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Tired of isekais of the season (Re:ZERO) that, even great, no longer provide the same satisfaction, either due to being predictable and repetitive or after watching countless of them every season? Or perhaps you're tired of the endless floodgates of rom-coms that halt all progress beyond will-they-won't-they shenanigans? Maybe you're tired of an anime being so anime-y with high speed movements and action scenes that are full of flashy effects (Dandadan) for the sake of the rule of cool? Boy, do I have the perfect show for you!

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the animes I mentioned above. I myself watch them. ... But sometimes, you know how you're just looking for something with a bit more "Oomph!" that offer something new and unique in this era of repetitive isekai and action/battle shounen animes? Well, move aside Re:ZERO/Dandadan, because a new competitor joins the race for best anime this Fall 2024!

An unexpected and possible Anime of the Season material (perhaps even AotY if it can stick the landing, otherwise it's still too early), Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is an anime that goes against the tides of common anime genres of the season. The story takes a page in ancient history (15th century Europe) depicting a battle of truth: to prove the truth of the cosmos while facing the possible prosecution from the church and its inquisitors, and leaving behind footnotes for future generations to build upon and continue the legacy of the collective human knowledge.

First, the story isn't something you'd expect to come from an anime. Like Vinland Saga, the author knows the story it wants to tell. Every scene thus far doesn't waste the audience's time with pointless monologues and flashbacks. It doesn't treat the audience as idiots, laying out all the details in front of you and handing it on a silver platter. No, this anime wants you to figure it out for yourself using the characters' motivation and their actions and goals. The structure of the storytelling relies on the atmosphere and tension you feel for the characters, and the pacing makes you easily forget that each episode runs for 24 minutes, with those 24 minutes only feeling like 3 minutes because of how engaging it does its dialogues and conversation between each characters. It's very well-executed and balanced, a stark contrast from most animes these days.

Secondly, speaking of characters, the author knows how to create them, and knows when to write them out of the story. You know how animes kill off a character, but before that happens, they show you a flashback of that character's past with their happy memories? *cough* JJK Season 2 *cough* It's as if to say "Go on! Feel bad for this character and cry as I kill him/her off." Or even worse, when they kill off that character for the sake of developing another character? *cough* JJK Season 2 again *cough* Well, screw that! This anime will punch you in the face when you least expect it. Writing a character, and a compelling one at that, is half the battle in writing a good story. You have to know when to write them off the story too (a lesson I wish Tensura would learn with how much useless characters it has). The author certainly knows when it wants to up the ante, whether by killing off its characters, or by introducing new ones. Plot armor? Nope, we don't have that around here! What we do have are unexpected twists you won't see coming a mile away.

Lastly, it's done by Madhouse! What more could you want? Of course, don't expect Frieren-levels of animation. This isn't that kind of anime. If you're looking for an action anime, then this might not fit you (HOWEVER.. I request that you at least watch the first 3 episodes. This anime deserves it, I swear). It's art style resembles that of Attack on Titan or even Vinland Saga, so no cutesy anime girls here or moe character archetypes (certainly no -dere character archetypes either).

Overall, this is a fantastic anime (on its way to be a masterpiece if it sticks the middle and landing). If you're looking for a unique story that is as far from the usual anime tropes as possible, Orb is an anime I simply must recommend. I will glaze it as much as possible and ensure that it rises from being a dark horse anime of the season to being an anime that is well-known for its quality storytelling and compelling characters. And if you liked it, remember to suggest it to your friends or acquaintances who watch animes as well. As I've said, it doesn't have the usual anime tropes of moe/loli/dere characters, so this is a pretty safe recommendation that won't get you side-eyed by your friends.

PS: Do note that while this anime might seem historical, and it does borrow elements from Late Medieval Europe, you shouldn't treat this anime as a way to get educated about 15th century Europe, nor should you treat this as historical fiction, as it plays fast-and-loose with the actual history concerning the conceiving of the heliocentrism theory and inquisition. They don't even name drop Europe itself, and they avoid mentioning where exactly this anime takes place on Earth. So just treat this as you would any fiction, and enjoy the quality anime.

After watching the final episode made me feel like it was a pretty damn good anime overall with some cathartic moments, I surprised myself on how good I thought it was. I was originally set on giving this a 6/10, but after sitting back, I realized that as someone who's never been into VTuber culture, nor watched a single VTuber, the amount of fun I had watching all episodes of this anime made me feel like I owe it to this anime to bump my rating to a 7, maybe even an 8.

The humor was good, the personalities of each characters was so vibrant. ... Each one of them felt unique and offered something different to the table. And while I don't watch VTubers, various media references every now and then I can still understand, especially that episode where they played the multiplayer whodunit game, which I personally relate, as I rode that wave back in 2020 as well with Among Us.

Even the sometimes serious side of this anime was a nice icing on the cake. Awayuki and Mashiro's episode was genuinely heartwarming, and so was the final episode. I know how much impact "graduating" VTubers has towards its audience, as I sometimes catch wind of that in my social media feeds every now and then.

Production side of things, it was serviceable. Not good, not bad. Oddly enough, while the anime used some 3D especially in the final episode, it didn't feel "out of place" at all, probably owing to the CGI nature of VTubers.

I had thought that the idea of VTubers was something I'd never understand. I found the idea of watching a digital avatar play/do something while only seeing the avatar's responses in 2D weird, but now I get it.

I probably still wouldn't watch VTubers on my own, as gaming, reading, and watching anime will still always be my top hobbies, and I feel like I grew out of my "watch streamers play games" phase years ago, but if I ever get the pleasure, I probably wouldn't mind watching clips pass by my feed every now and then.

As for this anime, if there ever is a Season 2 (though with the way this ended, it feels unlikely, which is sad), you can bet I'll watch it.

Overall, I recommend this anime, even as someone who aren't into VTuber culture. You can just think of it as a comedy anime (well it is, but targeted towards those who are into VTubers) where humor is pretty good that you'll understand it even without the complete context. Perhaps you'll miss some references here and there (I have missed a lot), but it won't impact your overall viewing experience, as this is first and foremost a character-driven story about a certain VTuber and its colleagues before it's a story about VTuber culture in general.

Passion -- it is something that drives up human ambition. Since time immemorial, passion is what has allowed humans to pursue dreams in hopes of finding themselves a place in this world. It has allowed human creativity to flourish and evolve over time, changing what would've been a very monotonous world into something that been colored with countless artists of the past.

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is a very touching, realistic drama on the nature of passion. It attempts to twist, question, and deliver how such a small thing can change the lives of people forever. When you are bound by your passion, can you make ... room for others to enter in your life and set it aside?

This anime is a masterpiece that delves deep into the intricate complexities of passion and its profound impact on the human experience. Set against the backdrop of the traditional Japanese art of rakugo storytelling, this anime takes viewers on a poignant journey through the lives of its characters, exploring themes of love, ambition, sacrifice, and of course, family.

At its core, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is a deeply human story, resonating with authenticity and emotional depth. Through its compelling narrative and richly developed characters, the anime explores the struggles and triumphs of aspiring rakugo performers in post-war Japan. It deftly navigates the delicate balance between personal ambition and the desire for connection, posing thought-provoking questions about the nature of passion and its consequences.

One of the anime's greatest strengths lies in its ability to capture the essence of rakugo as an art form, immersing viewers in its captivating performances and intricate storytelling techniques. The meticulous attention to detail in the animation and voice acting brings each rakugo performance to life, evoking a sense of intimacy and reverence for this traditional art. From Akira Ishida's portrayal of Kikuhiko, who starts off as a newbie to a professional, to Koichi Yamadera's Sukeroku, you can almost feel like they themselves are natural rakugo performers.

Moreover, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is not merely a story about rakugo; it is a profound exploration of the human condition. Through its nuanced portrayal of characters grappling with their desires, fears, and regrets, the anime offers profound insights into the complexities of the human psyche. It challenges viewers to confront their own passions and consider the sacrifices necessary to pursue their passions and dreams.

In addition to its compelling narrative and thematic depth, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu boasts stunning visuals and a hauntingly, if not melancholic, beautiful soundtrack that enhance the overall viewing experience. The animation captures the subtleties of emotion with precision, while the music sets the tone for each scene, evoking a range of emotions from melancholy to euphoria.

Overall, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is a poignant and thought-provoking anime that transcends the boundaries of its genre. With its masterful storytelling, rich character development, and profound thematic exploration, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of passion and the human spirit. For those who are seeking a truly immersive and unforgettable viewing experience, this anime is not to be missed.

Oohh boy.. this one was a doozy. It's one of those animes that really, truly blur the lines between what is considered an anime and what can be considered a hentai. Now, while I might've given this a "Mixed Feelings" regarding on whether I'd recommend this to people or not, I want to preface this first by saying that I gave this an 8/10 rating. The reason why it's a "Mixed Feeling" is pretty much already obvious.

People who are used to the usual tropes of anime aren't gonna mind this anime and its antiques. It knows what it's doing and it does it very well. ... It doesn't pretend to be anything more than a "fun with ecchi" anime (although surprisingly if you dig deeper, there are recurring themes that stay true to the characters' motivations, which I commend this anime's story for doing, and doing it subtly). If you want to watch this anime, then free your mind and just enjoy the wild ride. If I were to put it in shorter, simpler words, then I'd say that this anime is NSFWA: Not Safe for Western Audience.

Now, I'd like to talk about what this anime does very well, which is how good of an ecchi anime it is. While blurring the lines between Anime and H, it doesn't hold back. When you want to create an ecchi anime, you have to be ready to commit to it. The studio responsible for Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete seems to understand this. They don't hold back on the ecchi at all, which is what I meant when I said that it "knows what it's doing and it does it very well". When you see "ecchi" on the tag of anime, of course it's natural to expect that it'd be filled with fanservice and perverted jokes right? Most (note: most, not all) ecchi animes don't have a deep plot or storyline, but rather simply exist for the fun of being ecchi. Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete falls under that category, and I love that they stick with it to the end. When I want to watch ecchi, I want to see exactly that, and this anime delivered spectacularly.

Talking about the technical parts, while I praised this anime for being a good ecchi, unfortunately it's potential is held back a bit by its animation. It's not bad by any means, but it could use a little more polish. It does a lot of panning, which is unfortunate because action scenes can't shine as well as they should. Sound design is pretty good though, and personally I like the music, especially the ED sung by our protagonist group of villains.

Overall, if you're looking for a good ecchi, this anime is it. It's one of the most well done ecchi anime of the past years. Otherwise, don't watch if you're gonna complain that it's "disgusting" or if you're against fanservice. It just makes you a tourist.

I have noticed that the reviews most people have left regarding Season 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen have no middle ground. Those who praise it act as if it was the second coming of Jesus Christ, while those on the opposite spectrum act as if it was the worst thing to come into existence. Some of them seem to be quite outdated as well, most of them having left the review during the first five episodes of this season of JJK, called the "Hidden Inventory" arc. I don't usually leave reviews for animes (I did before but it became tiring when my mindset of leaving a ... review for any anime I watched made me realize "I don't have time for that, and no will care anyways.") but after having observed the reviews of this anime I thought, "Why not leave a review where it'll cover both the good and the bad of this anime?" and so here I am. Do take note that during the writing of this review, there were still 4 episodes left, so I might or might not update it depending on if I feel like it.

To give an idea on how things stood before this anime aired, I'd like to give a summary. Manga readers have been hyping this season of JJK, stating that it is one of the best shounen arcs to ever exist in modern anime (how do you define what is modern anyway?). There are two arcs apparently being covered this season, which was the Hidden Inventory arc that I stated before, lasting 5 episodes. The meat of this season that manga readers mostly hype it for is the Shibuya Incident arc, lasting the remaining 18 episodes of this season and also the arc that manga readers regard as "one of the best arcs in modern shounen anime". Hidden Inventory arc is a half slice-of-life half-action and drama covering Gojo Satoru's past during his days as a student in Jujutsu High. It also serves as a prequel to the whole Jujutsu Kaisen series, as it answers questions viewers have been wondering about after watching both JJK 0 and Season 1, while also leaving new questions in its place.

Now then, onto the actual review. On the technical side of things, animation of this season have been a high point of praise (and deservedly so), barring a few episodes in the middle of the season where it was obvious that MAPPA's horrible treatment of its animators had started to take a toll on its production. MAPPA isn't known to slack on that department, so of course animation has been very good, if not better than Season 1, throughout nearly all the episodes. There have been improvements on its art style as well, where the distinguishing features of characters allow them to shine and stand out among all characters, thanks to its improvements. Because of this, it also sets the mood nicely for most of the episodes, where it's supposed to be a dark or gloomy moment for our protagonists. Music and sound are also very good (love both the first and second OP), which shouldn't be a surprise to be honest, given how good the music of Season 1 was. Voice acting, as always, is impeccable. Nakamura Yuichi's work as Gojo Satoru is always a blast.

Regarding the story, hooohhh boy is there A LOT to unpack. First of all, I loved Hidden Inventory arc. Gojo and Geto's dynamic as friends with almost a brotherly bond allowed them to shine onto the spotlight of the arc spectacularly. The new character of this arc, Riko Amanai, was also a breath of fresh air as while she is the key character that caused the series of events to happen both in Season 1 and in the following arc, she was also filled with personality in an already stacked cast. How she plays with Gojo and Geto's dynamic never feels forced and in fact strengthens their bonds while allowing her to leave an imprint on their lives as the arc later descends to a disaster. Secondly, character development of Gojo and Geto was also widely explored in the Hidden Inventory arc, as for the first time, it actually made me symphatize with Geto's character and explaining how he turned out the way he was in JJK 0, while Gojo struggles with the conflict he has against him. The end of the arc actually made me feel bad that they had to go their separate ways, and their eventual spiral to enemies (as we've seen in JJK 0) had me thinking back on how everything in the movie finally made sense (as well as parts of Season 1), and what a shame it was to see their friendship break up over the events of this arc. At this point, it might not be an exaggeration for me when I say that Hidden Inventory arc is probably the best arc JJK has so far (assuming we'll get another season of JJK since I'm no manga reader).

For the second arc of Season 2, Shibuya Incident arc, I'd say that I'm very much... mixed to low on my opinion of it. I want to get the question out of the way first: is Shibuya Incident really one of the best arc in modern anime? And for that, my answer would be a very high no.

To start with, the animation is still as good as always (despite MAPPA's insistence that its animators are robots). Pretty much everything in the technical side is pretty consistent with what we got from Hidden Inventory arc. The gripes with it that I have the most is very much its storytelling. Shibuya Incident arc has been very good at creating hype and shocking moments and for that I give it credit. However, when the arc relies only on shock value and pretty display of characters fighting each other until one of them gives out due to a bunch of reason or other (mostly nonsense like pulling out trump cards and battles of "You thought you were stronger, but nope I am because I still have my *insert power move here* technique!"), the story becomes rather hollow. I don't like to blame source readers when they're praising the anime adaptation of a beloved source material they've been following for years (after all, nearly all source readers of all anime adaptations are guaranteed to do that), but I want to state that Shibuya Incident arc is an overhyped story arc by its source readers who probably remember this specific arc from the source for its shock factor and "wow moments". This in turn has made me disappointed on what they think is one of the best story arc of modern anime.

Firstly, while there are indeed shocking moments in this current arc, it doesn't really feel like there are any emotional weight or attachment I'm feeling towards to them. For example, a certain mentor character that a lot of people have been loving since Season 1 dies in the second half of the arc, and for me it's just a 5 second moment of shock and then indifference afterwards. Maybe it is just me (opinions are like buttholes after all, we have one), but I feel like we should've spent more time with them before offing them off because I felt like they were killed just to establish that *insert villain who killed certain character* is a force to be reckoned with, which we already knew back in Season 1.

Secondly, I'd like to point out that despite all the hype moments that Shibuya Incident arc has, I haven't been drawn at all to the events nor be interested on everything that has been going on so far. One significant moment in this arc is when a certain character commits a massacre, which is supposed to be shocking to the audience. However, aside from the short moment of shock factor, I find no reason to care nor be interested why I should feel bad for those involved, or how that certain character changes things after committing what he did. Another significant moment is when a certain character summons a character that is able to go head-to-head in battle with another, very strong well-known-to-be-the-strongest-in-the-world character. Source readers hyped it up a lot prior to the episode stating that a certain character is about to go change things in regards to the whole plot. For me however, it didn't really feel like a lot has happened. Sure, we know now that there are two very strong characters in the already-gigantic cast of JJK, but I find no reason to care why I should be interested in that or why his appearance is going to be very significant.

Third and lastly, speaking of an already-gigantic cast, the characters in this season, while being given a time on the spotlight between episodes, don't really feel like their scenes matter because all they have been doing is getting involved in the fights. We already know that the events of this arc will be a bloodbath, and we know they're all going to get caught up sooner or later, but there is just no substance on why I should care this battle is going on between Character A and Character B. There is no character development between them, which I was dismayed with given that Hidden Inventory arc really did well with how they developed Gojo and Geto's characters.

There is also the matter of the fact that this arc has been constant fighting with little to no breathing room. You might complain that "Well duh the events are supposed to show that Shibuya Incident arc is chaotic!", but I want to bring up another story arc from a modern shounen anime that executed a high-stakes constant-battle story arc perfectly: Return to Shiganshina arc, from Attack on Titan's S3 P2. Both are full of hype moments, main characters dying, and shock value, but Return to Shiganshina succeeded where Shibuya Incident failed for me: bringing meaning and weight to deaths of characters without making it feel like a constant tiring battle of fights and fisticuffs, and also paying off audience expectations and adding new reasons to be interested to the overall story of each respective anime. Return to Shiganshina arc had me trembling for the characters involved, not only because their characters were well-developed, but also because it actually gave off massive implications while establishing new plot points on in the story that would come into play later on. Shibuya Incident arc doesn't off give that feeling for me. I can't exactly say what is the root cause of JJK S2's Shibuya Incident arc shortcomings: is it an overhyped arc and I was just pinning my hopes too much on source readers, or is it simply because I just can't vibe with all of the action and fights?

Overall, I'd rate JJK's Season 2 a 6 for "Fine", mostly thanks to the Hidden Inventory arc (again, probably my favorite arc of JJK series so far), and its spectacular animation. I just wish Shibuya Incident arc lived up to its hype of being "the best arc of modern anime". One thing is for sure though, if this is the peak that JJK has to offer, then I am only worried for the next (probably) seasons of JJK.

Finished. 10/10

15/10/2022. 3:18

I rarely give out 10/10 scores, but this anime really did it for me. It's an absolute masterpiece, from storytelling, characters, to even visuals and animation (as expected when you're animated by KyoAni). This anime is a journey every anime watcher must go through at least once, even when this isn't their usual genre.

Let me start out by getting the technical things out of the way. Animation for this anime is simply beautiful, probably one of the most well-done animation I've ever seen in an anime (gotta love the work KyoAni has done, as always). And the fact that this anime isn't supposed ... to be something that is heavy on animation unlike, say, the isekai, fantasy, or action genre, means that KyoAni has made a lot of effort to go beyond what is expected to make this as beautiful as possible. It is absolutely stellar, and probably one of their best works ever made.

Music. Oh man, even the music isn't a let down. The OP and ED are absolutely well done, and the music used throughout the anime isn't something to ignore either. It is as beautiful as the animation, and it deserves just as much praise.

Now, talking about the story, it is an absolutely emotional ride of rollercoaster. When we're talking about a coming-of-age story, it has to be executed beautifully, as character development and emotional growth is what should be the stand out for the genre, and this anime might just stand as an example of how that genre should be done.

Violet Evergarden's story is one of growth and finding meaning in life after her perceived purpose in life is over. When her mentor and guardian in the army, Gilbert, leaves her a heartfelt farewell and confession of love in his last moments, Violet goes on an emotional journey to find the meaning of the last words her mentor left her: "I love you."

As a character who's only known nothing but war, Violet's journey as a character is absolutely one of the reasons to watch this anime. As she doesn't know how to live in a post-war society, and has only ever received nothing but orders in her life, Violet's slow transformation from someone who's only lived a military and strict upbringing, to someone who can be independent and walk her own path in life is well-done. It is a ride that this anime will take you. It will make you happy, sad, cry, or even root for, as this anime establishes her character in a way that is very compelling and emotional.

Other characters are nothing to scoff at either. Gilbert, who barely makes any appearance beyond flashbacks, drives the main story and journey of Violet Evergarden. Even though he's absent in the present, his looming presence throughout the story drives Violet to live a life that she may want, and it is his character that drives and influences the plot of the anime. It is executed beautifully, as his purpose as a character isn't forgotten, and it not only affected Violet, but other characters as well, such as Claudia, who is also a character that deserves to stand out in this anime.

Overall, this anime is an absolutely masterpiece (I could never say it enough for this anime). It is the kind that'll make you think "I wish I could watch this again like it was the first time." whenever the anime comes to mind. A must-watch, even once, even if this isn't your preferred genre.

8/10.

This anime is a bit unorthodox in my opinion. While yes, it is an anime under the rom-com genre, most of the story surrounding our characters don't really feel like rom-com. There are some romantic and comedic scenes here and there, but if you were to ask me, I think this anime counts more as a slice-of-life and coming-of-age anime that shows the growth of each characters.

I'm not saying that it is bad, but it really works more as an anime you want to watch if you are less interested in the romance part and more on the development that the story takes for its ... colorful cast.

Our protagonist here starts off as someone who sees himself as boring, with a normal life, and no reason of standing out: no talent, or anything special that'd help him be confident in his self. When he is transferred to the titular dormitory, he faces even more confidence issues, as his dormmates are all people who are talented and very studious when it comes to academic pursuits, not to mention creative, and has a "path" in life.

It is in contrast to the protagonist, Sorata, who starts off not knowing where he wants to head off in his life, and not very confident on where his future will take him. Paired with that is our titular pet girl, Mashiro, who is someone who is famous for her talents. Their potential are very opposite, as our protagonist is someone who isn't even well-known, nor someone who is known for his talents.

The story is very good, as it highlights the growth of our protagonist from someone who has no confidence in his life or future, to someone who can be relied on and can finally decide what he wants for himself. There are romantic moments between Sorata and Mashiro, and while they can indeed be good, I feel like its lacking on that part. There's no doubt that the story is indeed good, as it is all about growth and confidence, but when you claim to be a rom-com anime, then you need to live up to it.

Technical-wise, there's no problems with it. Animation is good, nothing special though. Ditto for the music as well.

A recommended one if you want a rom-com that leans more on character development and less on romance.

Finished. 9/10

17:51. 24/10/2022.

Erased is, in my opinion, one of those animes that'll make you feel empty after watching it. It'll make you think "I wish I can watch this anime again like it was my first time", it'll make you feel, and it'll certainly be a memorable watch, one that you'll never forget.

First off, I'm a sucker for time-traveling animes with a bit of supernatural and mystery mixed in. And if you're like me, then this anime will really pass that vibe for you. It's got everything you could ask for as a thriller-mystery anime: whodunit, episodes that end on a cliffhanger and leave you ... wanting more, memorable parts that you'll recall for many more times to come.

The anime is all about a man who can turn back in time and prevent a life-threatening incident that is near him (sounds a lot like Re:Zero). However, when his mother is murdered, he is sent back in time years in his childhood, where he is given the chance to not only save his mother, but also right the wrongs of the past, and possibly fix his past mistakes.

The mature themes of the anime only add spice to this incredible anime, as it deals with sorrow and regret from not being able to do something in the past, and finding ways to change that and finally move on. It might sound tropey, but tropes are not necessarily bad, as long as they are executed in a way that is compelling, and understandable to the audience. Being given the chance, the protagonist sets out to right his wrongs of his past, and possibly rewrite the future he experienced.

Talking about the characters, all of them are likeable and memorable, with good development between the relationships of each of them. Even the antagonist is pulled off in a way where he is actually compelling and engaging. No characters are wasted, and each of them get to play a part in this incredible story where they all help move the plot along forward.

The only reason this anime has one off point is the fact that the ending with one of those characters.. leaves more to be desired, with the fact being that a certain character ends up together with another certain character who actually had no chemistry or any moment of intimacy leaves it a bit off for me.

Technical-wise, this anime is outstanding in that department as well. Music, both OP and ED are very good. Animation is stellar, with voice actors that really shine in their roles.

One of the best animes I've ever watched. Totally recommended.

Finished. 9/10.

16:14. 22/11/2022.

The one quality that pulled me in to the world of anime is the fact that there are countless genre to get yourself mixed in, with limitless potential in storytelling, whether that story is linear or just slice-of-life with no stakes or goals in mind. In the case of slice-of-life animes, they have to deliver a specific quality that can portray an anime that almost only resembles daily life in reality while still finding ways to be fun and compelling. This anime, Hinamatsuri, is absolutely a well-done anime in that genre.

The premise, as far as most animes can go, is just one of ... the most normal that you can find while still keeping a creative twist on it. Try to think of it as a mix of Higehiro and Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting. What makes an anime fun for all of us really depends on how we see what is quality, and they are all entire subjective. For me, it's the fact that I can enjoy it all the way through without a drop in quality.

In this anime, you've got a cast of characters that are absolutely fun and comical to watch. Protagonist forces himself to take care of our young and adorable character Hina who is absolutely spoiled and doesn't know how to behave herself in normal human society. We've also got best-girl Anzu, who is very alike with Hina in terms of personality at first, but goes through a complete 180 after experiencing the homeless life.

The characters are absolutely fun to watch. The story, while lacking mostly in stakes or any end goals, is still compelling due to the various antics and mysterious history that surrounds our characters.

Technical-wise, there's nothing wrong with it either. A pretty good OP song, animation that is pretty good for a SoL anime, and quality that doesn't dip throughout its run.

Absolutely recommended. You won't forget it. It works best as a "palate-cleanser" anime after watching the more dark side genres of anime.

Finished. 5/10.

21:25. 21/11/2022.

Isekai animes can prove that even though they are... well, isekai... they can still deliver a promising story with a cast of characters that is sure to be compelling. Unfortunately, this anime doesn't belong to one of them.

The main character is someone who has no weaknesses, is instantly overpowered, and is just very generic in general (a common sight in isekai animes). Other characters that accompany him don't really have any good qualities that make them stand out either. They all have it in common: painfully generic, and just boring.

Another gripe I have with it is its attempts to raise the stakes in ... the last few three episodes. The first episode already showed us that the main character and his 'harem' will all survive and live life together doing what they are good at most, yet those last few episodes aren't really exciting or have any reason to be compelling since we already know what happens to them after that. Now, that'd be forgiven if only the story was actually told in a profound and compelling manner, but the story, combined with its generic "beautiful characters who are in love with the protagonist and have no weaknesses" is just hard to look past. And, the characters don't really have any memorable qualities that'd make us root for them or be worried for them.

Technical wise, it's nothing special either. The OP song might sound good for a few times but it loses its touch once you hear it a couple more times. Animation isn't anything special, and it's painfully obvious when CGI is used as well. It is what it is.