Ikebukuro West Gate Park is a strange beast. On one hand, it explores serious real-world issues like racism, but on the other hand, it attempts to fit those conflicts and tell episodic stories with its diverse cast of characters that can sometimes hit home greatly, or miss by a long shot.

Story-wise, IWGP is an interesting take on the “gang” genre. The main character gets involved with different kinds of conflicts and attempts to resolve them without using forceful methods for the most part, but occasionally seeks help from his friend, who is the leader of a gang, to help him out when things aren’t smooth-sailing. These conflicts are certainly great choices to tell multiple stories that happen in Ikebukuro, but there are times where it feels as if the episodes that tackle some of these conflicts feel like they are lacking the extra punch or “oomph” to really give viewers an impact that will be felt long after the ED plays, save for a few that are actually pretty solid because it does have that extra punch like the two-episode arcs.

On the positive side, IWGP’s characters feel grounded to reality, which makes sense as this anime basically is grounded too. Their experiences in life mostly revolve around the conflicts that the episode tackles, which is a good way to set up the mood of the episode. While on the topic of characters, the main character, Makoto, fights for justice and will use any means necessary so long as violence is avoided for the most part. Aside from that, he also empathizes with those who seek help from him and help them out to make Ikebukuro a better place. Of course, there are characters that are one-dimensional, but they are mostly just there for the plot and are unimportant for the most part. One drawback, however, is that I don’t really feel interested or invested with some of the characters, but for most of the time, they manage to keep my interest.

Moving on to its art and music, it’s certainly not bad. Its minimalistic take on its character designs reminds me of another anime from this year from Doga Kobo, which is Sing “Yesterday” for Me. Speaking of Sing “Yesterday”, IWGP is kind of similar to it in a way that it doesn’t really use too much music aside from a few scenes, which makes me more focused with its dialogue and what’s happening on the screen. Now while all these things sound positive, I think that overall, there is really nothing to write home about with IWGP in terms of art and music, as I think it doesn’t really make enough effort in order for it to at least let its art and music stick with me.

In conclusion, Ikebukuro West Gate Park is neither a great nor bad show. It is simply an “okay” show from Doga Kobo, and here’s to hoping that they manage to produce great shows in the future. Would I recommend it? If you have the patience, I’d say go for it, as there are certainly aspects of the show where I can see people enjoy it, but if you don’t have the patience, it would be in your best interest to skip it, as you are not really missing out on a ton. (6.2/10)