_This review contains Very minor SPOILERS for 365 Days to the Wedding_
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# What do we have here?
Don't get mad at me for listing its downsides, I'm going to look at it as objectively as I can.
It's different?
In all honesty, when I first inserted it into my seasonal watch list, I didn't think it was gonna be anything worthwhile. The production looked mediocre, the characters looked bland and the whole marriage premise felt generic. However, that's not where the magic lies for this particular romcom.
First of all, this may just be the best romance with an adult cast since Wotakoi (not including fantasies). For so long, some romance fans have desired a setting different than a school in a romcom and Kekhon (that's what I'm calling it idc) gave us exactly that. The blossoming love between two office workers pretending to be married, simultaneously trying to concentrate on anything other than love. Did I mention that they were actual introverts? When is the last time y'all seen that?
Them two
Instead of some corny exaggerated confession scene or over-the-top drama, what we have are a good representation of overthinking in the form of inner monologues, rational decisions made by adults, and awkward, yet wholesome exchanges between said adults. It's difficult for introverts to open up about what they really want unless it's somebody close to them or somebody worth opening up to, but that's why it works here. From being ordinary acquaintances, to not being able to conversate normally, to gradually following their hearts. Them not being able to fully express themselves provided us with their adorable thoughts, while also making us feel the perfect amount of: (probably what Tama was thinking)
The best part of the show was easily Rika (voiced by Hayami Saori ). I did like Takuya's development with the whole 'stop half-assing everything' spiel, but it wasn't anything special. Rika learning about romance and learning to distinguish this feeling and live with it has given us the best scenes if anything. Contradictory to her thoughts, her heart always leaked out during important moments like:
Spoiler, click to view
The kiss scene or her declaring to try living together
Gonda.
Man, I did not think I was gonna be invested in this fat man. Lo and behold, I was. At first, he was easily the most annoying character in the show. He constantly complained about his love life to Takuya and it didn't even feel like he was taking it seriously... Until Episode 8 happened.
Spoiler, click to view
He was immature. He decided that he wanted to take his relationship with Kaori before being prepared for anything - mentally and financially. Honestly, the sudden relationship between them felt childish, but that's what Gonda's perspective on romance was like. Childish. When Kaori revealed her position as a single mother, it was difficult to take in for both the audience and Gonda. She did like Gonda as a person, but in her mind, it had to be done. If he can't handle the responsibility of taking care of a toddler that's not even his, if he's not ready to financially support two people, it shouldn't be forced. That's why I believe Kaori made the right call, and hopefully Gonda grew from this event.
Cons
Naturally, a show is not without its faults (unless that show is Monogatari), so I have to talk about them. I simply cannot perceive Kekhon as a 'good' anime. For me personally, a 7/10 rating is given to those that I think can be called good without hesitation.
~Don't get me wrong, it's not bad. There are just certain aspects that I'm obligated to adress. For example, the lack of a strong supporting cast. There was that one episode with Gonda, but what else? I get that they wanted to focus more on their two lovebirds, but maybe we could've gotten more realistic interactions between the office workers and their difficulties in pursuing romance. Instead, we got the common, shallow, NPC-looking cast that exists everywhere.
~I enjoyed Takuya and Rika's relationship, but it came out of nowhere. There was no information about their types, so I don't like how they took a liking to each other simply due to their situation. It doesn't work like that. I'm talking about the early episodes, of course.
~I do value production unless it's something like Evangelion where the writing and story-telling are top-notch, which is precisely why I deem Kekhon's production as inadequate. Stiff animation, mediocre art, over-used directing methods. I can't get attached to characters who just feel like they're sketches.
-Also, I don't know if this should be a considered a con, but I liked the comedy. It's just that I think this specific creation is better in manga form. Many elements felt like they were bound to be better on panels, rather than on screen. Manga readers, tell me if I'm right.
Sooooo
Fyi, a 5.5-6.0 is not a bad score from me. I utilize the full 0-10 scale, so Kekhon to me is an above average romcom that has its downsides. I don't think I'm gonna miss watching this weekly, but I sure as hell will miss Tama, so for now, goodbye to Fall 2024's top comfort show. Goodnight.
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