OceanVeil, the recently launched streaming platform specializing in a diverse anime catalog, announced on Sunday that it is now streaming “The Winter Cicada” (Fuyu no Semi) OVA. The three-part original video animation, originally released in February 2007, is based on Youka Nitta’s popular yaoi manga series, Embracing Love.
Bringing a Classic Yaoi Story to Modern Audiences
“The Winter Cicada” (Fuyu no Semi) is a critically acclaimed three-part OVA that delves into a tragic romance set against the tumultuous backdrop of Japan’s Meiji Restoration (1862–1869). The story, a spin-off from Youka Nitta’s manga Embracing Love (Haru wo Daiteita), follows Touma Kusaka, a member of the Chōshū clan who desires for Japan to open its borders to foreign nations, and Keiichirou Akizuki, a samurai working for the rival Tokugawa bakufu. Their burgeoning relationship, despite their opposing allegiances and the era’s intense political conflicts, forms the core of this historical boys-love narrative. Directed by Yoshihisa Matsumoto and produced by Studio Venet, the OVA explores themes of forbidden love, duty, and sacrifice.
OceanVeil’s Growing Catalog and Niche
Launched in February 2025 by WWWave Corporation, OceanVeil positions itself as a unique streaming service aiming to bridge the gap between mainstream and niche anime content, including titles that often “fall through the cracks.” The platform is known for its dual approach, offering both “adult and mature anime titles” in uncensored formats, alongside “more mainstream and popular non-mature titles” within a designated “Safe-for-Work” section. This strategy allows OceanVeil to cater to a broad spectrum of anime enthusiasts.
Since its launch, OceanVeil has been steadily expanding its library, securing licenses for various classic and overlooked anime. Recent additions include titles like Bubblegum Crash, AD Police Files, Time of Eve, and Metal Skin Panic MADOX-01, many sourced through partnerships with companies like AnimEigo and MVD Entertainment. The platform also offers a mix of free content and a premium subscription model, priced at US$12.99 per month for full access to its catalog, including the more mature offerings.
The Significance of “The Winter Cicada” on the Platform
The addition of “The Winter Cicada” further solidifies OceanVeil’s commitment to delivering diverse and often hard-to-find anime. As a historical yaoi title, it represents a genre that has a dedicated fanbase but might not always receive widespread distribution on larger streaming platforms. The OVA’s intricate plot, spanning a pivotal period in Japanese history, provides both a compelling romantic narrative and historical context. Its comparison to classics like Romeo and Juliet underscores its tragic and emotionally resonant storyline, making it a significant inclusion for fans of the genre.
OceanVeil’s focus on curating such titles aligns with its stated goal of creating a community-centered platform that fosters appreciation for all tastes in anime, “blending mainstream and niche content seamlessly.” By making “The Winter Cicada” accessible, OceanVeil ensures that this poignant historical romance can be experienced by a new generation of viewers, as well as cherished by long-time fans.
