Mizunashi (lit: "Waterless") Akari has travelled from ManHome (Earth) to the planet Aqua (a terraformed Mars) to become an apprentice Undine or professional gondolier on the canals of the city of New Venezia, a faithful recreation of Earth's old Venice. She joins Aria Company, the smallest of the Undine companies with only a single Prima Undine, Alicia Florence to its name. Small it may be but Aria Company has a great reputation in Neo Venezia. Can Akari rise to join the ranks of the Prima Undines, along with the friends she makes among apprentice Undines from other companies?
Aria is a manga written and drawn by Amano Kozue, now complete in 60 chapters or "Navigations". It has been animated in three series -- Aria the Animation, Aria the Natural and Aria the Origination plus a single OAV. Set in a very recognisable recreation of the real city in Venice, it is a slow and delightful story with little drama or conflict, playing off the love of place and the friendships and rivalries of the major characters.
Both the mangas and the anime have been licenced for English-language release. What I have concentrated on translating are short "Special Navigation" chapters, omakes (short one-page comics) and 4komas (four-panel comics) that have been printed in Aria books which are not likely to be included in the licencing deals. These books include Japanese-only publications like the Perfect Guide and Material Guide books which give behind-the-scenes details of the making of the animes and manga.
Ai-chan is lost in Neo Venezia! What shall she do? Oh no, a big scary man is kidnapping her! Help! Help!
Ai-chan has arrived on Aqua, ready to join Aria Company as its newest apprentice. Her first problem -- how should she greet her old friend, and now boss, Akari-san? Formally? Informally? Italian-style? Decisions, decisions...
My gmail account name is nojay1 if you want to email me. Cheers.