Is the Anime Really Finished?#
If you are wondering whether you can dive into Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop without worrying about an unfinished cliffhanger, you are in luck. The anime is a self-contained film released on July 22, 2021. Because it is a movie rather than an ongoing series, it provides a complete narrative experience.
Furthermore, the source material—the manga—ran from November 27, 2019, to March 27, 2021. Since both the manga and the film adaptation are complete, viewers can expect a satisfying conclusion to the story of Cherry and Smile without needing to wait for more seasons.
If you’re ready to experience this vibrant story, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
What is it About? Themes and Appeal#
Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop is a heartfelt story that explores the difficulties of communication and the courage it takes to show your true self to others. The plot centers on two teenagers who struggle with social interaction in different ways:
- Cherry: A boy who finds it difficult to communicate verbally and instead pours his emotions into the traditional art of Japanese haiku poems, always wearing headphones to signal his distance from the world.
- Smile: A popular video star who streams content about “cuteness” but hides her own face behind a mask to conceal her dental braces.
Set against the backdrop of a mundane suburban shopping mall in a provincial city, the story uses music and poetry to bridge the gap between these two lonely souls. It is best suited for audiences who enjoy sweet, atmospheric romance, coming-of-age stories, and themes regarding self-acceptance and the beauty of honest communication.
If you enjoy collecting items from the series you love, you can buy Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop merchandise to celebrate this aesthetic journey.
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Because of the simple structure of this release, there are very few “wrong” ways to experience the story. However, depending on your goals, here are the best paths:
For Newcomers (The Standard Path)#
Since the anime is a film, the easiest way to start is simply to watch the movie. It provides the full emotional arc of the characters in one sitting.
For Completionists#
If you want the most comprehensive experience, we recommend watching the film first and then reading the manga. The manga provides the original foundation for the story and was completed shortly before the film’s release. You can buy the manga here.
For Source Material Enthusiasts#
If you prefer to know all the details before seeing them animated, you can start with the manga (which ran from late 2019 to early 2021) and then watch the movie to see those moments brought to life with music and animation.
For more details on how the film relates to the original comic, feel free to check out the relationship tree provided on this page.
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Additional Useful Information#
For those who appreciate the auditory experience of the film, the production featured special collaborations, including a theme song by never young beach and an insert song by Taeko Onuki, which further enhance the mood of Cherry and Smile’s meeting.
Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop • anime • 2021-07-22
└─(adaptation)→ Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop • manga • 2019-11-27 to 2021-03-27 (Comic Alive, Jan 2020 - May 2021)
