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[Initial Impressions]

When I first heard of this anime, I didn’t really know what to expect. The whole ‘memory loss’ trope is one that I’m not overly familiar with, yet am no stranger to. I had watched the PV for this, and what immediately stood out was the art style, along with the great background music. This, along with the genres “romance, slice of life, school life” (I’m a sucker for those lol), was more than enough to get me on board to check it out, and am I glad I did.

[Story]

The story itself was one of pure heartwarming lightheartedness mixed in with the struggle ... of making and maintaining a friendship that is, in itself, one big obstacle. Sure it had a very simple premise – making friends – but there was a twist to this story. With Fujimiya Kaori’s memory being reset every week, it presented new challenges for our MC, Hase Yuuki, who desperately wanted to befriend Kaori. Each week, there was something different. It was never the same repeated subject every time, but rather a new obstacle that Hase and Kaori must somehow overcome with Monday being the deadline. These problems were tackled in almost too realistic ways which really helped connect us to the story. One becomes more and more invested in the story as each episode goes on, hoping for the best possible outcome for our characters.

[Art]

The art style that was used for this anime was definitely one of its stronger points. Its soft, warming, pastel-natured style was the perfect fit for this anime and the story it chose to tell. It wasn’t anything crazy scenery-porn like P.A. Works’ stuff, but it was beautiful in its own right – it was beautiful in its simplicity. The art brought out more heartfelt moments that probably wouldn’t have had the same impact if it was done a different style. It was warm and innocent, just like the story and our characters.

[Characters]

You gotta love the characters. Kaori is the cold, anti-social girl until you get to know her. Once you do, she is a cheery, talkative, and extremely lovable girl. She has the innocence to go with the looks, and just makes you want to hug her. Then there’s Hase, who is someone in contrast to Kaori’s surface personality. He’s that typical awkward high school kid. He’s kind with a genuine heart, but of course is human and has his own realistic flaws (easily jealous, selfish, immature, and possessive).

These two are our main characters, and together are just a bundle of joy to watch. Their interactions are adorable, yet meaningful. Hase’s character is always trying to help Kaori out. Everything he does is for Kaori’s sake (whether it turns out to be a good thing or bad thing). He’s always thinking of her, and how to help her through making friends, going out places, etc. Kaori, on the other hand, is one of those girls you want to wife up and marry. She is one of the sweetest girls I’ve seen in anime, and has the innocence to go with it. She is always looking to help others out.

Of course, there are the supporting characters Shogo and Saki. Shogo, or more known as ShoBro, represents that friend who is there for you. He’ll give advice, he’ll knock you back to your senses, and he’ll give you the push you need to move forward. He definitely earned the title ShoBro, and is just as important to the story as our MC. If ShoBro hadn’t given Hase the push whenever he didn’t know what to do, things wouldn’t have turned out the way they did. Saki is the other supporting character who is just a walking moe girl. Seriously, she is so cute it hurts. Her character is the airhead type – one that’s genuinely kind, yet pushy, but not in a bad way. She’s the perfect piece to help push Kaori in the right direction, much like ShoBro is to Hase.

Aside from the Kaori and Hase relationship, I was supporting the ShoBro and Saki relationship just as much. It’s these kinds of characters that deserve happiness.

[Sound]

The soundtrack used throughout the anime was great and fit very well with every scene. Placements of OSTs are crucial when trying to invoke emotions, and I feel like Isshuukan Friends did it right. Not perfect, but well enough to add on to the situations although they weren’t as memorable as the OP and ED.

The OP titled “Niji no Kakera” and the ED titled “Kanade” were both great as well. I loved how the ED came on right when it really counted at the end (much like how AnoHana’s ED chimed in) and as soon as I heard the piano kick in, I was hit with feels.

The voice acting was also great as well. They really fit the characters that were being voiced, and it didn’t sound like the voice belonged to someone 10 years older which is always nice. I really loved Kaori’s voice. Kaori’s VA, Sora Amamiya, voiced her extremely well. It was her first main role, and she did a great job. She has main roles in the upcoming Akame ga Kill! and Aldnoah.Zero which I’m very much looking forward to.

[Closing Thoughts]

Isshuukan Friends took me on a ride. Every episode had me banging my head on my desk because of either how cute and adorable it was, or how much I can relate to certain situations. The whole memory loss every week idea is very unlikely in the real world, but the way it was dealt with is something relatable. Hase represents that awkward high school boy who has his eyes on a girl that’s hard to reach and I’m sure we’ve all been in a situation similar to that.

It was such a relaxing and simple anime, yet had a strong story to tell. I enjoyed every episode, to the point where it had me smiling at almost every moment. Despite its flaws, it remained to be my favorite anime of the season and I was always looking forward to the next episode. The pacing hardly seemed off as well, even with forwarding through one week a bunch of times.

I definitely recommend this anime if you want a pure, heartwarming slice of life mixed in with drama and underlying romance. It’ll definitely be worth your time!

Rating: 9/10