Mizuiro Jidai (水色時代, "Aqua Age") is Japanese manga series which was serialized in 1991 by Shogakukan. in the shōjo manga magazine Ciao. A 47-episode anime television series based on the manga was produced by NAS and TV Tokyo and animated by Studio Comet; it aired on TV Tokyo from 1996 to 1997. During the run of the anime a continuation of the story called "Shin Mizuiro Jidai" was run in Ciao Magazine. The series was made into a musical in 2001 and a cast recording was released.

This article does not cite any sources. (September 2014)

The story of the anime follows Yuko Kawai, a junior highschool student, as she faces the challenges of growing up and overcoming her shyness as she comes of age. She begins seeing her best friend Hiroshi Naganuma, the boy next door, in a different light.

• Yuko Kawai (河合 優子, Kawai Yūko)

Voiced by: Masami Suzuki

The main character in the story.

• Hiroshi Naganuma (長沼 博士, Naganuma Hiroshi)

Voiced by: Jun Akiyama

A childhood friend of Yuko Kawai who has a crush on her. When he confessed to her, at first he didn't get a straight answer.

• Takako Takahata (高幡 多可子, Takahashi Takako)

Voiced by: Chieko Higuchi

A friend of Yuko Kawai and a classmate. She has a pretty strong will and had a crush on Hiroshi Naganuma.

• Miyuki Kitano (北野 深雪, Kitano Miyuki)

Voiced by: Eri Miyajima