Watashi ga Motenai no wa Dou Kangaetemo Omaera ga Warui!

Watashi ga Motenai no wa Doe Kangaetemo Omaera ga Warui! (Better known as Watamote) Is about the otaku Kuroki Tomoko there is trying so hard to be pouplar in her high school years, but fails really often (I could relate a lot to that, so that just made it even more funny to watch).

The soundtracks in the anime are really great, and fits perfectly to the anime! The opening is really great as well, and are really good to Tomoko, and the story.

One of the reasons why I like this anime is because of the awkward moments, and I can really relate to them! ... The characters makes the anime even better, and they are really unique.

I had a really good time watching this anime, and I will rewatch it soon! Even though it is a little boring sometimes, because it is a slice of life anime. But the story still caught me, and I enjoyed it really much.

I hope there will be a second season in future, even though it had a really good ''closed' ending. It didn't leave me with any questions at the ending, but I would still like to see what the characters are doing after the ending.

The opening is fascinating to watch (even if the 'music' is terrible), the closing also good and a bit catchy. Izumi Kitta delivers an excellent performance, ranging from low sarcasm to deep despair to girly glee. The many faces of Kuroki and the animation mean that despite being almost a 12-episode long monologue, we don't get bored watching. That aside.

_Watamote_ is one of the most painful anime I have ever watched, up there with _End of Evangelion_. I was expecting something not so much in the vein of the lighthearted _Genshiken_ or _Tatami Galaxy_, but the fairly dark _Welcome to the N.H.K.!_ and I got ... that, in spades, without the slightest hope of redemption, turned up to the max.

Anxiety about social interactions is common. And it's amusing - lots of great gags are based on misunderstandings, overthinking things, worries which turn out to be groundless, and revelations of things better kept secret. _Watamote_ has all that, in every episode. And it has plenty of irony: I particularly enjoyed, when I was still watching episode 1 and didn't realize what I was in for, Kuroki's bookstore line "The people here are all way worse than me. Feels good to be here." Yeah, that really sums up a lot of nerds' feelings sometimes at safe places like conventions, doesn't it? It's amusing for being ironic on Kuroki as it's immediately subverted, but the viewer probably can recognize that the line and irony apply to themselves a little bit as well.

The problem is... it all goes too far. Not too long ago, I was corresponding with what I now suspect to have been a mentally ill person, and I deliberately mocked their claims and led them on to see what they'd say (http://www.gwern.net/Blackmail); it occurred to me partway that they might be mentally ill, but I dismissed it as my usual arrogance, until a vaguely increasing sense of unease and sense of guilt led me to tone things down. In retrospect, I did not handle the incident too well. I began to feel the same way in episode 3: that I was enjoying myself at the expense of someone who I should not be enjoying myself at the expense of, that I was being shown the humiliation and mockery of someone deeply disabled and mentally ill. In fact, look up the DSM-5's criteria for 'social anxiety disorder': A-G match perfectly except *perhaps* C ("The person recognizes that this fear is unreasonable or excessive."). You wouldn't watch a film about mocking the blind, or the deaf, or playing pranks on paraplegics, or about tying cans to a cat's tail; you wouldn't enjoy an anime focused on the wacky doings of a mentally retarded person - *you'd feel bad about yourself*. I feel bad about watching _Watamote_. Kimochi warui, dudes. I felt mental pain watching many episodes. I had to pause scenes, or just stop episodes for that day, or play them on 2x to force my way through the chagrin and embarrassment.

Kuroki is, besides a sick character who you want to see get treatment, not a nice person, to put it mildly. She has a serious sadistic streak, massively projects negative traits, is self-centered and entitled, abusive of others, and resents the slightest justified demand on her. It's not pleasant watching her, at all. A character without redeeming aspects is a hard sell as a protagonist, and I'd probably appreciate such a non-moe female character if I could get over everything else. But actually, it's probably better for the viewer's peace of mind to not sympathasize with Kuroki (although it's hard given that we spend the entire series inside her head, and we all remember similar embarrassing experiences as those Kuroki endures, even if ours were much tamer).

Worse are the people around her. It seems initially cute when her mother walks in on her doing something extremely awkward and pretends it doesn't exist, or when her father finds her asleep having apparently masturbated and just calmly puts her to bed. It gets a lot less cute when you begin to notice that Kuroki's social anxiety is pathological, longstanding, and notice that almost the only time Kuroki's mother disciplines her is when Kuroki threatens her image when her sister is coming over with Kuroki's cousin, and when she needs some work done. My mental image of the mother as tolerating Kuroki's phase and giving her space to work out her issues without pressuring her suddenly flips into a different concern: Japanese society is, I am told, not very good at dealing with mental illness and puts a stigma and taboo on acknowledging any issues or seeking treatment. _Watamote_ is generally a very realistic show (eg all the references I noticed were to real stuff: a ton of _Haruhi_ references, _Detective Conan_, _Another_, _K-On!_, Nico Nico Douga, _Nadia_, McDonald's, etc), including no fantastical materials, minimal coincidences, an unattractive protagonist who isn't Hollywood Homely (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HollywoodHomely)... What ever shows that Kuroki's parents care much about her at all, and aren't just protecting their social image and reputation and doing their best to pretend Kuroki has no problems? For that matter, what about her classmates? The show seems to go out of its way to depict all her classmates as good nice people who even are bothered by killing a cockroach, and certainly are not bullying or mistreating Kuroki... yet, she never speaks to anyone. Isn't that going a little beyond their description "Kuroki-san is quiet"? Quiet, certainly, but never talking to anyone, never eating lunch with anyone, never participating in anything... It's not like they don't have plenty of opportunity to notice. The council president starts to suspect the problem after just 2 or 3 brief encounters with Kuroki, and her cousin strongly suspects after a day or two. The class could know if it wants to. We might initially place our hope in the teachers, since the homeroom teacher interacts a little bit with Kuroki early on, but it never goes beyond that. Why only ever tell her to be careful on the way home? You can try talking about more than that! And her best friend Yuu? Completely oblivious. (Or is she? Given that she seems to be consciously playing a role, one wonders.)

So. The parents are apparently trying to cover everything up. The classmates and teacher feel they're doing enough. The brother takes the brunt of Kuroki's abuse and warped cries for help, but it's a little much to expect him to handle it all by himself and he does his fair share. Her only friend doesn't realize there's any problem. Kuroki can't help herself; she tries, but it all fails. She tries repeatedly, and it fails, and even her final effort in the last episode to reach the council president fails (and depressingly, she seems to realize there's a problem but to think Kuroki is working hard, which is true but sounds like an excuse to forget about the matter, and given the whole overall thrust of _Watamote_, it's hopeless to expect anything good to come out of their interactions).

Everyone is clueless, disengaged, or covering it up. No one will help, and those who want to, can't. There is no sign that Kuroki will ever get better. That things will ever improve. She will forever be trapped in her room, trapped in her fantasies and a sad little girl outside them, unable to develop into anything or have real friends. The pervading sense is a harsh bitter hopelessness. Being resigned to despair is still a form of despair.

Overall, I think the ANN review by Theron Martin (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/watamote/episodes-1) does a good job reviewing the series, but I have to disagree with the summation that the tragedy is sufficiently balanced by comedy and that "occasionally feel like it is just dumping misfortune on Tomoko, but it never goes far enough with this to negate how Tomoko creating her own misfortune makes the series' title incredibly ironic".

Or the series tags... 'Comedy'? 'Slice of life'? 'Morbidly funny' This is supposed to be funny? I'm supposed to laugh? You must be shitting me. If this was not intended by the creators to be a pitch-black psychological horror work (at which it succeeds nauseatingly well) almost unrelieved by any humor but that which indicts the viewer for finding it funny - they have much to answer for.

> "Somebody remarked: 'I can tell by my own reaction to it that this book is harmful.' But let him only wait and perhaps one day he will admit to himself that this same book has done him a great service by bringing out the hidden sickness of his heart and making it visible."

Kimochi warui.

Watashi ga Motenai no wa Dou Kangaetemo Omaera ga Warui! or simply Wata Mote, is your not-so-typical weird show. The story centers at Kuroki Tomoko, a gloomy-looking girl who happens to be an introvert. She'd be your typical hikkikomori(shut-in) if she doesn't go to school, a loner in short. There's no certain plot to follow on Wata Mote. The series is purely comedy. We follow Tomoki's life as she tries to tread the path on becoming popular, and we laugh as she fails.


I've mentioned in my past reviews that music is always crucial in a series(for me of course). Wata Mote has some amusing OST's ... in it. There were 4 ending themes for it and 1 solid opening theme. Natsuri Matsuri was done by your most popular "vocaloid" Hatsune Miku, I've never been a fan of her, but Natsuri Matsuri is quite good.

All of the characters in Wata Mote are normal. Well, not for Tomoki. Would you watch the series if she's normal? 'Course not! She's one of the gloomiest characters I've ever seen. Some characters were made to look cool and flashy, but for Tomoko? Definitely not the case. They've put total effort into making her an ugly otaku gir(although she can still be cute at times, even though its only in her delusions.). Her fantasies(delusions) could be easily turned into their own series. The attention and detail they put on it are fantastic. But her optimism is on the highest level. If all this things happened to me? Heck, I wouldn't think twice slitting my neck to end it all. Two of the most popular seiyuus are here too, even though they're just supporting acts. Its Kugimiya Rie(who didn't have much airtime T.T) and Hanazawa Kana.

Even though watamote is your "weird" type of series, it can be pretty funny and some few scenes were quite actually heartfelt. Aren't the weird types always get the masses? Although some might raise their eyebrows on watamote, I don't care. S'long as I enjoy a series and it pleases me? I don't give a shit if someone call what I watch shit. I've long accepted the fact "you can never please everyone.".

Of course this really can't happen in real life, but similar events like this did happen in someone's life. Bottomline is, watamote is centered to make its viewers laugh. If you didn't laugh after watching a couple of episodes, I suggest you drop it. It means you don't like its humor, its ok, you can hate its producers and creators. Its not like they give a shit about every one of their viewers. But really, after watching a couple of episodes of Wata Mote and it didn't even make any sense to you, drop it. Or worse, add an insult if your friend asks you about it. Viewer's discretion is totally adviced on watching watamote. You'll be surprised how powerful Tomoki's delusions are. Its definitely not for the faint-hearted, but extremely funny(for my 'effin self).


And for me, watamote really shows how a mind of a loner can be. They'd have the weirdest fantasies you could ever imagine. Shows how frail the human mind is. And it really shows that being alone is not cool? So for the kids out there who wants to be alone and thinks that being one is cool. Bullshit. I've experienced being an introvert when I was a kid, trust me, its not even one bit cool. Being left alone while everyone is having fun is not cool, at all. My mom had to consult a psychotherapist just to cure me. And now, I'm proud to say that I have friends, even though most of them are "internet friends". Well, everyone has their own pace, some guys really are meant to be alone, and some guys are perfect in a group. Its for you to know which group you belong. 'Kay, let's end my review here, before I retell my whole life.

(Overall Score : 8)

It’s always nice to see that a certain anime of a specific genre hasn’t followed the stereotype of almost every other anime under that genre. High school in anime appears to be like paradise, in my opinion, where teenagers spend their days having fun and participating in clubs, meeting up with friends, confessing their love to their crush, and so on. That’s why it’s always nice to see that there’s something that doesn’t follow the crowd, (which is quite fitting because of what this anime is about!) because to introverts like our main character and moi, high school is rubbish!

STORY
Kuroki Tomoko is a quiet ... and super awkward girl, who is about to enter high school, where she believes that her life will change for the better; she will be popular, etc. However, due to her lack of social skills, she fails. Horribly at times. She uses theories she discovered from playing romance visual novels, reading shoujo manga, and she knows what to expect in situations where she tries to make herself stand out. Unfortunately, something usually gets in her way, and ruins her entire plan.

It’s an interesting plot setting, although the one large drawback it has, is that there’s no progression, at all. That’s why it is sometimes difficult to get through an episode, because she can’t learn from her mistakes, regardless of how hard she tries.

CHARACTERS
If there was a female anime character that I could relate to, it’s Tomoko. Many times I have tried to stand out in certain situations, I prefer to stay indoors as much as possible, I have a negative outlook on life, hell I even have bags under my eyes like she does! In terms of the whole introvert stereotype, it’s pretty much perfect. Her appearance, her speech, the way she acts in (and after) embarrassing situations, her dreams of becoming popular; they’re all really accurate, or at least I think they are.

The only downside is that she gets into those embarrassing situations much more often than other introverts. Unlike similar characters like Hachiman Hikigaya from Oregairu, Tomoko has a tendency to act without thinking, or in short, she has a lack of common sense. This is the main reason why she gets into embarrassing situations, which are really bothersome, especially because we, the viewers know that she didn’t have to get into these situations.
The secondary characters are pretty much irrelevant. The focus is on Tomoko most of the time, so there isn’t any real room for other characters to come into the spotlight. It isn’t even needed though, as it kinda emphasizes the feeling of solitude that Tomoko has. A nice touch, in my opinion.

SOUND & ANIMATION
I watched Watamote in Japanese dub, and I enjoyed it. Because of the lack of characters, the dub consists mainly of Tomoko’s monologuing, as she thinks of her fantasies, insults everyone in her mind (another completely normal thing for introverts) and as she creates various plans of how to get popular. Other than that, she talks almost incomprehensibly when someone is talking to her. Izumi Kitta did a good job on voicing Tomoko. I like the way how she slurs her words, making her sound like a drunk.

One thing that I loved, were the common references to other popular anime like ‘Another’, ‘K-ON!’ and the Haruhi Suzumiya series. These references just made me smile, and think “Oh come on... SERIOUSLY?!” A few of the scenes made me wonder how this anime got away with it! Sure, names of characters and groups were partially censored out, but seeing it is still ridiculously entertaining.

The soundtrack is, well, average. Because this show isn’t very dark, the music is quite humorous, with not so many tracks that stand out as being really good. Not a bad soundtrack, but nothing spectacular.
One thing that does stand out, is the opening. Screaming heavy metal music, and a mix of images that correspond to the different moods that Tomoko goes through in the anime, make an awesome opening. It is definitely one of my favourites.

The animation is where the anime expresses itself. One moment you have normal animation for a normal peaceful scene, and in a moment you have dark gloomy colours for the moments of Tomoko’s “mishaps”. Special effects and filters are also well used, creating unique atmospheres. The animation for Tomoko is also really good. As I already mentioned, the visual aspect of the stereotype is really good. Pale skin, gloomy expression, messy hair, and of course those eyes...

FINAL EVALUATION
Even though I praised the show, quite a bit, I still didn’t enjoy it as I had hoped to. Its biggest problem by far is the lack of progression, which makes some episodes quite boring to watch. Also, the embarrassing situations Tomoko gets herself into get a bit aggravating after a while.

The high points of the anime would be Tomoko, as she kept the show going with her personality, and also the changing styles of animation. The show had a lot going for it. If it had taken a more darker path, one that was REALLY depressing and dark, it would have been a lot better, but that’s how I feel about it.

7/10.
I don’t recommend this show to everyone, fellow introverts can check this out, as well as people who are quite patient.
For everyone else, the first 4 to 5 episodes and then you can decide on dropping it or finishing it.
Enjoyable, but could have done much better.

Could the producers not come up with a suitable shorter name for this series >.>.
My review of...
Watashi ga Motenai no wa Dou Kangaetemo Omaera ga Warui!

Tomoko is best described as an anti-social nerd who spend a unhealthy amount of time playing dating sims and uhh watching anime. Despite all of that she has no friend and is the outcast in school, hell sometimes she goes on months without saying a word to anyone. This series focuses on her daily struggle being an otaku.

+The OP & ED.
I look forward to the Opening and ending songs in anime, it's always something creative and fun, Watashi's opening is ... no exception. The first time I watched the opening I genuinely burst out laughing as the opening turned into a heavy death metal song. Along with fluid animation it will definitely be remembered and cherished by me. The ending has it's charms too.

+Tomoko.
Tomoko tries everything and anything to get an increase in her social status. From wearing "sexy" uncomfortable underwear to looking like a slut. I can imagine many viewers can relate to her.... to some extent. She is certainly fun to watch.

+The Art.
Overall it's likable, vivid animation. nothing to realistic or adventurous. What more can I say.

+The Comedy.
"A bit of a mixed bag" as some say. While at times Watashi can be rather amusing with the situations Tomoko gets herself into (eg. her job in a corporate cake making factory), other times the show in my opinion tries too hard and occasionally the jokes become cringe worthy (eg. most of her dreams/imaginations, they go on forever and we all know they won't turn out that way). The start of Watashi was very interesting to me and I got a bit addicted to it, but near the end watching the show just felt like a chore. In fact I had to force my self to watch the last few episodes. Nothing appealed to me and it felt like another dull slice of life.

-The Ending.
"It's a comedy do you expect an ending?" Of course not but I expect some sort of development of ANYTHING, but no. In Watashi the ending was quite literally the start. "This is a certain girl's.. A certain unpopular girl's... totally trivial story." I guess she is more self aware about what a otaku she is. and that is pretty much it.

Watashi ga Motenai no wa Dou Kangaetemo Omaera ga Warui! is a very trivial show in my opinion with nothing making it unique, but that doesn't mean it isn't entertaining. Give it ago if you're bored with nothing better to do.

Story: 6
Art: 7
Sound: 7
Character: 8
Enjoyment: 7
Overall: 7

Story (7/10):
WataMote's story is simple. If you are looking for a deep plot, look elsewhere. Instead we get a slice-of-life style which allows the comedy and main character to shine through.

Art (8/10):
I found the art and animation to be simple yet high-quality. The character designs range from good to excellent (and there are some hilarious faces/reactions). Very good animation in the OP. Excellent editing, especially the comedic timing.

Sound (10/10):
Tomoko's VA's performance is a major reason to watch this show. She nails the comedy, and at the same time creates a complex, sympathetic character. The OP is pretty good, ... and I loved the ending theme.

Character (10/10):
Tomoko is a deeply flawed character with personality issues and extreme social anxiety. This is played for laughs, but at the same time it evokes feelings of pity and shame. However, Tomoko is not one-dimensional. She can be optimistic, playful, mischievous, and cute. While she is often in a state of denial or naivete, Tomoko sometimes takes a sober look at her own flaws, wavering between despair and determination to change. Tomoko is a real underdog and I found myself cheering for her. Her realistic relationship with her younger brother is also executed very well. It is not a mistake that the other characters in WataMote remain distant and unremarkable, because our protagonist obviously sees them that way. In summary, Tomoko is a unique character who easily carries the series alone.

Enjoyment (10/10):
WataMote will evoke an emotional response - be prepared to be reminded of your own embarrassing past, and to share in Tomoko's awkward moments. If you can handle that, the comedy will surely entertain and you will fall in love with Tomoko's character. By the end I was wishing for more.

Overall (10/10):
A LOT can be said about this show, and it deserves the discussion. While I see it as a comedy, it is a special type of humor, only for those who can laugh at themselves. Underneath the comedy there is a serious and very sad theme of social ineptitude which resonated with me. The presentation is nearly flawless, and it cannot be stressed enough how amazing Tomoko's VA is.

Yeah, yeah, art is decent, nice effects, cool references, awesome voice acting... Let's get to the main part:

This show made me want to kill myself - and that's a good thing.

You see, any emotional impact is great, especially after all these junkfood romcoms and absolutely forgettable shounen garbage.
I've finally felt something.

WataMote tries to be a comedy, and there are a couple of occasional chuckles here and there but for me, personally, it's a haunting, gloomy and the most depressing drama, for it's a freaking rollercoaster of losing, failing, being completely devastated by awkwardness of circumstances.

Man, it's so actually sad I can't wrap my head around ... it.
Ok, let'me put it like this:

If you've been at least once in a situation which Tomoko faces every day - then you would find your yourself on the same wavelength as this most brave and positive girl.

Why's that?

Well, what makes Tomoko an absolutely amazing and unique human being is that after all these mishappenings she doesn't burst out in tears or go postal (what would any sane and normal person do after what she's been through) - but she keeps on trying, giving life another chance. When I would just hang myself in a closet or put a bullet through my temple - she keeps on waking up, going to school, sitting in a class surrounded by people who don't give a flying f whether she's here or not.

And here brother is the meanest and most aggressive brat ever seen - but still she's willing to get along with him!

It's depressing, it really is - this show captures the feeling of loneliness and urge to be love so good I'm about to cry like a little girl.

But you know, now matter how lost or forgotten you may feel - just think of Tomoko. If she can do it (not right away, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed she'll find what she's looking for) - then you most certainly can too.

9/10 and Johnny's seal of approval.

Gonna keep it short:

The anime based on the manga is about a girl, Tomoko, with little to no social skills. She is also prone to social anxiety, if you can call it that. Heard the premise before? Well it's different, because there is no sugarcoating Tomoko's personality or the events that surround her.

The mannerisms of the Tomoko seem very over the top at times, but to me it represents her inner turmoil, what she's thinking constantly, and that really brings the character to life.

What I loved most about the anime wasn't how bad the situations got for her, ... but how brutally honest the writing was. Usually, the writing will make these sort of characters more sympathetic, having some sort of painful past. Not with Watamote, no sir. You get the real deal and the whole package with Tomoko, even if some of those parts are detestable. Human's are not perfect, and it's good to see a character that can reflect that idea. I love the fact that people who can relate to Tomoko in one way or another cannot deny some of their own flaws ie. feeling misguided resentment for one's own social shortcomings ("they're just sluts anyways!").

*So with that said, if you either can't deal with depressing subject matter (you will be a little depressed regardless of the humor) or you can't accept some of the flaws you and Tomoko may share, don't watch the show. It will be painful

Im going to keep this short and simple H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!
This anime deals with a highschool girl who is well unpopular but as most teen aged girls want,to be popular. The main character try's despertly in all ways to become popluar. What she doesnt realize is just talk to people and you'll get some friends and that life isnt about if you have a lot of friends or not. She has a younger brother who she desides is going to help her build up some confidence. Though her brother really doesnt like this idea. The main chracter is a chracter ... that likes to play dating games on her computer or whatever game systems she has. She often has fantasy's about things that go on in the games. I liked this anime very much not only because it was funny but it deals with issues of self appearence and popularity wich most teens deal with. It has a unique topic wich draws you in. Overall i would rate this anime a 10.

I did enjoy the anime, but it repeated itself multiple times. A lot of the same things were happening. She has a slight bit of enjoyment, then it comes crashing down. It starts to get predictable. I did like the character mostly because some people could relate to her, and over all she's funny. I do recommend the anime.

This anime is good, end of review.
Though, it disgusts me. Not because its bad, but because i relate to the MC to such a degree that it makes my heart ache. I cant really watch and enjoy (lol) this show for what it is when i constantly feel like I'm witnessing a documentary of an alternate reality where i was a freshman girl. The depictions of crippling social anxiety and overwhelming loneliness are incredible. Putting on ten different masks just to maybe start a conversation with someone, being too anxious to talk to others in critical situations, pretending that continuously spending time alone is ... fine until you cant take it anymore, being deathly afraid that you are barely living your life, while simultaneously feeling powerless to make a change. Its all too real, and I'm disgusted at myself for just getting used to this lifestyle. In an incredible irony, this show reminded me that I'm living a terrible life. Thanks watamote

Watamote is one of the most brutal animes out there.

It's not of being scary, violent, or having horror elements, or being stresful - it is, in purest way, death of an innocent.

My review comes from a mind and experience that is apparently unlike most others'. Watamote was recommended to me heavily due to how 'funny' and 'comedic' it is. Anybody who thinks Watamote is funny or perhaps finds Tomoko a funny heroine is exactly what makes Tomoko a shut-in, isolated from society and scared to her bones from any social interactions - she is, most absolutely, not to be mocked.

I lost all comedy around episode ... 4, without spoilers, her incapacity and inability to handle a conversation becomes so brutal to her she gets on the verge of crying her eyes out. This is tragedy, it is more saddening than most 'sad' or 'dramatic' animes I've watched. It's drama is not out of sheer pain or emotional luggage it gives to the viewer, but because how well it makes us hold empathy towards a pathetic, miserable human.

Watamote is unlike most other animes, it's definitely old but does not show it's age. I recommended it fully to any viewer, it should be watched, it's not only an unique experience but it proves to, and shows to viewer that people like Tomoko does indeed exist. They aren't that much faraway from us even. For this exact reason I cannot find Watamote any funny, to find Tomoko's suffering funny (and don't get it twisted, it is indeed suffering) is cruel and unloving as the world is to Tomoko.

So, I've disected and told very clearly that this anime which is made to be funny is extremely unfunny - what's left to watch? Why would someone watch it? Well, being good and being in high quality does not come from sheer entertainment factor, Watamote is extremely well made. It treads extremely solid and troubling social issues very well for an anime, nowhere in anime Tomoko is mocked for her existence, but shown suffering from anxiety attacks and how painful it is.

Bocchi at its release has been praised extensively for being a great show for handling 'how anxiety is', I too think like so and I too like BtR, but in a comparison, if you want to watch someone that is suffering from anxiety proper, it's Watamote.

Anxiety and social isolation is a self-eating snake. Escape from the circle is extremely hard because the circle continously feeds itself, it's suffering dawns on the individual at every passing moment, it's FOMO doubles and triples as days pass, but the more they're bound to the anxiety the less chance they get to escape, the more weekends they lose, the more of their life gets taken away from them. In this, they're most likely to be aware of this cruel fact, but they're incapable of doing anything to solve it, there are moments in anime that are clear examples of how these practically are.

Anxiety surely isn't death, but it definitely makes life a prison.

The only way of saving an individual from this vicious circle is for them to work inhumanely to solve this problem, which we cannot expect from likes of Tomoko; or that they will be lended a helping hand despite their flaws. You're welcome to see how Tomoko goes through this problem by watching the anime.

En bref, Watamote is -surely not a masterpiece- but a great show nevertheless. It should be watched by all anime viewers from all walks of life. It's an extremely well done elaboration of a human being and their daily problems, and many more that I cannot put in a simple review. I can't stress enough how much I recommend this show.

One can only hope Tomoko as well may find peace in future, even though manga isn't even close to that direction (apparently).
-At last, I'm not a native English speaker, pardon my errors-

Anti-social and awkward Tomoko Kuroki is starting highschool.
And although she has role played a high-schooler online and in video games...she's not too good at it in real life.

Tomoko is a deviant otaku. She's into ecchi games, dirty manga and naughty audio books. She has dirty fantasies. She stares at girls' panties... She's basically the perfect girl 🤔

Her brother is the "cool" one. Typically in anime its reversed. The boy is the "loser" and the sister is the normal and popular one.

The problem with the show is that Tomoko is the only character.
She's fine, she'd actually be a perfect main character for a slice of ... life romance anime, but the show needs more characters for her to bounce off of. She has a brother and a long distance girlfriend but they are barely in the show.
A romance or something would have been nice.

And despite Tomoko's dirty mind the fanservice in this show is really lacking.

Not much happens in the show.
I get it, its the day to day life of a shy awkward girl. But i still want to be entertained. The show is tagged as a comedy afterall. And there are scenes that are genuinely laugh out loud funny. The show needs more awkward funny and less awkward cringe.

Maybe the goal of the show is more to raise awareness so people can be more thoughtful of the quiet kid in school and understand what they may be going through internally.

I genuinely dont dislike this anime.
I just think its missing something to catch the viewers interest. A hook.

A funny, relatable slice-of-life about an awkward high school girl with social anxiety.

★★★★

I’m so used to watching Chinese cartoons with cute girls doing cute things. They’re shows that tell me, “We know you love this garbage. Remember to buy the blu-rays and any shit with their faces printed on it.” So when something comes along that doesn’t pander I’m caught off guard; something with a meaningful character I’m reminded that I’m still a person that just wants a connection to another human being. Tomoko, the main character, isn’t cute and she doesn’t do cute things. To put it gently… she’s a fucking loser.

And I love ... it.

There’s a genre of humor called cringe comedy. A good example is The Office. It’s a type of humor where we watch characters get put into awkward situations. You’ll be embarrassed for them, but you’ll be glad they’re not you. Except, sometimes the circumstances will hit too close to home. You’ll get a little PTSD about high school (or the war). What happens to Tomoko will feel very familiar to a lot of you.

That’s part of what I loved about the show. There are moments that will feel like it was lifted right out of somebody’s life—and it was! Apparently, the author took a lot of stories from her own school days. But what I loved more was how real Tomoko felt.

She’s a disgusting, awkward, pretentious, lonely, procrastinating, daydreaming, petty, delusional nerd.

I’ve got no complaints. It ends abruptly because it’s only an adaptation so enjoy the show for what it is. Blu-ray sales were low in Japan (which proves those moonspeakers have no taste). But good news is this did better overseas.

~ A girl that doesn't really matter ~

I know I've used this word a fair amount during recent reviews, but i can't think of anything more appropriate. Wakamote is a very intimate and personal depiction of a girl - who may as well not exist in the eyes of her classmates.
Otaku, Mojo, Recluse, Dysfunctional, Shut-in... Once you step into the shoes of Tomoko - who appears to closely relate to all of these terms, you'll understand loneliness and social anxiety on a whole new level.

Due to this blatantly dark overriding theme, you'd think it would be quite a depressing anime to watch. While it ... is all very tragic when put into into perspective, Wakamote utilises a conflicting combination of comedy, realism and SoL styled expression that makes it quite a peculiar watch.
In terms of presentation, Wakamote, from start to finish unfolds through the eyes (and mind for that matter) of our beloved heroine: Tomoko. The show makes use of powerful SoL elements such as expression of her thought processes - through mental monologues and rants, and the inclusion of exaggerating, comedic visuals. Ultimately, this combination allows for the anime to be extremely expressive, and therefore easier to get into.

The plot line is simply Tomoko's journey through typical high school life, as she tries to make use of radical, and often illogical methods to become popular - which ironically would make her a less interesting, less edgy and relatable character if this were an easy feat for her. As an anime that incorporates a lot of SoL themes, it's main strength shines through the character craft more so than the chronological order of events - which is definitely something to keep in mind if you weren't already aware.

Now when i say characters, i basically just mean Tomoko when it comes to Wakamote; as she is the only properly developed presence - talk about putting all your eggs in one basket huh Sqaure Enix. Fortunately, having Tomoko as the particularly blatant focal point of the franchise did wonders for the show's atmosphere from a wider scope. Having only one character that you truly get to experience the personality of, made the series seem more intimately detailed, personal, and gave a great sense of defiance of, and struggle against modern society.

Tomoko thinks and speaks a lot of truth i must say; and her particularly lonesome lifestyle is definately not far fetched or alien. Despite how the comedy side of the show makes her out to be a bit of a freak, i feel that Tomoko gives Wakamote all of its charm, as a lot of the social topics covered and presented as serious undertones throughout are just so relatable for many. Obviously not to this extent, but i can definitely resonate from experience with Tomoko's plight, as that's really what the show is about...

Wakamote is a tragic and serious, yet lighthearted and charming, awareness-raising expression of a variety of everyday social plights. Some may find comfort this realism, whereas others may simply laugh at Tomoko's eventful, and yet lonely life. No matter which side of the fence you're on, i'd say that those who're looking for a SoL that's not entirely rainbows and lolipops have found a good match. Looking back at the series, it would have been nice to have some sequential story presentation to compliment Tomoko's journey of self-discovery, or more appropriately: self-confirmation... But asides from this, and the general lack of depth - mostly down to general time-scaling, i thoroughly enjoyed the show.
Mostly i'd say this was because i enjoyed the refreshing craft of Tomoko as a character - and so it was a pleasure to get to better understand her slightly psychopathic personality (like mine).

~ No matter how i look at it. It's you guys' fault i'm not popular! ~

WataMote is a comedy that could've easily have been a tragedy. Tomoko makes every social situation she enters worse. She fails at ordering food. She fails at making friends. She fails at saying a simple "goodbye" to her teacher after school. She has no one to turn to for guidance, and she is left alone to hopelessly figure out what is wrong with her. But it's still a comedy. Why? Because she never really gives up. No matter what happens, she will always recovers and gets up the next day to face the world again. For that reason, this isn't a story of a girl's ... downward spiral into hell but an awkward period of a girl's life.

This awkward period is presented in many ways. There's the creative visual gags to show Tomoko's social anxiety. There's the overdramatic music and sound effects. There's the VA's great impression of the average 4chan user if 4chan wasn't sausage fest. Tomoko is the greatest character of all time, and I'm not saying that because there's a figure of her staring directly at me as I write this.

Of course, I'm contractually obligated to express the flaws in my favorite anime of all time. Similar to real life, Tomoko's self-improvement is slow. She makes similar mistakes repeatedly, and her character development is minimal. This can get frustrating or boring depending on your taste. However, this can be a positive on the realism side. Also, outside of visual gags, the animation is standard. I would cut it some slack since WataMote limited by its budget and the fact that Cloverworks didn't animate it. (Cloverworks, please make WataMote Season 2. I loved what you did with Bocchi the Rock. Please do the same to WataMote. You will likely lose millions of dollars, but I will be happy.)

Thanks for reading!

Watamote, an anime put under the subcategory of "humor", may have accomplished that title. However, we all understand that it is so much more than that - it was written as a slice of life anime for all of the loners, wallflowers, awkward kids and general outcasts of the world. To anyone else, this anime would be quickly dismissed, and the main character would be seen as too artificial, unchanging and improbably far gone as a person. However, especially for the group it's trying to appeal to, it targets deep subconscious emotions and memories of our past and present, granting us with a powerful sense ... of catharsis. We feel her as a blurred reflection of ourselves when we stare into the mirror at our broken figures.

As a character, I would give her almost a perfect score for these reasons. However, as I stated, her inability to evolve and grow as a character makes the anime a little painful to watch. You sit there twiddling your thumbs, gripping your thigh, waiting for the sweet release of tension as Tomoko accomplishes feats or gets bits of luck. Don't hold your breath though, the manga is very similar to the anime in the sense of those characteristics. Personally, I am someone who enjoys watching animes that are unchanging and not very concerned about plots because they feel more authentic and realistic. As a slice of life anime, it achieved its sole purpose and recognizes that we, as people, take ages to evolve into anything besides what we are used to.

The animation style has some seriously unique traits - the characters that are irrelevant are typically given grey silhouettes as to divert focus away from them. Typically, it's done to classmates, but when Tomoko feels irrelevant, the shadow is passed onto her instead. One other interesting trait is how the characters are not always drawn with eyes, as to display how their individuality and uniqueness are severely limited - a trait that is seen as passed onto boring, superficial characters with no backstories.

All in all, Watamote is an anime that requires the individual watching it to fit their target audience, in order for one to enjoy it. Reasons being is that it lacks plot, does not evolve and is impossible to get through an episode without feeling vicarious embarrassment from her awkward encounters. On the other hand, the feeling of being able to sympathize with Tomoko provides a beautiful sense of catharsis. It is wonderfully written in the number of relatable situations they provide you with. It's a true story of fighting and willingness for achieving acceptance, but lets you down much as real life does. But perhaps Tomoko is not as unfortunate as she personally believes, as many characters will express interest in her when she does not notice.

This is an anime you must decide beforehand whether you fit the criteria of their target audience, because this is not an anime where ratings drift around the mean, but rather one where you either love it or you hate it. You'll either be sick of it by episode 3, or determined to keep coming back for more.

Too often do we see slice-of-life animes go the "forever alone" route by starring protagonists who moan about having no friends and yet at the same time being physically attractive and only lacking social grace when a "so clumsy and kawaii~" opportunity arises (cough cough Haganai). Watamote is different- it puts the spotlight on the harsh reality that social misfits and friendless high-school out-casts are that way for a reason through the main protagonist, Tomako.

Watamote is hilariously charming, and at times frighteningly relatable. The only reason I can see someone would not enjoy this show is if they were a hard-core Otaku who likes ... to think of themselves more of a calm and cool Hyouka, Kodaka or Kyon than a socially-awkward Tomako.

This is your survivor guide on what not to be in life, so take note while you watch this anime.

Like almost every "normal" person, she thinks that entering high school is going to be the experience of her life, you know having attention from boys, having a lot of friends, finding love and over all being Popular so LIFE comes crashing down of the speed of light hit her in the face and it sucks.

The main character is completely delusional, all the experiences she has on every episode are so embarrassing that it makes it hilarious, seriously I couldn't help but laugh at it. But ... when you look at it in another perspective is really sad, I think this anime takes our own fears or pressures with society standards and puts it out there, in the more dramatic way possible of course so you may relate in a way.

So anyways if you're looking for something light and different you should give Watamote a try. Also it might make you feel better of you think your life sucks, it can't be worse than hers.

What is the term for a comedy that makes you depressed instead of laughing?

Story:
It's basically the same formula repeated: Tomoko tries to become popular/find a friend - she fails horribly - hilarity/cringe ensues. As a comedy, WataMote mostly fails. While it could get a good laugh out of me every now and then, most of the time I just felt either pity or embarrassment. Most viewers will find relatable qualities in Tomoko, although I seriously hope not too many of them. I don't think I've ever seen something as weird as this. Or maybe it wasn't intended to be like this and we were supposed ... to laugh at the loser girl? Anyway, this is a very awkward watch and not funny most of the time (though very funny when it is).
4/10

Art:
WataMote looks quite good. During many of Tomokos fantasies/delusions, the art style shifts to something else, either a sparkly shoujo world or a cubic portrait of her or the pencil drawings that we also see in the opening. That is very creative and keeps the show from becoming too dull to look at. The character design for the main character is certainly something else, while the rest of the cast (except maybe her brother) look rather generic, though that's the point.
8/10

Sound:
I love the opening. Not only does it hit my taste in music, it also fits nicely with Tomokos inner anger at the world (one episode transitioned into the opening, which was pretty awesome). The ending song is another case of terrible in a cute way. Izumi Kitta does an outstanding job as Tomoko, rarely have I heard somebody living their character that much, no doubt one of the best seiyuu works I've ever heard. Everybody else does their job well too.
9/10

Characters:
This is a one (wo)man show anime and stands and falls with the main character. Most people will agree, that it's next to impossible to not feel sorry for her. Every teenager has gone through phases like this, and if you weren't a popular kid, it was even worse. Tomoko however is the ultimate queen of teenage angst and unpopularity. While you may laugh at one part, another will make you go "uh, I know how that feels". I have to state though, that much of this is her own damn fault. She rejects the world and the people around her and keeps herself from making any progress, so you shouldn't just see a victim in her. It's okay to want to see her succeed, but she also deserves some of the things happening to her. Long story short, Tomoko is a very interesting character with lots of shades. (Shout ot to Imae, who's a really nice girl)
9/10

Enjoyment:
Did I enjoy WataMote? Yes and no. It was entertaining all the way through, but it felt uncomfortable too often to make me say I "enjoyed" it. Once you realize that Tomoko will never break the circle, it robs you of anything to hope or look forward to. If you have a sadistic kind of humor though, you will probably like this anime a lot. For me, it was nice to see once, but I wouldn't come back to watch it again.
6/10

Overall:
7.2/10