The premise of Hidamari Sketch x 365 is really a unique one. It basically serves to expound upon and continue telling the story told in the first season of Hidamari Sketch, detailing the bite-sized adventures of Yuno, Miya, Hiro and Sae. Just like the first season, this means that event are told out-of-order, with each episode being more or less self contained. However, the pacing isn't executed quite as well as in the first season; the subtle threads connecting stories and morals aren't quite as present in Hidamari Sketch x 365, and none are quite as delectable. But that's not to say it's bad at storytelling, only that the events are shorter, to the point where several episodes are split in half. That makes it great for watching in short chunks, without the need to remember things that happened ten episodes ago.
The stories themselves are written competently, and are just as much of a roller-coaster ride as ever. Being such an obsessively cute slice-of-life show, nothing really dramatic ever happens, and each episode basically starts and ends the same way. But this accomplishes much more than it lets on. Seeing all the details of such beautiful friendships, how everything really unfolded, and wonderful sequels and prequels to episodes from the first season is more than what anyone who enjoyed the first season could possibly ask for. Some days are more enjoyable than others, but that's how life is.
Art direction really does take a shift in Hidamari Sketch x 365. Animation is the most obvious from the first episode, with a smoother, more detailed approach taken that most fans would find agreeable. Character designs themselves are more subtlety altered - most changes you don't notice until you compare the final episode to the first. This approach parallels the written character development perfectly, and anyone with a careful eye will always notice something intricate. The sound department leaves no major complaints, with all the Seiyuu returning and doing just as well. The new OP is even more poppy and cute than the first, something which seemed impossible!
The characters, just like before, are what make the show shine. Wonderful care is taken to not just develop them individually (which was already done pretty well to completion), but to play out the character relationships. Each girl forms a graspable view of the others. Fights are played out for all their melodramatic glory. Layers are peeled back to expose details that seem new, but that you soon realize were there all along. A minor complaint is that they both try to keep the same cast and expand it at the same time. Guest stars like Sae's little sister show up, but aren't focused on. The much loved Yoshinoya-sensei gets even more screen time, and is exposed probably more than any other. But giving Yuno's parents multiple episodes was a mistake - I agree with the message of youthful spirit overriding actual age, but this a cute show with cute girls, end of story. Seeing middle aged characters in chibi-style is just disturbing.
You probably wouldn't look up Hidamari Sketch x 365 unless you were familiar with the original, in which case you need to watch it: it's just as enjoyable. You certainly could start with the sequel if you wanted to, the pace is nice and slow.
Ultimately, I must give them both the same recommendation, for anyone who can at least tolerate the cutest young girls in anime and who's inner child longs for the days when you could curl up in a blanket and spend the day sipping coco with good friends.
