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May 11, 2021 3:16 PM
#1

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Mar 2016
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I'll be honest and blunt about it. I'm looking for anime series that have MCs who are socially awkward and/or reclusive as I want to find series that cover some topics I can relate to. I'd prefer information on series which you feel cover these topics the best, although I'll try most series.

Also, do you like series like that or is it a topic that doesn't interest you personally? Do you find those topics to be relatable in any way? Be honest!

Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
May 11, 2021 3:24 PM
#2
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Jul 2018
561864
It depends on what topics you're looking for that are addressed by socially awkward MCs.
May 11, 2021 3:26 PM
#3
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323
No Game No Life is the first that springs to mind for reclusive.

If you're looking for just plain socially awkward then half the harem and romance anime out there probs have characters who fit the bill.
The criteria I use when rating shows is on my profile.
May 11, 2021 3:30 PM
#4

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Jun 2020
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It seems you’ve already seen Oregairu. Something more recent I would recommend is JakuChara. Similar but they work on MC’s issues more explicitly.

I do enjoy such themes but not when it’s overly pretentious. It took me to 2nd season to actually love Oregairu.







but i’ll probably remember over and over again
you were there and everyone else was there
— the day we all searched for just one thing

May 11, 2021 3:32 PM
#5

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14398
Tanya the Evil is kind of socially awkward giving how tough she is.
Re Zero has a awkward mc though he opens up socially.
Konosuba has a neet to start.
Bleach has a socially reclusive mc.
May 11, 2021 3:32 PM
#6

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TheFireNinja said:
It depends on what topics you're looking for that are addressed by socially awkward MCs.


Mainly I'm wanting to see how characters that have such traits tackle everyday life.
May 11, 2021 3:35 PM
#7

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Rescue22 said:
TheFireNinja said:
It depends on what topics you're looking for that are addressed by socially awkward MCs.


Mainly I'm wanting to see how characters that have such traits tackle everyday life.


Watamote and Welcome to the NHK are the best examples I can think of. The latter is more serious but I am not a fan. The former is more comedic but much easier to relate to imo.
May 11, 2021 3:36 PM
#8

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Well not necessarily socially awkward or reclusive, but i love it when they are socially broken, or become that while the series progresses. Yea if the reasons nail it it sure can be relatable since im an edgelord myself

Perhaps youll like
Evangelion
Tatami Galaxy
Madoka Magica
dertassoMay 11, 2021 3:40 PM
May 11, 2021 3:39 PM
#9
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256
Well, to start off, there's this Nagatoro-san show that's currently airing.
May 11, 2021 3:39 PM

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Hughsie said:
No Game No Life is the first that springs to mind for reclusive.

That's interesting, I was actually thinking about starting No Game a few weeks ago. Is it worth it in your opinion?
May 11, 2021 3:43 PM

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Mar 2018
28
Death Note (L)
Chaika the Coffin Princess (Chaika)
A Silent Voice (Nishimiya Shouko)
My Hero Academia (Deku)
Re:Creators (Souta Mizushino)
Now and Then, Here and There (Lala-Ru)
Beastars (Legosi)
May 11, 2021 3:44 PM

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ilalochezia said:
Well, to start off, there's this Nagatoro-san show that's currently airing.

I've been hearing about this one a bunch but I see it gets mixed reviews which has me on the fence about it. Have you seen it? If so, then how do you feel about it so far?
May 11, 2021 3:46 PM
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561864
Well, the things I have to offer are primarily action-based. I don't know if they may be what you're looking for. But the MCs of these shows are both socially awkward and they have good character development throughout the series. You can check out shows like Hajime no Ippo and Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple and see how you like them.
May 11, 2021 3:46 PM

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Mar 2016
211
dertasso said:
Well not necessarily socially awkward or reclusive, but i love it when they are socially broken, or become that while the series progresses. Yea if the reasons nail it it sure can be relatable since im an edgelord myself

Perhaps youll like
Evangelion
Tatami Galaxy
Madoka Magica


These three have been on my radar for awhile now! Maybe I'll finally give one of these a go and see what happens

And yes lol, i can get a little too addicted to the edge if it hits well
May 11, 2021 3:49 PM

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211
ribbonaffair said:
It seems you’ve already seen Oregairu. Something more recent I would recommend is JakuChara. Similar but they work on MC’s issues more explicitly.

I do enjoy such themes but not when it’s overly pretentious. It took me to 2nd season to actually love Oregairu.

Glad to see another Oregairu fan, I feel the similarly (although I loved Oregairu from the start XD)
I'll keep this recommendation in mind, thank you
May 11, 2021 3:49 PM

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3586
I don’t watch that cringy virgin “edgy” shit.

Characters like Hachiman and Ayanokouji are the worst characters in all of fiction in every way (especially personality-wise) and anyone who even remotely likes those characters is a cringy kid who should be embarrassed
May 11, 2021 3:54 PM

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Tendo_GM said:
Characters like Hachiman and Ayanokouji are the worst characters in all of fiction in every way (especially personality-wise) and anyone who even remotely likes those characters is a cringy kid who should be embarrassed


great opinion

(to meet the character limit)
May 11, 2021 3:54 PM

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TheFireNinja said:
Well, the things I have to offer are primarily action-based. I don't know if they may be what you're looking for. But the MCs of these shows are both socially awkward and they have good character development throughout the series. You can check out shows like Hajime no Ippo and Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple and see how you like them.


I've seen all of Kenichi, loved that one!

I'm a bit into Ippo and I also enjoy that one a lot, love how in-depth it gets with boxing!
May 11, 2021 3:58 PM
May 11, 2021 3:59 PM
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May 2018
110
The first ones that comes to my mind are
NHK ni youkoso!
Watamote
Re:Life
No game no Life
BTOOOM!
Danna ga Nani wo Itteiru ka Wakaranai Ken
Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei
Anohana
Gamers!
Netoge no Yome wa Onna no ko janai to ommota? (In this one it's not the MC but the 2nd most important character)
And maybe Mirai Nikki and Elfen Lied on a few things
May 11, 2021 4:10 PM

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Feb 2021
315
Does Mob Psycho qualify? Shigeo is about as awkward as it gets.
May 11, 2021 4:18 PM

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zepenedo said:
Does Mob Psycho qualify? Shigeo is about as awkward as it gets.


I'd say he does
I've already seen Mob and I loved it, but thanks for the suggestion!
May 11, 2021 4:19 PM
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Rescue22 said:
ilalochezia said:
Well, to start off, there's this Nagatoro-san show that's currently airing.

I've been hearing about this one a bunch but I see it gets mixed reviews which has me on the fence about it. Have you seen it? If so, then how do you feel about it so far?


Even though I've seen parts of every episode so far, I don't think I am able to give an accurate assessment. Many people may not like it since it is very niche, being based off of a manga, and it involves a lot of bullying which of course not all people can tolerate. It also doesn't have a overarching plot, but instead short scenes within each episode. Personally, I think that if you can turn your brain off and enjoy the constant teasing you may like it.
May 11, 2021 4:24 PM
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ilalochezia said:
Rescue22 said:

I've been hearing about this one a bunch but I see it gets mixed reviews which has me on the fence about it. Have you seen it? If so, then how do you feel about it so far?


Even though I've seen parts of every episode so far, I don't think I am able to give an accurate assessment. Many people may not like it since it is very niche, being based off of a manga, and it involves a lot of bullying, which of course not all people can tolerate. There's also not a overarching plot, but instead short scenes within each episode. Personally, I think that if you can turn your brain off and enjoy the constant teasing you may like it.
So I'm a.big fan, and the bullying thing is a bit of a misconception. It's pretty much a fluffy rom com between an outgoing girl and socially awkward boy. There's bullying in the first episode and then it falls off the cliff. A lot of the hate cause from the first episode. If you're looking for a show about a socially awkward character, it's a good one to try. Just give it 3 or 4 episodes to get a real taste for what it's about.
May 11, 2021 4:28 PM

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Jun 2015
5751
watamote

its your best bet.except she is not reclusive, she is the most proactive girl trying to make friends. they even say it IN the anime.
May 11, 2021 4:29 PM

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590
zepenedo said:
Does Mob Psycho qualify? Shigeo is about as awkward as it gets.


I think it definetly does. He's not really able to pick up social cues around him, and I think especially the first season demonstrates his struggles at everyday life, taking everything at face value.

As for @Rescue22 I would've recommended 3-gatsu no Lion first and foremost, but you've already watched it. In my opinion pretty much the best drama / SoL I've ever seen, with brilliant characters.

Some other pics might be Chuunibyou (you might wanna watch 2nd season + the movie) & Aura (movie which shows "chuunibyou" in a different perspective), My Roommate is a Cat (pretty adorable SoL / comedy with an introverted author shown from two perspectives), Inu x Boku SS (might not fit too well, but I think it had a strong theme of "opening up to others"), Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun (as others have mentioned) and The World God Only Knows (unexpectedly good (rom)comedy with a protagonist who has given up on the real world, would recommend).
Don't mind me,
just passing by...


Halloween 2024:
May 11, 2021 4:30 PM

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211
ilalochezia said:
Rescue22 said:

I've been hearing about this one a bunch but I see it gets mixed reviews which has me on the fence about it. Have you seen it? If so, then how do you feel about it so far?


Even though I've seen parts of every episode so far, I don't think I am able to give an accurate assessment. Many people may not like it since it is very niche, being based off of a manga, and it involves a lot of bullying which of course not all people can tolerate. It also doesn't have a overarching plot, but instead short scenes within each episode. Personally, I think that if you can turn your brain off and enjoy the constant teasing you may like it.


I see. I appreciate the information. Thanks for the suggestion!
May 11, 2021 4:32 PM
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Bump, its slice of life, but the whole anime is just about a socially awkward girl who attempts to make friends in kinda funny ways. Mc's name is a pun (hitoribocchi means alone).
May 11, 2021 4:32 PM

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Apr 2021
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I can't believe that nobody has brought up March Comes In Like a Lion. Rei Kiriyama is a great example of a reclusive main character who is constantly pulled out of his shell by the characters around him.

If you're looking for an anime that covers loneliness, and you're okay with slow burners, then check it out.
May 11, 2021 4:32 PM

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GGcc78 said:
ilalochezia said:


Even though I've seen parts of every episode so far, I don't think I am able to give an accurate assessment. Many people may not like it since it is very niche, being based off of a manga, and it involves a lot of bullying, which of course not all people can tolerate. There's also not a overarching plot, but instead short scenes within each episode. Personally, I think that if you can turn your brain off and enjoy the constant teasing you may like it.
So I'm a.big fan, and the bullying thing is a bit of a misconception. It's pretty much a fluffy rom com between an outgoing girl and socially awkward boy. There's bullying in the first episode and then it falls off the cliff. A lot of the hate cause from the first episode. If you're looking for a show about a socially awkward character, it's a good one to try. Just give it 3 or 4 episodes to get a real taste for what it's about.


Ok, I think I understand it a bit more now based off of your description. I think I'll give it a shot and see what happens! Thank you for the clarification
May 11, 2021 4:36 PM
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Nov 2020
256
GGcc78 said:
ilalochezia said:


Even though I've seen parts of every episode so far, I don't think I am able to give an accurate assessment. Many people may not like it since it is very niche, being based off of a manga, and it involves a lot of bullying, which of course not all people can tolerate. There's also not a overarching plot, but instead short scenes within each episode. Personally, I think that if you can turn your brain off and enjoy the constant teasing you may like it.
So I'm a.big fan, and the bullying thing is a bit of a misconception. It's pretty much a fluffy rom com between an outgoing girl and socially awkward boy. There's bullying in the first episode and then it falls off the cliff. A lot of the hate cause from the first episode. If you're looking for a show about a socially awkward character, it's a good one to try. Just give it 3 or 4 episodes to get a real taste for what it's about.


I technically agree with you that the notion of bullying is exaggerated. In the end, it all really depends on whether you like it or not.
May 11, 2021 4:52 PM

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My Roommate is a Cat

It's even said in the synopsis
Subaru Mikazuki is a 23-year-old mystery novel author, major introvert, and an awkwardly shy person. He would much rather stay home to read a book than go outside and interact with others.


I tend to enjoy shows like that since it usually focuses on the emotions and growth of the characters, and I like that.
May 11, 2021 4:55 PM
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Rescue22 said:

That's interesting, I was actually thinking about starting No Game a few weeks ago. Is it worth it in your opinion?


Yeah definitely. Its in my favourites and its easily a 9 for me.
The criteria I use when rating shows is on my profile.
May 11, 2021 5:14 PM

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351
KuroudoAkabane said:
watamote

its your best bet.except she is not reclusive, she is the most proactive girl trying to make friends. they even say it IN the anime.


I thought she was forced to because of her promise. Oh well.
May 11, 2021 5:22 PM
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27745
tanaka kun,oregairu and also hyouka are just lighthearted examples if you want the real deal watch welcome to the nhk.

May 11, 2021 6:27 PM

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Jan 2021
1558
3-gatsu no lion.
The anime is very boring for me, but I don't know about you. Maybe you will enjoy it!
May 11, 2021 6:31 PM

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1532
Go watch 3-Gatsu no Lion, you won't regret it
*
May 11, 2021 6:38 PM

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211
@tl_dr @Zodazzle @Lisstaa @Gilgameshuu I don't think I missed anyone

But ye I've already seen 3-gatsu and I loved it! It's in my top 10 anime :D

Great suggestion nonetheless tho, thank y'all!
May 11, 2021 6:56 PM

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I like this topic when I can relate to the protagonist, which is rare. Rozen Maiden is my favorite anime to explore such themes. Although I somewhat enjoyed all 3 seasons, I greatly prefer the Zuruckspulen season. It is the only one that is faithful to the manga. PEACH‐PIT's characters are amazing.
その目だれの目?
May 11, 2021 9:09 PM

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Mar 2021
128
Watamote, probably been said a lot here but,,, idolm@ster, love live have some too (particularly aqours first years, and anzu futaba)
May 16, 2021 1:52 PM

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Jun 2015
5751
idolno31 said:
Watamote, probably been said a lot here but,,, idolm@ster, love live have some too (particularly aqours first years, and anzu futaba)
idolno31 said:
Watamote, probably been said a lot here but,,, idolm@ster, love live have some too (particularly aqours first years, and anzu futaba)
X1L2E3 said:
KuroudoAkabane said:
watamote

its your best bet.except she is not reclusive, she is the most proactive girl trying to make friends. they even say it IN the anime.


I thought she was forced to because of her promise. Oh well.
Kai told her shes not her friend anymore till Hitori befriends her entire new class, if she was just a run of the mil hiki, she'd have not bothered making any new friends either.
May 16, 2021 1:52 PM

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Jun 2015
5751
idolno31 said:
Watamote, probably been said a lot here but,,, idolm@ster, love live have some too (particularly aqours first years, and anzu futaba)
idolno31 said:
Watamote, probably been said a lot here but,,, idolm@ster, love live have some too (particularly aqours first years, and anzu futaba)
X1L2E3 said:
KuroudoAkabane said:
watamote

its your best bet.except she is not reclusive, she is the most proactive girl trying to make friends. they even say it IN the anime.


I thought she was forced to because of her promise. Oh well.
Kai told her shes not her friend anymore till Hitori befriends her entire new class, if she was just a run of the mil hiki, she'd have not bothered making any new friends either.
May 16, 2021 2:28 PM
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Jul 2018
561864
serial experiments lain

imo as much as it's a trippy, ambiguous cyberpunk story, it also can be seen as a story about a girl that suffers from "mental illness" and how her reclusiveness and strange way of interpreting reality affect her relationships, but also how her social/mental issues are exacerbated by the fact that most of her friends/family don't know how to care for her and relate to her in the first place.
Apr 8, 2022 7:46 AM
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Nov 2019
2
Rescue22 said:
I'll be honest and blunt about it. I'm looking for anime series that have MCs who are socially awkward and/or reclusive as I want to find series that cover some topics I can relate to. I'd prefer information on series which you feel cover these topics the best, although I'll try most series.

Also, do you like series like that or is it a topic that doesn't interest you personally? Do you find those topics to be relatable in any way? Be honest!

Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you!


Are you only looking for anime or are you also interested in manga that match the criteria you described? To be frank, there are sadly few anime that feature the characters you describe, at least in a deeper and more meaningful way that isn't just intended as parody and slapstick, and where the awkwardness of these characters doesn't just serve as a mere comedic relief. Anime that deal with topics such as loneliness or other much more taboo topics are still happily avoided, especially in Japanese society, which is particularly collectivistic. Such topics and nonconformist social outsiders also do not correspond to the broader social norms, which means that the demand from the neurotypical majority in society, who can identify less with it, is also, as expected, somewhat lower than for other light-hearted topics and protagonists who are more accessible to the majority, through whom a larger target group feels addressed and thus higher profits can be achieved.
It's quite simple Anime is a business and only those anime are produced from which the companies promise high sales markets and big profits. Every now and then, of course, great anime are produced that use the topics that are otherwise neglected and that can still be marketed well for the company. This is usually due to the fact that the original material is already very popular and the risk is therefore low.

With manga, on the other hand, the production costs are much lower, and so is the financial risk of publication. Strictly speaking, a single person can at least produce and publish a manga completely on their own provided that the financial means are available. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that there is a much larger selection of manga that deal with all sorts of themes and characters.

There are usually a lot more weirdos, misfits and people on the losing side of life portrayed in manga than in anime.

As for me, I love all kinds of socially unfit characters, themes about loneliness, feeling alienated or unloved, or about being on the losing side of life and all sorts of stories about NEETs hikikomories and other social outcasts etc.
In a way, I can only fully identify with anime and manga that deal with such themes and characters almost exclusively. It might be a bit twisted and weird, but I don't care, I just like the stuff. It depends how I prefer it at times, sometimes I like it with a pinch of mystery or some edginess on top, or in a lighter humorous way, but mostly as a slice of life in a realistic modern setting, with a bit of tragedy and drama included.

So if you're ok with recommendations for manga as well then I think I have some really good ones ready.

You could start with those:
Parasite In Love
Three Days of Happiness (same author as Parasite In Love)
She Doesn't Know Why She Livest
Ana Satsujin
Lying Mii-kun and Broken Maa-chan: Precious Lies
Goth
Yakedo Shoujo
Hikikomori Headphone Girl, Needle
Instant Bullet
Yofukashi no Uta (There will be an anime of it soon)
A Saint Joined My Party!
The Everyday Life of a Truant (It reminds me of Watamote, but I like this one more)
The Solitary Castle in the Mirror

Some more anime recommendations would be:
Mekakucity Actors
Sasami-san@Ganbaranai
Flowers of Evil
[url=https://myanimelist.net/anime/4975/ChäoS_HEAd]ChäoS;HEAd[/url]
Sonny Boy
4p4thei4Apr 8, 2022 9:17 AM

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