In all seriousness, it's a show that is about Up and coming musical artists, the trials of the music industry, and most importantly what makes music sell
And it is a mind-blowing fact since what sells this Anime to most people is its absolutely insane music, especially Ciki Ciki Bam Bam (Man I can't get this OP out of my head !), I swear they spared no budget when it comes to the music, art, or animation in the OP! Also, Do not sleep on the ED, The art is simple, but goddamn the music slaps!
The focus is clear and pure, and characters rarely get sidetracked from music the first half has a bit of the party culture of Modern citizens thrown to light but after that, it turns into a serious Music Anime. The pacing is perfect there is an optimal amount of character development and a very healthy cast wh are really talented but just need a single catalyst that will finally make them the real deal, koumei is said catalyst a Chinese legendary general (or so they say I have no clue) actually quite flexible with his plans, he more often than not just nudges things in the right direction except of being a perfect Kirito Kun and this is not unexpected of a general that was in charge of thousands of brave men (especially since they were the weaker side). The premise is wack (as expected of isekai) but it immediately feels like all the characters are right where they belong!
As for the review
Plot (8/10)
It's about music, no romance no action no bs, it's straight-up an actual representation of the current music scene, there are already so many distinguished and talented artists that making a newcomer actually debut takes more effort than picking the next star player of Barcelona. There are certain plot twists that are predictable yet they remain healthy and affect the characters in a realistic way which was quite nice to see. Each episode begins with one of Koumei’s legendary stratagem being cleverly adapted into the real world and I will admit, I would never take an interest in Zhuge Liang kong ming if it wasn't for this anime.
Characters (9/10)
As a typical isekai start, Kongming does enjoy the benefits of coincidence in the first three episodes xD like Eiko picking him up and her singing to him, the manager being a Chinese history nerd, etc, but the later parts have clear and absolutely perfect attention to detail on the music peeps the fact that they have their mutual admiration and stories of what inspires them is quite nice to see. Development of the main cast is a huge focus and is done in a very wholesome and inspiring way, hence many who aspire to do the same can actually take notes. The final music battle and the rap battles were like watching a sports match where both sides gave it their all while admiring and appreciating the skills of their foe.
Art and animation (8/10)
A good depiction of modern Tokyo is a rare sight! The cityscapes in anime look really dull compared to how Tokyo really is, and hence it was awesome to see an actual good background and vibrant nature of Tokyo being reproduced in this anime.The character design is not original by all means but it is consistent throughout the whole show. The animation of the songs and the natural soft expressions of Eiko when she sings conveys to the viewer perfectly that she loves to sing, and the art and body language of the rap battles also makes for a really tense and exciting atmosphere! The art in OP gets the highest budget and rivals that of Kaguya sama, the ED doesn't have the best art but it's better than most corner-cutting EDs we see these days.
Sound and VA (10/10)
Ok this should easily be a 10 but some may say that the repetitive nature of some of the music used does hurt the anime a bit but, it is to be expected since they have singers that are not the VAs sing for the character and licensing multiple songs is going to be no easy feat , yet that is also a strength of paripi koumei, the songs are sung by actual singers and are really good, Not to mention the 90s inspired absolute banger of an OP which I am sure is in everyone’s playlist by now.
A great anime that is a must-watch. it really revives the dying (fuck covid) party culture and is a great depiction of the music industry!
Everyone should give this a try.
