Spoiler warning, of course.
Alright, let's kick this review off by saying I love this, I love this show so much. First off, my first impression of this show wasn't too high if I'm going, to be honest. I knew it was about radios and DJ stuff but I wasn't expecting to get so much more from just that. Of course, it's not just that it's the characters and writing as well that really just compliments the main concept of 'radio DJ'. I heard about this Radio drama when I actually went to Japan myself but I never knew that this was a big thing in Japan. I am intrigued and interested at the same time. Of course, hearing that this show is something out of the norm of anime, I had to check this one out and the results? I am pleased.
From the first scene, we get this 'Tokyo Drift' inspired driving with the car. This I can total dig but once we start to get to know the Beast that is Minare, the show took off from there. She alone is such a breeze to hear and watch. The way she acts, talks and thinks is hilarious and unironically relatable in some ways. She truly is what a good solid main character should look like and I can't get over the fact of how good she was made. Not just her but the supporting characters are all sealed tight and amazing. While I'll admit not all the characters are deeply explored and touch on, I feel that all the supporting characters are there to make the world of 'Wave, Listen to Me!'. From those minor characters like Makie's brother or Shinji the blood dripping ceiling resident. All of these characters just get propelled further with Minare's incredible behaviour.
In terms of story-wise, it isn't groundbreaking but it's certainly enjoyable. We have Minare, semi-unemployed, having close to a mid-life crisis and it's just her against the world. Many times I straight up laugh from her actions or her thought process as well as jokes. I must say the writing is very impressive, the script is fantastic and well written. But you know what's better? The voice actor of Minare,
Sugiyama, Riho. Can you believe it? She's only starting in voice acting? Are you kidding me? The way she delivers Minare's script and presents her voice is unbelievable. It's like, and yes, she was a DJ star. I am honestly still shock by how natural the delivery of voice lines that the characters give like it's not scripted at all and the voice actors are just in a room talking like how they would. It's seriously mind-boggling and that is one amazing thing this show does.
I swear if we don't get a season 2 of this I am gonna be deeply saddened. Like it has to right? You've seen the ending for those who watch. Please, please be because not only is this Radio drama concept really intriguing, it's the characters that the show brings to the table.
I also want to point out how great of a job the show does to promote or present women in the workforce. As you know most of the stars are female in the show, Minare, Mizuho, Makie and so on. But it's not a very 'in your face' kind of way. The show does it right in representing strong solid female characters and that really speaks volume. Not to bring shame on the male characters, no of course, they are great as well. This show really makes being an adult scary but brings out the fun of being an adult as well, in a way.
-SCORES-
Characters- 10/10: I don't love all of them, certainly some characters mourn the day they get more spotlight on them. But I feel as of now, with Minare's interacting with them and all sort of matters, I don't feel any is out of place. Even if one or two might seem in a weird position (Mizuho and Ryuusuke relationship) I feel Minare's personality alone overshadows all the flaws. While Minare is truly awesome, I do have to shout out to Mizuho as well, gosh I really want to see more of her as well. This is how characters should be done. Cool, natural and so damn relatable.
Art- 8/10: It's unique and distinctive in its own way. Yes, their nose is long but not many other animes have characters eyes small and face long. This might not be Sunrise's biggest show, I at least felt they put in effort in the visuals. Thank God for that.
Writing- 8/10: What can I say as to it's great. I know at times scenes can get a little too dramatic or a little unrealistic, but come on, they have only Radio drama as the theme of the show. They have to make some things slightly emphasis to keep the momentum going. In terms of Slice of Life, even though the show wasn't categorised as that, I feel it's a beautifully relatable show that really touches with viewers. That is impressive.
Sound- 9/10: I CAN HEAR MINARE'S VOICE ALL DAY SHE IS FIRE. OST is decent and the intro and outro are great on its own as well.
Overall, what can I say as to how impress I am with this show. I feel this show also has an innovative factor as well, on how something that is 'Radio drama' or DJ star might sound boring can actually be such an enjoyable watch with amazing characters, writing and execution. I better get my season 2 or I will riot.
Strong 8 to a Light 9
