that come in tow. The most problematic detail of beach episodes is fanservice, which has been an uncomfortable focus on characters' bodies. The worst part of this trope is that the characters being sexualized are most often underaged girls. This unsightly focus has left anime with a bad reputation, but thankfully a number of series across the years have limited use of fanservice -- or tossed it away entirely -- in place of genuine storytelling. While this gradual change has made anime better overall, the worst of fanservice frequently lives on through anime's iconic beach episodes.

However, in the past few years, the conversation surrounding beach episodes has changed thanks to a select number of series that leave out the biggest issue. Creators might have finally begun to pick up on viewers' dislike of this unsavory trope and made a gradual effort to tone it down. With a newfound purpose for beach episodes, recent anime have found a way to overcome the problems of fanservice and make the beach episode a highlight of many series. This essay explores the evolution of the anime beach episode and the significance of the transformation from fanservice to character development.

 

The Problem With Fanservice in Anime

The Key Detail That Changed Anime Beach Episodes for the Better_0

Anime has had a problem with fanservice for years now, which aims to sexualize its characters for no other reason aside from perverted entertainment. The worst part of this trope is that the characters being sexualized are most often underaged girls. This unsightly focus has left anime with a bad reputation, but thankfully a number of series across the years have limited use of fanservice -- or tossed it away entirely -- in place of genuine storytelling.

The emphasis on sexualizing characters has been present in anime for years, and it is a problem that is not going away anytime soon. In fact, it has become so ubiquitous that it has even infiltrated the beach episode trope. The anime beach episode is a popular genre in the medium that is often used as a way to showcase female characters in revealing swimsuits. For viewers who feel uncomfortable -- or are at the very least tired of this worn-out trope -- the beach episode can bring great disappointment.

 

The Core Focus of a Quality Anime Beach Episode

The Key Detail That Changed Anime Beach Episodes for the Better_1

While there's a problem with emphasizing the attraction of swim trunks and bikinis, it of course makes sense to have beach-goers wearing those outfits when they're on the beach. That said, some anime series have reframed the beach episode to have character development and enhance the overall story. The climax of these episodes becomes key throughout the rest of the series, making it another important aspect of the characters' journeys. Any wild antics they find themselves in are also treated as wholesome entertainment, focusing on and developing their unique personalities.

Series like Free!, Ouran High School Host Club, and The Rising of the Shield Hero are consistently praised for their beach episodes because they gave more than fanservice to their viewers. When the focus is more on the story and character development, the setting becomes less important and it feels less like a trope. Thus, even though there is a mild hint of fanservice in these episodes through swimwear, it's not treated as the main focus or source of entertainment. The characters are dressed in swim trunks and bikinis not to show off their bodies but merely because they wouldn't choose to wear anything else in a beach setting.

 

My Dress-Up Darling and Bocchi the Rock! Offer a Unique Take on the Classic Beach Episode

The Key Detail That Changed Anime Beach Episodes for the Better_2

The latest episodes of My Dress-Up Darling and Bocchi the Rock! have introduced a fresh take on the traditional beach episode. While it's typical for characters to wear swimsuits at the beach, not every trip requires taking a dip in the water. In these two episodes, the absence of swimsuits is intentional and serves to shift the focus away from fanservice towards more meaningful interactions between the characters.

Rather than relying on skin-baring scenes, the beach episodes in My Dress-Up Darling and Bocchi the Rock! highlight Marin and Gojo's blossoming romance, and Bocchi's first time hanging out with friends. By omitting swimsuits, the creators are able to explore the characters' vulnerabilities and emotions in a deeper and more authentic way.

This departure from the usual emphasis on fanservice marks a positive shift in the anime industry. It allows beach episodes to showcase more than just gratuitous sexual imagery and instead highlight the strengths of the show's story and characters. While some brief moments of fanservice still exist, they are used sparingly and appropriately within the context of the series.

Ultimately, the decision to leave out swimsuits demonstrates that beach episodes no longer need to rely on sexualized content to be entertaining. Instead, they can serve as a valuable setting for character development and exploration, giving viewers a chance to connect with the characters on a more personal level.