On the outside, the approach it takes on social issues might be simplistic, but deep down at its core it’s quite complex. I really admire how the show never takes one viewpoint, but multiple viewpoints on an issue. We constantly see different ideals from characters of different social statues discussed. Not only is it fascinating, but the way issues are discussed between the whole cast nail how high schoolers do in reality.
There are also quite a lot of despondent themes underneath the bright colors of the series which constantly hit home with me. Particularly the summer arc, where it delivers the message that sometimes loners will forever remain loners no matter how hard they try and that struck a deep chord within me.
The highschool that Yahari takes place actually feels real to life and developed. It’s brought to life by a diverse and very well acted cast.
Our male lead, Hachiman, is a character that anime has thrown at us too many times to count. I swear, most writers have no idea how a cynical recluse acts. They’re mass produced and come out as dull, shallow, blown out of proportion, one-dimensional, dissociate, and the list goes on. But Hachiman transcends all of those qualities to become a multi dimensional character of his own. Throughout the series, he ranges from brutally honest to intellectually sardonic to overly ostentatious and even to being openly altruistic, all while remaining true to character, believable and relatable. People argue that his dialogue is way too embellished (though I’ll argue that it isn’t. Coming from a private school and being on the debate team, I’ve seen people who talk more arrogantly than Hachiman), and I can buy that. What I don’t buy is how that makes him any less of a great or relatable character. Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes has the speech of a sarcastic adult and he’s one of the greatest reminiscence of childhood there is.
But just like Hachiman, the rest of the cast is a dime a dozen and Yahari manages to brilliantly characterize each of them. Yukino’s not a complete Senjougahara-clone, she has her naively stubborn moments and a soft spoken side to her. Yui is your typical airhead, but she’s fleshed out to well depict a broken, insecure teenager hiding her pain under a bright smile. The popular kids aren’t stuck with an annoying one-sided bratty personality, but actually seem to have feelings.
Unfortunately, Yahari lacks a bit in the development and character chemistry. Characters and their relationships with others remain stagnant until near the end and even then, it feels too inconclusive.
And even with its fantastic take on high school, the overall plot is quite lackluster. In the end it’s too episodic and never really goes anywhere.
But in the end, if you want a well-written social commentary of highschool with relatable characters, Yahari’s a pretty good choice. Just don’t’ expect the psychological drama to be up there with Aoi Bungaku, Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad or Welcome to the NHK and you should be fine.
