Wait, an actual slice-of-life series that I actually enjoyed? Yes, it is possible. While I normally find pure slice-of-life series rather boring, sometimes one appears which adds something extra. In the case of Asatte no Houkou, the result turned out amazing. This is one of those rare anime which creates a very strong mood and atmosphere, and stays in this atmosphere for its total number of 12 episodes.
First of all, the concept is brilliant. Everyone who’s seen either anime or American cartoons probably has run into one of them: filer episodes in which two characters switch bodies, grow older, grow younger, etc. Still, all of these episodes focus around comedy. So, what happens when a series actually comes and takes a serious look at it? Well, that’s what you get with Asatte no Houkou. It focuses two characters, living normal lives, and shows how their lives are affected when something supernatural happens to them. Karada is a child, who longs to be an adult. Shoko is an adult who longs to be a child. Their wishes get fulfilled, and they learn that their wishes may not have been too smart.
For this anime, some wonderful characters were created. Shoko and Karada react entirely different to the things that happen to them, and that’s the beauty of it. Each of the episodes are so incredibly touching, you can’t help but feeling along with the characters, and if you’re a bit of a fast crier, this anime will probably leave you crying at multiple times.
It’s actually very hard to pinpoint some kind of bad point to this series. It has been so incredibly well developed, that it doesn’t seem to have any obvious flaws. If I had to name one thing, then it would be that at times, this anime likes to let characters run into each other through a deus ex machina, though unlike shows as Wolf’s Rain, this doesn’t really hurt the series. I’d say that if you’re looking for a sad, realistic story, you’ll definitely want to try Asatte no Houkou out. 🙂
i wasn’t entertained by asatte no houkou. i might try to pick it up again, but it was very slow moving for me.
I will have to agree with you on the high rating that you gave for this show. It really is an incredibly good drama.
When I first saw the summary for the show I thought it wouldn’t be anything interesting and I’m always wary of anything that has “Slice of Life” with it. When I watched it though, I found out that it was well-worth watching to the end. I don’t regret the time I spent watching the series. ^_^
People who don’t like drama might not like it, but it’s tons better than many other supposedly more popular shows I’ve seen.
I think it’s sad that, like me, most people will be turned away by the show’s initial summary/concept before even giving it a try.
I definitely second the high rating that you’ve given this show. ^_^
For me, Asatte no Houkou was the series that showed me the beauty of the slice-of-life genre. I was like you initially, and I disliked most slice-of-life shows because nothing seemed to happen. But Asatte no Houkou definitely proved me wrong. 🙂
I also love the slice of life show welcome to the nhk! (few if not no slow moments) and worst is azumanga daioh cause there are actual moments when you literlally stare at teh characters staring at something or standing there for half the show…….. and have silence half the show.
Hmm, I thought I was the only one who didn’t find Azumanga Daioh memorable. It had its cute moments, but there are much better series out there. My experience with NHK ni Youkoso was that its first half was rather obnoxious, though the second half was indeed really good. 🙂
If you rarely enjoy slice of life anime, try Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou. It is the best slice of life anime, followed closely by Asatte no Houkou… I love AnH right down to its 10001001010100 bits.
Id literaly love this anime so far . Im working on compleating it by the end of the night. But i would seriously recammend this anime if you like drama/slice of life. This anime is one of the best rare animes you can find about drama/slice of life. Usualy i dont find many good drama anime but this is one of the best. I would try it out if your a big fan of Drama/Slice of life.
Wow. I started watching Asatte years ago and my computer crashed (lost the eps I was on), and never went back….I was worried about committing to it though, in case it ended badly.
Considering your rating, I think I’ll go back to it. ^ ^
I have to say I love that you touch on so many anime that aren’t the popular well known ones. Most of the best anime I see are not usually well known or not known at all.
THis anime was okay and rather annoying for me. The rating is too high and I don’t consider it as a good slice of life anime. Good slice of life anime would have to go to Cross Game.