Story:
The show is about 2 friends. Nanaka and Nenji. Both have glaring flaws. Nanaka is a study obsessed girl which causes herself to alienate everyone around her. Giving everyone a bad view on her. Nenji is a delinquent who always gets himself into fights with others. But after a heated argument, Nanaka falls into a coma, and wakes up as her 6 year old self, trapped in her teenage body. This causes Nenji to change his ways, and to help Nanaka get through life in the state she's in. Now, while it has a familiar premise, the way it's told and the themes it has are done really well. Making it stand out. The best thing I loved about the story was the fact I could identify with it's messages about growing up. And I was at a time where school was beginning to overwhelm me as well as the future. The ending is bittersweet, but still very satisfying.
Art:
J.C. Staff's animation style varies in many of there shows. It goes from simplistic to very detailed. Nanaka 6/17's animation is on par with Azumanga Daioh. As in it has a really cute simplicity to it. While the character designs are familiar looking, they're still fun to look at.
Sound:
I've only seen this dubbed, because it's my preference. I have to say, they did a good job with it. I really liked that 2 of my favorite voice actors, Monica Rial, and Chris Patton voice the two lead roles. All the other voices are regulars you're use to hearing, and you will like there work here. The music goes from cute and adorable, to slow and relaxing. While it's not really the best I've heard in anime, it's still very good.
Characters:
The highlight of the show. I really loved this cast of characters. Both Nanaka's do represent 2 sides of us. The 17 year old side represents that side of me where I could get so obsessed with either my hobbies, or school, to a point where I alienate myself from others. However, as the series goes on, you do understand the reasons why she went into that state. The 6 year old side represents that little kid in us that's still there. Let's face it, we do have childhood favorites we like seeing every now and then. And of course there's that side that either cannot wait to grow up, or is just scarred to. So, 17 Nanaka's a bit of a bitch, but the 6 Nanaka's a lot more fun. Nenji was my favorite character, mainly because he was the one I connected with the most. I do feel his pain whenever he feels bad about acting mean and rotten, and then tries his best to improve. Or how he feels alone now that Nanaka's pretty much forgotten about him, and never has time to be with him. Trust me, I know how that feels. There are other characters like Amemiya, her friends, and Jinpachi where you may not like them at first, but as the shows goes on, they do warm up on you. Kuriko was a character that I could've hated, but I do understand why she likes to be with Nenji and her rivalry with Nanaka is just cute and hilarious. Nanaka's dad was just a riot with his over worrying and affection towards her daughter. You may dislike some of them at first, but they'll win your heart in a beat.
Enjoyment and Overall:
Nanaka 6/17 is a underrated gem in my opinion. An anime that's overlooked, but has a lot to offer with it's smart story, and lovable and relatable characters. If you haven't seen this series, consider it. Cause I have the feeling you won't be disappointed.
