Kotarou wa Hitorigurashi

I've been waiting for this to drop ever since it was announced during the Netflix Festival Japan last November. I stopped what I was doing at the last minute before the show was released on Netflix. I binged all 10 episodes. And here's my review

Story.
In this anime, we are shown the stories surrounding Kotaro and how he goes about his independent life. Along the ride, we get to know his circumstances and have an idea why he is living alone. This alone intrigued me and made me interested. We also meet Karino and the rest of the neighbors.

Art
To be honest, I was a bit ... uncomfortable with Kotaro's eyes. They just look weird. But I do understand that they were staying faithful to the manga's art style. His design just grew on me as I watched until ep 10.

Sound
I like their use of soundtrack here. Tonosoman theme song is amazing. haha

Character
Maybe the reason that I like "Kotaro Lives Alone" is because I always feel sympathy for all of the characters. I could see myself in them. Kotaro's determination to be independent was what struck me the most. He tries so hard to be strong at his age but at the same time, seeks love and warmth. His relationship with Karino is wholesome. They found each other's company and it inspired them to be better and stronger. I love the neighbors too. Their relationship with Kotaro was just inspiring. They care about him and Kotaro cares them back. My favorite is Tamaru. His appearance may look 'hostile" but he has great standards when it comes to being a father. What a great guy.
There are also a bunch of minor characters that have small screen time but all of them left an impression on me. The way their struggles/problems were displayed? hit home. Just. wow

Enjoyment
I enjoy this very much. But it's not for everyone. Serious topics like child abuse, neglect from family, toxic relationships, etc. are conveyed n this show. There were moments that burst me into tears. There were scenes that are just witty and funny. There was suspense and laughter.

I give this show a solid 9. I actually watched the live adaptation of this which I think it's also good. But the live-action series changed some things (which is fine for me i guess) I also recommend watching the live-action. The cast did a great job portraying their characters. The same goes for the anime cast.

Please give this show a shot!

This is my first review on MAL. After watching this I got a feeling that I have to adapt someone so we both can have a good life. Truly enjoyed it to my fullest

If you are having a dull / bad day or if you are feeling lonely just take a peak at this master piece and you won't regret it.

Perfect character development and color balance will sooth your mind . This will give you a feeling on how kids react and what they expect of you even though they are not requesting it from you.

Eagerly waiting for season 2. Hats off for ... the creator.

After so long... Since that February 2022 that I saw this in "coming soon" on Netflix, finally, on the day where I had one of the most important exams of my life, finally... Kotaro has come out.

It can be one of the happiest days. Why? Because everything is happiness now! Despite the hard family problem of him, he has come to save us! to us!, with the vibes of God from him.
Kotaro has come to save us and there is nothing more to say. I will not talk about anything else because there is no need to say anything else, look at him, you will ... be happy and you will feel that Kotaro is going to be your new best friend.

okay.. i normally don't write reviews but this anime deserves an amazing review!

I thought it would be some boring slice of life anime but i ended up loving everything about it, i honestly did think it would be some wholesome anime about a kid and some few adult friends but its more than that.. there are many loveable characters especially kotaro himself, HES THE CUTESTT!!! This anime is like poco's udon world (which is super adorable, go watch that one like rn) so yeah!

this deserves a season 2.. so hopefully there will be one soon!!

I HIGHLY RECCOMEND BUT WARNING U WILL SOB ... AND BURST INTO TEARS

I'm mad at how low the rating is, truly a trainee to how dishonest mal can be, sure the at is leaving sometimes but that is nothing compared to the characters and the overall sorry. If you ever been a child in that situation or can sympathize this is a truly tear Keller for you, as I currently work this at 8am with very puffy eyes. The length is amazing and the stories are so forfilling. You get the message everytime, I have learn so much from this 4 year old kid. THE DIALOGUE is excellent, and every moment they want to hit you in ... the feels, they land.

I'm saying this is no less then a 8.5 realistically, great meaningful stories that showcase the true world from many kids perspective. Also I usually dislike side characters bit they were all great in this one.

This anime just leaves you contemplating life I sware...

Kotaro Lives Alone is a type of story I stive to write myself.
The loveable and sympathetic characters, how the dialogue means EVERYTHING no matter what a character says and the deep introspection the audience experiences (especially those who have experienced the same things as Kotaro) really highlight this anime.

Sure the artstyle is a bit odd but I like it, it sets it apart from other animes and adds a another layer to it!
If this show was animated like another animes it would have taken away from Kotaro as a character imo.

Because Kotaro is animated in such ... a striking, almost uncomfortable way (the eyes being a prime example) it makes you kinda forget Kotaro is very very young as we're so used to baby characters having a wide, innocent looking face. Meanwhile Kotaro almost looks jaded or in a perpetual state of shock or fear because of how large and Cat like that are!!!

Kotaro tries so hard to be someone older because he has to, or else he wouldn't be able to survive and I think the art really nails that on the head. The show even shows other characters and children looking rather normal, so having him stand out like that is a great narrative choice.

Now the dialogue is written fucking AMAZINGLY!
The off hand comments Kotaro would throw out in one episode will circle back around as it progresses. How him making these remarks clue the adults in his life about what he's experienced, what he's going through even though he doesn't know it. (Omg the tissues and the gloves comments are the ones that hit the hardest in this department)

It makes them all go "right he's a kid, a kid who went through something horrible and we have to protect him from anything else" while also knowing Kotaro needs his space sometimes, but will stand by him in silent vigil.

The episode near the end with the graves really makes the series end in such a bittersweet way. Was what he said a good thing? Was his lie towards Kotaro help him in the long run, or will it break the trust they've buildt throughout the series?

GOD... it's just really good man...

It is an anime of life stories where we see a 4-year-old protagonist who lives alone. From that the story begins to develop, honestly it seems to me one of the best anime that netflix has financed because it seems very unique in its style. The animation is normal, it doesn't stand out at all but it isn't bad either, the soundtrack is good, it has its beautiful moments, the character design seems very cute, I like the development that they put into the protagonist and his companions. I think the story is beautiful and how you feel that love for the protagonist. I loved ... the anime, and how it tells the past of all the characters. As each character is as it is. I recommend it a lot for me, it is a very entertaining anime with only 10 chapters, unfortunately I feel that it is a story that has a lot to tell. I hope they release more chapters in the near future.
En español:
Es un anime de historias de la vida donde vemos un protagonista de 4 años que vive solo. A partir de eso se comienza a desarrollar la historia, sinceramente me parece uno de los mejores anime que haya financiado netflix porque me parece muy unico en su estilo. La animacion es normal no destaca en nada pero tampoco es mala, la banda sonora esta buena tiene sus momentos hermosos, el diseño de personajes me parece muy tierno, el desarrollo que le meten al protagonista y a sus acompañantes me gusta mucho. Me parece hermosa la historia y como sentis ese amor asia a el protagonista. Me encanto el anime, y como va contando el pasado de todos los personajes. Como cada personaje es como es. Lo recomiendo un monton para mi es un anime muy entretenido con solo 10 capitulos lamentablemente siento que es una historia que tiene mucho que contar. Ojala saquen mas capitulos en un futuro cercano.

A blend of comedy and drama that tackles real life issues in a simple yet heartwarming way.

Kotarou lives alone is an anime that presents itself in a very straightforward fashion. Episodic in nature, like some 4-koma mangas, we go from one short story to another. There is an overarching plot about Kotarou's past that gets revealed slowly during the course of the show, but the main attraction of this series is definitely the relationships between the characters and the lessons to be learn from every story.

To start, what makes this show better than it's competition is the way the relationship are handled. While the comedic ... premise of a 4 years old living alone could establish a nonsensical vibe, most of the show tries to handle itself with maturity. Without indulging in philosophy or overcomplicating interpretations, the dialogue and the characters are not overly exaggerated and are treated with respect which is commendable. The size of the cast is non-negligible and surprisingly every character get his dues because no one is expendable. There is at least a story for every character with a name. Also, while the anime focus mainly on establishing a relationship between everyone and Kotarou, some characters have relationship between each other which adds a layer to the series. Finally, while most of the cast seem too perfect and good, most of the time there is an explication or justification for this act and perception is not always reality.

In the same order of idea, Kotorou lives alone lives and dies on how you feel and receive the life lessons it tries to teach its audience. While some might dismiss the wishy-washy, simple or borderline childish way that everything always goes right at the end of every conflict, it would be disingenuous to disregard the genuine good faith of the show. It's easy to admit that there is almost no permanent consequence to any problems that are presented, but the simplicity and accessibility on these serious topics dealt in the series aim to reach anyone. The balance between heavy traumas and the hopeful child-like resolutions is never overbearing. Also, credit to the show for deviating from most clichés regarding relationship misunderstanding. ultimately, Kotarou lives alone deals with serious topics with hopefulness and simplicity that also respect the viewer to understand beyond its broader strokes.

Finally, Kotarou lives alone is a great short series about interpersonal realationship about how children and adults alike can learn from each other. Different lives lead to different perspectives and we all gain from understanding and communicating with other people. There are good and bad lessons in life. Sometimes, there is no good ending. Life moves on and we have to do the same. If these messages haven't stuck during your viewing, then this anime didn't reach you.

I didn't know this gem existed until accidentally finding it. When I started it I couldn't stop until I finished. It's simplicity is its greatest strength. Kotaro's naivete is so very endearing. Despite knowing how much I loved it, I find it hard to put my thoughts into words. It had me laughing and crying at times, honestly I hope more people find out about this anime and watch it. It deserves to be watched and appreciated. To me, this story is about finding comfort in the unlikeliest of places. Honestly, its so unique I have nothing to compare it to. Now, what I really ... hope for, is that the writer releases more work.

Having bad day? just watch this anime and it will make you feeling better.

Ten for story
I hope there will be next season to show how kotarou growing up and get to know the truth.

Ten for art
The art is comfortable for me, not to flashy

Ten for sound
The sound in the anime just to comfortable feeling for any moments
...
Ten for enjoyment
Comfortable feeling just is the best of the best

Ten for Overall
To outstanding for me

Having bad day? just watch this anime and it will make you feeling better.

Ten for story
I hope there will be next season to show how kotarou growing up and get to know the truth.

Ten for art
The art is comfortable for me, not to flashy

Ten for sound
The sound in the anime just to comfortable feeling for any moments

Ten for enjoyment
Comfortable feeling just is the best of the best

Ten for Overall
To outstanding for me

First, I recommend watching this anime with caution for those who have experienced an eating disorder, child abuse, abuse, or negligence because it can be a lot for some people.


All in all, I like this anime - it's good because I think it can remind people of the importance of the early childhood stage and how crucial it is to one's development in life. This heartwarming story follows a young boy who became very independent at the age of 4, living independently and his neighbors collectively caring for him. It reminds us why we don't curse or be a certain way around children to ... protect them because we all know how messed-up the world can be.

*No Spoilers*

Summary:
Kotaro Lives Alone is a story about a four-year-old boy who moves into his own apartment to escape from his father. The story is sweet with some beautiful moments between characters who nurture and teach one another. However, the premise is over-the-top and the art is a weakness, leading to mixed feelings about the show. Season 1 is relatively enjoyable looking beyond the flaws, so I recommend this to anyone interested in an anime that teaches some lessons about learning to care for others. Although it has a strange premise, it is more or less a "slice of life" genre.

Story: 5/10
The story begins with ... Kotaro, a young child, moving into a new apartment and living on his own. This is jarring and doesn’t make any sense. One problem with the story is that other children are involved with a Department of Children & Families type service, but he only has a negligent lawyer check in on him weekly. I suppose she happens to be the most incompetent lawyer working in the business. On top of this, the neighbors don’t report the child, even after they recognize that he is in harm’s way: the television alludes to child abductions, someone is hired to find him even though there is a protective order against him, and he’s a four-year-old. Looking beyond this, which is challenging since it’s the premise of the show, the story is interesting because of the interactions between Kotaro and the side characters. Kotaro gradually grows because he is surrounded by neighbors who nurture him and teach him lessons. They also learn from Kotaro, which is wonderful. Information about his parents is gradually shared, although this season ends without divulging too much about his father. The episodes are typically broken into mini-episodes, like a children's show. Overall, this works well, although the show feels like it tries to teach lessons to children who would not be mature enough to understand the severity of Kotaro’s situation. The storytelling element and general plot are enjoyable, but the initial premise is contradictory.

Art: 3/10
The art style is jarring and creepy. The backgrounds are fairly detailed (and faded) but the eyes are bizarre. It is hard to take the characters seriously when they have vertical pupils with inverted pupils inside. The character designs in general are okay, especially regarding the fashion and story behind Kotaro’s clothes. However, Tamaru’s suit is one of the most annoying visual effects I’ve seen in anime. The design could work, but it doesn’t move properly. It’s like the screen glitches and only his body moves, which is unnecessarily irritating.

Sound: 5/10
The background music is fitting and the voice acting is sufficient, but the opening and ending themes are very annoying to listen to.

Character: 7/10
The supporting characters are well-developed and grow with Kotaro, and the characters, in general, are the biggest strength of the show. They learn to overcome their fears and often learn more lessons from Kotaro than he learns from them. Many of the characters have interesting backstories, but it does become challenging to keep track of the side characters at times and some characters grow nicely and suddenly leave the story, like a revolving door. By the end of the show, the viewer may feel like they were also Kotaro’s neighbors.

Enjoyment: 5/10
Once I got past the ridiculousness of the premise, I enjoyed the story. I work with children who have similar experiences and backgrounds to Kotaro, and I found the lessons in the story to be compelling. This is not my favorite anime genre, but I found it more interesting than I initially anticipated. Again, I would say I experienced mixed feelings for this show.

Overall: 5.0/10
This is an average-quality anime.

"Funny how?"
Despite the synopsis of the show saying that it is an "apartment comedy with laughs and tears," it really isn't funny. It doesn't even try to be. What exactly would even make you laugh in this show? Even the tags don't have comedy in it.
I guess the show is definitely Seinen, though. It's about a 4 year old kid that acts as the local therapist. The basic idea is that Satou, the main character, is a very smart, mature child for his age, yet still retains some of his childish demeanors. He can take care of himself and make food for himself, yet also ... wants to be praised. and loves cartoons. The lens of a child that has gone through abuse and has matured, yet also still maintains a child-like perspective is the selling point of this show. The main cast of characters are apartment tenants that have some sort of mental problems or issues, and Satou offers the advice that only a child could say, especially a mind like Satou's. It offers a view into how the person is dealing with life, but also deepens the bond between the tenant and Satou, which results in them wanting to take care of him, like guardians. They in turn, also struggle to better themselves in light of their relationship with Satou.
Uh, it's not that good. Characters are pretty much crappy archetypes and not much really happens. I guess if you somehow got attached to Satou and the other apartment tenants, you would like the show, but how is that possible? They spew out their life story and problems, or really not-so-subtle hints about their lives. How about Satou? Is the gap between his mature side and childish side enough to make him endearing? Still, not really. The show tries to characterize a lot of people, yet manages to not even make Satou that interesting. Also, call me crazy, but introducing a setting straight from a comedy-a four year old kid living by himself in an apartment- and trying to make coming of age and "mental healing" the main aspect of the show is really pushing it.
The show had a shot of making Satou actually a good character, but it botches it by having the focus not entirely on him. The story is told in third person rather than first person. Of course, first person objective narration would have also worked, not knowing Satou's thoughts still. However, regardless, rather than observe Satou and his daily happenings with a slower pace, you're instead having events involved with him usually getting rushed, and as a result, no impact. A good example was when he tripped and fell, and had to put on band-aids and disinfectant. A trying experience, it seemed, yet the show doesn't even bother showing it, and decides to just have Satou say that it was really difficult of him to apply it since he was scared.
Show, don't tell. Yet, this show only tells. The characters spew out their life stories, and much of Satou's feelings is also just told without you caring that much.
Props to Netflix bringing a show that isn't horribly animated, but still, not a great show.

"Kotaro Lives Alone" is a rollercoaster of emotions that had me oscillating between the warmth of human connection and the chilling emptiness of solitude. It's rare for a series to evoke such a gamut of feelings, but this one managed to pull at every heartstring.

From the outset, the plight of Kotaro, a young child living on his own, is enough to break anyone's heart. Every episode drew tears from my eyes as I watched him navigate the challenges of loneliness, hunger, and the myriad hardships of his life. The depths of his resilience and vulnerability were both heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure.

Shin's character evolution ... was a highlight for me. His journey from an indifferent individual to someone who genuinely cares showcased the transformative power of empathy and human connection. It was a reminder that beneath the hardened exteriors of some people lies a heart waiting to be touched by kindness.

That episode with the tissues? I was devastated. The sheer magnitude of Kotaro's vulnerability and innocence was overwhelming, and that particular scene brought home the reality of his situation in a gut-wrenching manner.

Admittedly, the show does present some scenarios that raise eyebrows. Questions like "Why is a 4-year-old living alone?" and "Why are others okay with this?" are natural reactions. These narrative choices might be difficult for some to digest. However, the underlying message seems clear: the silent complicity and lack of intervention when witnessing abuse or harassment are societal issues that need addressing.

In conclusion, "Kotaro Lives Alone" is a poignant narrative that holds a mirror up to society. It pushes the viewer to not only empathize with its characters but also reflect on our own roles in the lives of those around us. Highly recommended for those who can brave its emotional intensity.

Yah, Nah, Meh

TLDR: Yah, This is the most emotional anime of 2022, watch it

Story: Yah
Follows this weird kid named Kotaro who lives alone as he lives his life and interacts with his neighbours. But under all of that, it covers so many difficult and serious topics in such an amazing way.

Art: Meh
The art isn't bad enough to make you stop watching but there are moments when the quality comes into question. One of the characters has a suit that has a leopard texture on it and instead of tracking a texture to it, they just used a static paint bucket texture that can be distracting ... at times. If the art was better this show could be considered a masterpiece

Sound: Yah
The soundtrack adds to the emotional moments in the show and doesn't take away from it but I wouldn't put it up there with the best of the best

Character: Yah
The characters especially Kotaro are written in a very human way. They struggle with very real problems and their actions have nuance behind them

Enjoyment: Yah
Such an amazing show that slaps hard

Overall: Yah

This shows somehow triggers PTSD most of which never happened but yet somehow relatable. It's a story about a child filled with mental scars as if his whole existence is a scar to himself.
This is my first time writing a review and am not gonna just give individual ratings on art style, animation, characters etc. But the overall rating would be undoubtedly a solid 10/10 (laugh all you want, but I'm not gonna be a cheapskate). The story that revolves around Kotarou Satou, an alone, neglected, strong willed, kind and caring child. This show reflects the dark side of family feuds, it shows ... just how traumatizing child abuse, negligence etc. can be . A child filled with scars of traumas living alone and yet being caring and showing empathy than most of the adults is so saddening and sometimes wholesome at the same time. Never thought that I'd get hooked up to this story. Randomly started this but man, o man, a story full of tears!!

One day, manga author Shin Karino is greeted by four-year-old Kotarou Satou, his new next-door neighbor, who gifts him a box of tissues. In Karino's eyes, Kotarou is an odd kid: he speaks in an extremely formal manner, and he lives alone in his apartment—no parents or relatives in sight. But Kotarou neither seems to mind, nor wants to rely on people.

Feeling sympathetic toward Kotarou's circumstances, Karino decides to follow Kotarou to a bathhouse in case something might happen to him and there he comes to understand the little boy is not so different from him. Little by little, Karino—along with the other residents of ... the apartment complex—grows fond of Kotarou and his antics. At the same time, Kotarou himself might have found something akin to a family in his unique neighbors.


My thoughts:
The English name for this anime is Kotaro Lives Alone. I watched the 10 episodes twice and I enjoyed it. For a 4yrs-old Kotaro has quite the eloquent speech. He portrays to the outside world that he doesn't mind being alone, but at times you see him reaching out to the others in the apartment complex. To those he meets he seems just a kid, but Kotaro always leaves them with thoughts to better their lives and they take to him, wanting to help and care for him. It's a very good and sweet anime. I recommend it if you want a quiet and mildly funny series to watch. I'm hope their will be a season 2. It's currently playing on Netflix here in Canada.

I just want to start off by saying i watched this when i was four months pregnant and had no idea i was four months pregnant, and after i found out, my reactions to this anime made SO much sense! I was seriously bawling my eyes out hard. And the heavy themes are even more poignant since Ive given birth to my own little boy. Yes the anime has some flaws and i just seriously cannot get behind the "one piece" ish art style the characters are so silly looking, but im really glad i got over it and gave it a chance. I dont ... need to get into it and break it down other reviews have probably already got that covered i just wanted to note this probably will hit harder if your a parent, or in my case, expecting! Its a good hindsight of children and what you should and shouldnt do to mentor one in your life.
Give it a watch and dont forget the tissues!

"Kotarou wa Hitorigurashi" is about a 4-year-old kid living alone and interacting with his community. At first glance, it seems like an ordinary slice-of-life anime, but it actually delves into themes of domestic violence, broken families, and child neglect.

What's special about this work is that the author doesn't depict the domestic violence directly to shock the audience. Instead, the story hints at heartbreaking reasons behind the child's strange behaviors while living alone. This subtle approach is more challenging because the author needs a deep understanding of an abused child's psychology to create convincing plot points. Therefore, I think it's a remarkable piece.

Initially, I dropped the ... anime after the first episode, thinking it was just a funny slice-of-life show and it's not entertaining enough. But then I reconsidered, seeing its high ratings, and found out it discuss more on family issue themes, so I watched it all in one go. Overall, the anime is quite slow-paced. If you're looking for entertaining plots, this might not be for you. The animation isn't great either, possibly to stay true to the manga or due to budget constraints, resulting in odd character proportions and a lack of aesthetic appeal.

However, these minor flaws don't significantly impact the viewing experience. I still think it's worth watching, especially for adults about to start their own families. It's an anime that prompts deep reflection. An unfortunate childhood takes a lifetime to heal. In this story, Kotarou was lucky to have kind neighbors, but what about the kids in the real world who aren’t so lucky?

I'm incredibly biased with this Anime. My childhood wasn't the best so a lot of the moments just hit really hard. I teared up or cried almost every episode. This just hit way too close to home and if I could my enjoyment would be


Story: The pacing is on point, it doesn't dwell too long on a particular premise. The structure of the episodes feel more like a bunch of skits with an overarching theme.

Art: The art was fine and did its job. I'd say the animation is normal but the character design is what stood out to me. Most of the side characters ... still have some charm. The other kids never annoyed me enough because of how cute their designs were.

Sound: I enjoy the ending song quite a lot. Not much to say in sound, it did it's job for me. Kotaro's voice is very loveable. The other characters weren't overdone as well. They did a great job.

Character: Kotaro is very well done. I also enjoy how each of the individual characters who live in the apartment are the types who're generally frowned upon by Japanese society.

Enjoyment: Please see par 1. I am extremely biased with this anime.

Overall: REALLY GOOD