There are two reasons as to why I started watching Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
As to why, it is because I just finished Kakushigoto and I got to know that, Kumeta-San has more gag manga written and Kamiya-San has also played as the VA for Kakushi Gotou. Of course they do not have to be relatable, but I was more curious and I started this anime.
Starting with OST.
OP:
"Hito toshite Jiku ga Bureteiru" by Kenji Ohtsuki feat. Ai Nonaka, Marina Inoue, Yu Kobayashi, Miyuki Sawashiro & Ryoko Shintani
The video of this song was too unique for me. Like that video had no influence on the anime at all. Honestly, I was getting weirded out whenever I watch it expect for the part where Itoshki's face is zoomed. I even found it disturbing at some places, though I liked the song when I only heard the audio ans did not watch the video.
There is a second OP for episodes 10 and 11:
"Gouin ni Mai Yeah~" by Ai Nonaka, Marina Inoue, Yu Kobayashi, Miyuki Sawashiro & Ryoko Shintani
I like this OP more. It gives me the vibes and the video is also really good with a splash of colours to my taste.
ED:
"Zessei Bijin" by Ai Nonaka, Marina Inoue, Yu Kobayashi & Ryoko Shintani
Even though the video is a bit not to my preference, it is actually a nice song and I like how they show the females in Kimonos.
Remaining OSTs:
The music is timely and is very suitable to the anime. It isn't very strong music to dominate the anime. It is subtle (though at places like where Itoshki falls into despair, it becomes a little intense), and matches the pace of the anime. Tomoki Hasegawa has done a really great job. I haven't watched any other anime which include his works and because of which I cannot talk about his style, but this anime has a really nice music which doesn't make you feel any heavy-hearted moments. Just the right touch needed for anime on humour.
Character Development
There are 15 students along with two staff who are focus of this anime. Each character is given ample screen time with some parts dedicated to themselves. This impressed me a lot, because usually side characters do no have a lot of development.
Each character has a quality(?) quirk(?) trait(?) (trait sounds better) trait. Like Itoshki is always in despair. Every smallest thing in this world sends him into the abyss of despair. And to counter with his pessimistic nature, Kafuka Fuura an extremely optimistic and strange character is the other lead. Each character has their own traits and they are reflected in their names. Nozomu Itoshiki when written horizontally means "Despair". And many characters have names like that. Each character is messed up, though not possible to exist, it is evident they are designed to portray a flaw with as much pun as possible.
By the end of twelve episodes, the viewers will be familiar with the students.
Animation
The animation tries an old-ish style but pulls it off great. Hideyuki Morioka has done a great job on the animation and character design. He is a staff on various amazing anime like D.Grey-Man, Enen no Shouboutai and many more of them.
Episodes
Each episode covers one of the problem of the society, but blends it with such humour that it doesn't look dark or hypocritical. Just as what we expect from a well-written satire.
The first episode introduces Itoshki, Kafuka and other main characters. The second episode shows us a Hikkikomori and a stalker. The third episode focuses on attitudes of foreigners and Japanese; and immigrants too. The fourth episode focuses on apparent Domestic Vlioence, animal rights; and people who can't talk but be abusive on mails.
Each episode has it's own topic(s) and is very funny even if one is spoiled.
Plot
It is a simple plot compiling the daily life of Itoshki Sensei and his students while covering various topics day-to-day and Itoshki falling into despair.
My Overall View
It is one underrated anime which needs more attention. And I loved it and enjoyed thoroughly.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO WATCH
~~My only problem is Usui. Usui from Maid-Sama is my husbando whom I'm planning to marry, but Usui from this anime ruins my Usui. REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE~~
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