Kotaro Lives Alone is a series that really broke me apart. I came into this series blind and thought it was a cute slice of life comedy about a boy doing funny stuff when his parents was not around. Technically that is sorta true but oh my god it is so much more and I was so wrong with my first impression.
The series introduces us to a mysterious little boy named Kotaro that one day decided to live in a small two story rental apartment. He makes an effort to introduce himself to the handful of tenants living there. A heartwarming journey of broken people supporting through thick and thin ensues, focusing on the little one that desperately needs love the most: Our precious little boy Kotaro.
Kotaro is REALLY mature for his age (4 years old) but also fittingly immature in the way he makes a huge effort to be extremely polite by acting like a honorable samurai and speaks in a 'honorable' knightly way referring to others as sir, lady or master. Sometimes having quaint style of medieval language saying things such as 'much obliged' and 'pardon, I must away'.
Kotaro is really perceptive and can tell if a person is hiding their true emotions. He can spot a fake smile, tell if he is being deceived and even spot someone true intentions that is even unbeknownst to their very self. One may mistake this initially as being supernaturally intelligent or perceptive as a child but watching the series further it is clear Kotaro's keen perception of people is not due to being a social genius but through first hand experience. Explaining this further will go into spoiler territory but based on the title of my review I guess you can sorta guess where this is going.
The series masterfully foreshadows heavy backstory plots of Kotaro's mysterious circumstance in some charming slice of life comedy. Despite a clear heavy subject matter lurking in the background we are constantly reminded that Kotaro is still a kid and he certainly acts like one. Time and time again Kotaro's childlike innocence makes for heartwarming and funny situations but often times it can backfire as we see that this same innocence that he radiates is not the appropriate response towards handling certain morbid circumstances which really pull on the heartstrings.
Just like how Kotaro avoids going into the details of his circumstances the series also never reveal more than is necessary about Kotaro's backstory. We as the viewer are equally constantly kept in the dark about Kotaro's mysterious past and situation as the supporting characters that felt obliged to protect this little boy while specific context and clues are slowly picked up but still not complete even towards the final episode.
This series almost feels like it is directed by Kotaro himself as there is a consistent cheerfulness in its storytelling but there are really obvious depressing undertones every once in a while that reminds us that this is not an ideal situation. But gosh it keeps trying to deceive and convince us that it is fine... it is not as bad as it seems... look how happy they are coming together lovingly like a family... look how funny Kotaro thinks that the pregnant lady is actually fat due to eating a lot of food!
...
Y'know what?
Yes Kotaro, you are a happy little boy. Everyone is happy for you and everyone loves you. Everything is okay sweet little cup cake.