Baja no Studio

It is very easy to be cynical about "Baja no Studio". It's a pretty obvious attempt from KyoAni to create some new mascots while also endearing its audience to a very idealized, twee version of the animation studio, hoping that it will lead to the audience being endeared to the actual studio as well. The main character makes cute and endearing comments about the different people in the studio, the project they are working on, and his innocent affection towards them in the cutest possible voice and the cutest possible expressions.

In a way, "Baja no Studio" is like a trick that the people behind ... it are playing on the viewer. But a trick is not successful if it is not executed well, and for the most part, "Baja no Studio" is a very well executed trick. A very simplistic narrative about a hamster trying to save his toy duck friend while also dealing with the studio's latest project coming to life is supported by great animation and designs on both the main characters and the supporting staff characters. It's not some kind of mind blowing revelation, but it executes its premise and purpose well in the time span it is given. It's a showcase of KyoAni's technical strengths in a cute little package I can't help but like. It may be manipulative, but it is some very well done manipulation.

I figure I should write a short review about this show since I got to watch it at the Kyoani Event today. I am by no means good at reviewing, I mostly just take my reviews as more of a personal enjoyment rather than judging how well they did with their characters development, music selection, story, etc...

First of all, the story seems to targeted at children. I personally didn't find it interesting but I could see children liking this show. It's one of those shows that is not very memorable. You will probably forget about after a week. (I'm already forgetting things like 12 hours ... after watching this show)

The art work and animation is great but not on par with what Kyoani usually produces. I gave it an 8/10 because I feel like the art work and animation still outshines some of the TV anime in recent times. It's Kyoani, what else can I say :p

For sound, I honestly didn't remember any music; I know there are music but I cannot recall what they sound like. I do know it was fitting music so really no comments on this topic. The ending music is fairly cute though.

For characters, I really do like Baja, the main character. The way he/ she thinks really felt like he/ she is a newborn/ baby. Makes the character believable and real to me. The rest of the cast is not anything special though. Didn't make an impression on me through the 20-30mins.

Enjoyment wise, I didn't fall asleep. So that means it was at least an average for me. I wouldn't say I enjoyed it but I wouldn't say I hated it. Just average in my opinion.

Overall I gave it a 6/10 because I feel like this is has it's strong points considering it's 1 episode (20-30min), but the target audience is children and the story just isn't something I will want to watch again. Being made by Kyoani also bumped this show up a bit.