I think its a good thing to try exploring new cultures. Going to another country allows you to learn about that countrys culture while teaching the people from that culture about your own. Its a winwin situation for everyone as we know more about the world that we live in. As we watch anime we learn a bit about Japans culture. However its not every day where there is an anime about a Japanese person going to a different country much less France and very much less PARIS. Although I dont remember how why or when I decided that I would one day watch this anime it doesnt matter that much because watching it turned out to be worth it in the end. Ladies and gentlemen welcome to my review of Ikoku Meiro no Croise known in English as Croise in a Foreign Labyrinth or in French as La Croise dans un Labyrinthe tranger. The story of Ikoku Meiro no Croise takes place in the latter half of the 19th century. Yune is a 13yearold Japanese girl who was taken to Paris France by a French traveler named Oscar. There she helps out at Oscars familys ironwork shop Enseignes du Roy. Claude Oscars grandson is reluctant to take care of Yune at first. This anime is basically about Yune and Claude trying to understand each others cultures. As you may see Ikoku Meiro no Croise doesnt have much of a plot to it. I dont think it needs to though. Like Ive said before its not every day that theres an anime that takes place in a foreign country much less France. A plot like that no matter whether it has a great story or not is rather unique if you ask me. Besides I do like sliceoflife anime why would a fan of sliceoflife anime find the story to be a problem at all? The art and animation although a bit bright for my liking is quite pretty. Satelight has done a good job at animating this. The voice acting also fits each character well. The opening theme Sekai was Odoru yo Kimi to by Youmou to Ohana is quite catchy it really gives me the impression that Im watching an anime that takes place in France or anywhere in Europe for that matter in the 1800s like its supposed to. The ending theme Koko kara Hajimaru Monogatari by Nao Touyama though is just plain BEAUTIFUL this is the most beautiful song Ive ever heard Nao Touyama sing. There are also very interesting characters in this anime I cant think of one completely unlikable character. These characters get a decent amount of character development too. Overall Ikoku Meiro no Croise was a pleasure to watch. Anyone who would like to learn a thing or two about French culture or at least how French culture was like several years ago should give it a try. Who knows? Maybe youll even be encourage to explore a lot of other cultures besides that