Hitoribocchi no Marumaruseikatsu

From the author of Mitsuboshi Colors, Katsuwo, Hitoribocchi no Marumaru Seikatsu is a comedy anime, often taking place at school. Hitoribocchi, based on a group of middle-school girls, one of them having social anxiety, Hitori Bocchi, (her name meaning "all alone"). Worried of Bocchi's fear in making new friends, Bocchi's only elementary school friend Yawara Kai, (her name meaning "soft"), abandons her until Bocchi manages to befriend the whole class. Hoping she could form the courage to make new friends.

The characters define the series. Each feels distinct, has a dynamic playing off each other in unique ways, how Nako interacts with Bocchi is different from how she interacts with Aru. Which sounds obvious yet, it's imperative to comprehend how many series implement a defining trait upon a character matching their entire personality/punchline. Bocchi is shy. It's challenging for her to converse with new people. Bocchi, however, wants to be able to have fun interacting with friends. She does everyday things in quirky ways, doing things like making scripts for daily conversations, only for it to fail. The first friend Bocchi befriends, the fearsome, tough-looking, Sunao Nako, (her name meaning "honest child"). She is blunt and straightforward. Nako is usually sweet to Bocchi, but sometimes, she teases her. The second friend Bocchi befriends, the unfortunate, class vice-president, Honshou Aru, (her name meaning "having a hidden nature"). Aru displays a facade of her perfect self in front of everyone, but in truth, she's unfortunate, she wears clothes with hangers still attached and mistakenly puts on wrong uniforms. Aru forms a rather fun dynamic with Nako, as she knows Aru's real condition, often making fun of it. Aru, of course, wants to deny it, becoming a running joke throughout the series. The third friend Bocchi befriends, the ninja-loving, foreigner, Sotoka Rakita, (her name meaning "came from outside"). Sotoka is amazed by ninjas and came to follow Bocchi, thinking what Bocchi does is ninja-like.

The framing of Hitoribocchi is notable, a prominent asset for its success. Most 4-koma's have a basic premise, used as a vehicle to tell jokes. The absence of an overarching goal often leaves a series feeling aimless, however. Just because it's about daily life, a show benefits with an endpoint to work towards for narrative structure. Hitoribocchi has an overarching goal, Bocchi needs to befriend everyone in her class, providing the show a driving force, that most other 4-koma's lack.

Hitoribocchi no Marumaru Seikatsu focuses on two parts, the comedy and the heart-warming moments. Regarding comedy, its above average, revolving around Bocchi's awkwardness, Aru being unfortunate, among other things. Hitoribocchi succeeds in creating sweet moments, often relating to Bocchi growing to become more friendly. As Bocchi becomes stronger from gradually making friends, others become influenced by Bocchi. The music does an excellent job, complementing the comedy and sweetness of Hitoribocchi. Hitoribocchi no Marumaru Seikatsu has light-hearted comedy, keeping you entertained, with sweet scenes, putting smiles on your face. The characters, briefly defined by their names, with personalities extending beyond just names. Hitoribocchi has striking character dynamics coupled with character development in just the right amount. Hitoribocchi is a leading light-hearted show to watch.