The density of brilliant comedic ideas is higher here than in any other show I’ve seen, there are 3-5 ideas an episode that would be series defining moments for any other show. Every clip I’ve seen on youtube for this isn't even the funniest in its episode.
Nichijou throws jokes out at such a fast clip that in the rare instance a joke doesn’t land, another one soon will, and the show never misses with its major comedic investments. The length Nichijou goes at times to deliver a single punch line is admirable, you’ll see what I mean when you get to the airship part.
The jokes are led by amazing visual comedy, the reaction shots, direction, and sakuga make the show all the more hilarious. Nichijou’s well known brand of visual comedy, over the top sakuga, never fails to be funny. Between these impressive flourishes of animation, sharp direction and editing keep the show’s comedy sharp.
The show’s cast works perfectly for the plot and comedy. The trio of Mai, Mio, and Yuuko have a fun dynamic, Yuuko serving as the funny man, Mio as the straight man, and Mai as a middle ground, acting as a funny man while delivering every joke completely deadpan; its genius. Sakamoto, Nano, and Hakase have a similar dynamic, while following less grounded plot lines. Nichijou paints an unusually rich image of its world, the large cast of side characters (who all get enough time to shine) keep the world feeling vibrant and lived-in. Every group of side characters is great, from the tsundere Misato firing progressively bigger guns at her crush Sasahara, to everything that happens with the Go + Soccer Club, they keep the comedy varied and the world lived-in.
Every performance is perfect, the voice actors for every member of the principal cast, as well as much of the supporting cast, are incredibly fitting and unique. I’m bad with remembering voices (and character names), but I can list off my head Sakurai, Nakamura, Yuuko, Mai, Mio, Hakase, Sakamoto, Nano, and Takasaki as standouts.
The soundtrack is bright and grand, fitting of a film like Hugo. Each track is great and memorable, even as they blend into every scene. Both openings are some of the best I’ve ever seen. The first is aggressively charming, Its zooms feel like the show pulling me into its world, as does its amazing song. The second opening’s back and forth lyrics as well as robotic vocal embellishments are legitimately funny, the subtitles really help this one. There's a ton to break down with these openings, but I’ll spare myself the writing. The endings are both well animated, and feel like a warm “goodnight” after every episode. The songs are varied as hell, the first opening has an alternative and acapella version, and the second changes song every time; I thoroughly enjoyed every one.
The show features various side bits, which bridge the gaps between larger segments. All of these segments, including love like, Helvetica Standard, word time, and the laid back transitions help pace the show and keep it varied, they’re pretty damn funny too.
While Nichijou succeeds greatly in its comedy, It equally succeeds in painting a beautiful picture of everyday life. The show’s lengthy out of focus transitions depicting a regular day in town, as well as the chill word time bits, communicate this theme well. Nichijou’s comedy often plays on the subtle social anxieties of daily life, from having a conversation with your crush, to ordering food at a restaurant, it confers a real sense of relatability.
When the show slows down for a rare heartfelt moment, it stands out against the high paced comedy while matching its relatable characters and depiction of everyday life, I teared up during some.
A 10 should change your perspective in some way. The last episode caused me to reflect on the beauty of the character’s daily lives and relationships, and gain a newfound appreciation for my own. From joking with friends to ordering coffee. In line with this theme, I watched the show at a rate of one episode per day, I tried binging it, and found the comedy really works best in small doses.
When it comes to flaws, Nichijou is practically devoid of them. I guess I didn’t like some of the early Helvetica Standard bits, but the later ones are some of the show’s funniest segments.
I rate shows on how they make me feel, therefore a 10/10 comedy would have me practically in ecstasy from how funny it is, and this certainly met the criteria.
I’m glad that over a year after watching A Silent Voice, and falling in love with anime, and Kyoto Animation, I’ve found another 10.
Thanks to all who made this show possible.
