The Hinamaru Sumo end theme has high-testosterone feel befitting a show about a high school sumo team, making male listeners want to get up and shiko stomp.
Laid Back Camp, aka "Yuru Camp", has a pleasant, folk-heavy, somewhat Celtic-tinged soundtrack that fits perfectly with the theme of the show, which is, well, about camping and enjoying mouth-watering Japanese cuisine while chilling out next to one's campfire. The Jackson 5-inspired opening theme is a bit jarring compared to the rest of the soundtrack, but has a feel-good vibe that fits.
A Place Further Than The Universe, aka "Yorimoi", is my favorite anime of 2018, and now sits in my personal Top 5 all-time great list. I could clarify why it left such an impression on me, but it'll have to be another post. I admit these insert songs are not typical of the music I listen to, but they fit the scenes in which they are used so effectively. My Japanese comprehension isn't good, but the lyrics to all these songs have something to do with going on a journey, despite various obstacles and scuh. So instead of posting the full versions of these songs, I think it's fitting to just post the clips where they're effectively used as part of the soundtrack.
Clip #1, Song: Koko Kara, Koko Kara ("From here, from here")
Inspired by her new friend Shirase, Kimari finally goes on her first out of town trip - a small step towards an even grander journey
Clip #2, Song: Sora Wo Miagete ("Lift up the sky")
The teenage would-be Antartica explorer group has grown to 3. They run upon Shirase's command, despite not fully understanding why. For Kimari, the experience quickly becomes a joyful celebration of youth rather than a fearful one.
Clip #3, Song: Sora Wo Miagete ("Lift up the sky")
Same song as Clip #2, but now used to set the excitement shared by the group, which now numbers 4, as they gaze at the sunrise after spending their first night together in close quarters:
Clip #4, Song: Haru Ka Tooku ("Far Away")
The 4 girls introduce themselves to the Antarctica expedition team, which is in a somber mood for a reason that is revealed by watching the show. Shirase overcomes her issues, not the least of which is stage fright, to cheer up and rouse the team:
Clip #5, Song: One Step
The girls have been seasick onboard the icebreaker, and are doubting whether they can really handle the challenges of an Antarctica expedition. But then they spontaneously decide to do something a little crazy to snap themselves out of their funk - the timing of Kimari opening the door and the beat of the song kicking in as the air blows her hair back is one of the most beautiful sights I've seen in anime:
Song: Mata Ne ("See you again")
No clip here. You'll have to watch the show to see in what scenes this song is used, though I suppose I can say it first appears in the scene in which one character tries to end her friendship with her best friend; and believe it or not, there's an even more emotionally devastating scene later on in the show that uses this song. The emotional power of a couple of those scenes relies heavily on the character development and attention span of the viewer. The emotional impact seems to be intensified by the sparse guitar-and-vocals arrangement.
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