When the Spring 2016 season came out, I saw this one and was vaguely interested. I was looking for a romance (that wasn't a harem). I watched the first episode, and I thought this show was adorable. Second episode, show's adorable. After that? Ih.
Story - 6
I'd give this story a 6. I know, it's somewhat original since it focuses on what happens after a couple begins dating, and it's about sixth graders. I don't usually watch anime about little kids, and this proved my point. Although, this series is what got me into Kodocha, which I recommend checking out. But, it's overly cutesy and it's typical. It makes me want to pull my brains out how much they're embarrassed about every little thing! And I've dropped this show at 5 episodes, because we just reached a conflict with a love triangle. Great. Nothing about it is super original or out there. It's just fine. And what bothered me the most was the real turnoff point for me, which was how they focused on one couple more than the other. I liked the second boy and girl that were introduced more, but recently, they've just been side characters.
Art - 6
Since this show is about sixth graders, it bothers me how their eyes are as big as my dinner plate. But, I don't mind it, since it's supposed to be like that, because they're little kids and all. I liked the design of the characters. They fit their personalities.
Sound - 7
The music was fine. It fit with the story and the opening isn't bad. Nothing special, but not bad.
Character - 6
This is where I can really rant. There are slight spoilers below. Like I said, I liked the second couple, so we'll start with them.
Yui was a cute girl who I liked because she was more mature. I liked her design, because it showed her maturity. She's more simple, and I think she's a little more comfortable when talking to Hiyama, making me happy to see their relationship grow. She isn't annoying and there's nothing really bad about her (in my opinion).
Hiyama is a sweet kid, who was tough at first, but warmed up to Yui. He is a nice boyfriend who does the things that Yui asks and is happy to be dating her. Also, I don't think there's anything wrong with this kid.
Marin is Yui and Hanabi's best friend who gives them romantic advice that she learns from her sister. She's cute, and in my opinion, a little bit of comic relief with her confidence. But, she's also kind, and helps out her friends.
Next up is Takao, Boyfriend #1. He stands up for Hanabi for too much and always has to make her feel better, making her frustrating. He gets embarrassed a lot, which annoyed me, and he didn't really become "protective" until this whole love triangle thing started. He's too forgiving, and hasn't really toughened up until now.
Next up is Tsutsumi. (SPOILER) He's the second love interest of Hanabi. Why her? I have no idea. Once he appeared, I had a feeling he'd make this whole relationship thing complicated. But, I refused to believe it. And I actually really liked him with his cross, bad-boy attitude. For about an episode. And then he fell in love with Hanabi, which made me shake my head. I knew it was going to happen. Hanabi refused to believe he showed any feelings for her, since she's in her happy glow of Takao. She innocently wanted to be friends. And he just made this whole mess sloppy. I don't mind him as a person, but his love preferences? I'll pass.
Now we have my least favorite character of the show. Hanabi. This girl makes me want to punch a tree. 90% of the time Takao says something to her, she blushes and kind of internally freaks out. She is too cutesy, and her character design happens to be the one I don't really like. I don't like cutesy girls in anime a lot anyway, so this isn't entirely her fault. She dresses cutesy and acts cutesy. She's also embarrassed to ask Takao about a lot of things, and sometimes I think she's just an idiot. She relies on Takao a lot, and can't really stand up for herself when her classmate says she wants Takao, and that Hanabi isn't worthy of him. She isn't. Also, in one of the episodes (spoiler) when she goes on her double date with Takao, and Yui and Hiyama, Takao somehow manages to grab her a stuffed animal from those claw machines. Of course, she wanted the one that was only an inch tall. And then she LOST it in the mall. I don't know how, but they managed to find it. I was impressed. Her personality is just too happy and cutesy to the point I can't STAND her! She confused and oblivious (in an innocent way) that just really bothers me to the point where I was thinking, 'It's so obvious! Why are you an IDIOT?!' multiple times. I'm sick of these types of characters. They're really annoying.
Enjoyment - 5
I probably would've stuck with this show 'til the end if it wasn't for Hanabi. But, it was getting a little annoying with the blushing and cliche, predictable moments. I liked this show at first, but I was getting seriously bored and annoyed with it. The cuteness and the fact that it's about little kids was kind of taking my interest out of the show.
Overall - 6
I personally don't like love triangles, especially because I usually end up feeling bad for the person who is "losing" to their rival over their love. It's pointless for them at that point. I know as a viewer how it's going to end up. It's also why I don't like harems. But, this show was just heading down a road I didn't want to go down. If you've read all this and disagree with me and still want to watch the show, by all means, go for it. This anime is cutesy and about actual relationships (with 12-year-olds). That just isn't my style. I don't like cutesy characters (as main characters) and suck-ups. The story wasn't fantastic, nor the art. It wasn't a great anime in my opinion, and I don't think you'll miss out if you pass this one.
