Grand Blue Dreaming

“Grand Blue Dreaming” is a comedy anime series based on the manga of the same name by Kenji Inoue and Kimitake Yoshioka. The story revolves around Iori Kitahara, a first-year college student who moves to the coastal town of Izu to pursue his dream of enjoying a fun and carefree college life. Little does he know that his expectations will be turned upside down when he becomes entangled in the wild and boisterous world of diving.

The anime begins with Iori arriving in Izu, where he moves into his uncle’s diving shop, “Grand Blue.” Iori quickly discovers that his tranquil college life won’t be as peaceful as he anticipated, as he becomes a member of the local university’s diving club, which is known for its heavy drinking and outrageous antics. With a bunch of eccentric and quirky club members, Iori finds himself plunged into a series of hilarious misadventures and over-the-top situations.

One of the pivotal events in the series is the constant presence of alcohol and the club members’ penchant for partying. The diving club is notorious for their alcohol-fueled parties, often referred to as “Welcome Parties,” where members dress up in outrageous costumes and engage in excessive drinking and debauchery. These parties become a recurring theme and a significant source of comedy throughout the anime.

As the series progresses, Iori forms close bonds with his fellow club members. Among them are Kouhei Imamura, a dependable and responsible student who serves as the club’s president, and Shinji Tokita, a muscular and energetic individual who often takes the lead in organizing outrageous events. Other notable characters include Chisa Kotegawa, a beautiful and intelligent girl whom Iori is infatuated with, and Aina Yoshiwara, a fellow freshman who joins the diving club but has a fear of the ocean.

The anime showcases various diving expeditions and competitions, where Iori and his friends tackle challenges both in and out of the water. These experiences serve to deepen their friendships and allow Iori to overcome his own fears and insecurities. Additionally, romantic tensions and comedic misunderstandings arise as Iori finds himself caught in comedic love triangles and awkward situations.