An above average show, especially considering its first season. Its 12 minute episode length makes it a far easier because its quick, sporadic humor finally feels fast in its pacing. Except, it still has its problems from its lack of awareness pertaining to its depth and emotional cues. Dagashi Kashi's second season tries to stymie this problem with the introduction of two new characters. But, the introduction of those characters and the improved pacing doesn't offset the fact it is a pretty bland show when Hotaru and Kokonotsu aren't interacting. There is not a reason to watch this show when there are better options like "Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou" ; "Haiyore Naryuko-San" ; "Barakamon" to name a few, that focus of character interactions between a singular or few eccentric characters that foil the MC. Dagashi Kashi is not a bad show, persay. That does not mean it's a good one either.
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The first season of Dagashi Kashi was... well boring. It was repetitive, and its 24 minute episode length was far too long for a show that is mainly character interaction and exposition about Japanese sweets/candy. It may sound interesting to hear Hotaru or Kokonotsu talk about the history of various Dagashi, it can get overbearing when it lasts for over 20 minutes.
LUCKILY~~~ The producers cut the screen time for Dagashi Kashi in half, literally. Moving from a 24 minute format into a 12 minute format. This actually helps the viewing experience of this anime tremendously. The exposition is shortened by a noticeable amount. The character interactions are fun and quick. Dagashi Kashi's 12-minute run-time finally allows for its pace to match its quick, sporadic humor. Every episode might seem to go by in a blink.
Except, the show isn't still what I would call "good" in an overall sense. It's an anime that you have, for lack of words, 'turn your brain off to enjoy'. There is little to not plot development that occurs over this show, and the romantic interests also go nowhere either. The introduction of Hajime and Beniyutaka might seem like a foot in the right direction, but their influence on this anime's plot is little to nothing because of the pace of this anime. I haven't read any of the source material, so they may have a larger role, but their own specific arcs within the show are punitive at best. They are interesting additions to the current cast of characters, but this anime is still very much carried by the antics of Hotaru and Kokonotsu. When that pairing is not seeing screen-time, the jokes and everything fall flat, to me.
Dagashi Kashi S2 is a step in the right direction for this series, and I mean a major step in the right direction. I would not be surprised if there is a third season because I believe that its funded by major Dagashi Companies in Japan, not mention it got simulcasted during its airing. However, its not something you should go out of your way to watch. There are better anime out there that kinda fill the same niche, "Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou" ; "Haiyore Naryuko-San" ; "Barakamon" to name a few, that focus of character interaction and day-to-day living with its focus on improvement surrounding either a singular or few eccentric characters foiling the MC.
