Sword Art Online

About Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online (SAO) is a Japanese anime television series based on the light novel series of the same name written by Reki Kawahara and illustrated by abec. The series aired between July and December 2012 and revolves around a boy named Kirito who gets trapped along with thousands of other players in a virtual reality MMORPG game. The players must navigate through the levels of the game, dealing with life-threatening situations while also dealing with issues of identity, self-worth, and community.

Making / Production

The series was directed by Tomohiko Itō and produced by A-1 Pictures. The scripting was handled by Shoji Yonemura. The anime adaptation was first announced at Dengeki Bunko Autumn Festival 2011. Aniplex of America began streaming and simulcasting the series in North America on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

Actors

• Yoshitsugu Matsuoka played the role of Kirito, delivering an emotional performance that kept audiences invested in the character's journey.
• Haruka Tomatsu provided the voice for Asuna. She brought life to Asuna’s courageous spirit brilliantly.
• Kanae Ito as Yui played her character with the tenderness it necessitated.
• Ayana Taketatsu voiced Leafa/Suguha with perfect balance of strength and vulnerability.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The concept of Sword Art Online was introduced through a light novel series before being adapted into an anime.
• Kawahara wrote the entire first volume of Sword Art Online in 2002 for a competition, but refrained from submitting it as it exceeded the page limit.
• Sword Art Online was initially written under the pen name Fumio Kunori.

Awards

Sword Art Online has won the "Best Anime Award" at the 19th Anime Awards in 2012 held by Tokyo MX.

Quotes

• "I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone." - Kirito
• "We have to fight against isolation, for our survival." - Asuna
• "In this world, a single blade can take you anywhere you want to go." - Kirito

Music Soundtrack

• "Crossing Field" by LiSA – First Opening Theme
• "Innocence" by Eir Aoi – Second Opening Theme
• "Yume Sekai" by Haruka Tomatsu – First Ending Theme
• "Overfly" by Haruna Luna – Second Ending Theme