Going into Namuami, I had low expectations for it not because I thought it would be bad (just average), and it’s a good thing I did that otherwise I would’ve been very disappointed.
The complaints I have is that Namuami feels too stiff for a slice of life anime. There is a story revolving around Mara and the vices and while that’s fine and adds something to the show, the times when the Buddhas are living their day-to-day life, it feels very lacking. It does improve after episode 6 and things start to pick up and that stiffness goes away slightly.
The characters themselves are a mixed bag. Only a handful are given and development and growth in all 12 episodes while some don’t get any or are just there for show. Some of them have little or no personality that makes them unique in their own way. For example, one of them is a protein loving exercise guy who is kind of clingy to his older brother and another one tells bad puns. Those are not personalities. Telling bad puns that aren’t even funny is not a personality trait. The few that do have personalities are decent characters. Especially with one of the characters. They’re not all bad but some are just boring and devoid of any personality.
Finally, the conflict between Mara and the vices felt rushed. As quickly as it came, it was resolved quickly. It ends somewhat satisfying though it’s one of those ambiguous endings but I have a feeling that a 2nd season won’t be happening.
While it may seem like don’t particularly like Namuami, I did enjoy my time watching it. Going into it with low expectations made me like the show more. Yes, it’s not perfect and some of the complaints are valid, but it’s not a bad anime in the slightest like some people say it is. It’s above average in presentation, characters, and plot but it’s not as bad. It won’t win any awards and it will probably be forgotten in a year or two, but at its heart, Namuami is a decent slice of life anime about the 13 Buddhas. If you do plan on watching it, I recommend going into it with little or no expectations, and if you liked Touken Ranbu Hanamura. Namuami may be average at best, but it’s still fun to watch.
