Aharen-san wa Hakarenai (2022)

[阿波連さんははかれない]

Director: Yasutaka Yamamoto, Tomoe Makino
Studio: Felix Film
Starring: Inori Minase, Takuma Terashima, MAO
Episodes: 12

Synopsis:
A boy who has trouble expressing himself bonds with a classmate who does not understand appropriate social distance.

Impressions:
I was hooked the moment I saw the trailer for this. Given that most Japanese romcoms make a huge production of even the slightest physical contact, the idea of a character who doesn't have any of those reservations and a counterpart who goes along with it had my interest. Aharen is of course adorable and Raido is fairly amusing with the contrast of his usual deadpan with his hyperactive imagination. The two of them alone provide more than enough entertainment, but there are some colorful members in the supporting cast as well to round things out. I won't claim it soars to any great heights as some sort of artistic masterpiece, but it's a great comfort watch that I'd gladly recommend for your collection.

Rating:
Own It