One of my favorite things about Anime NYC is the anime premieres! I love the smug feeling of watching an anime first, months before it premieres. Little old me gets to watch the first episode of this highly anticipated anime?? Yes, please! Give me another reason to ascend above the masses.
When I learned that Go For It, Nakamura-kun!! was premiering at Anime NYC this year, I leapt for joy and cried tears of happiness. I’ve been waiting for this anime since it’s announcement and although I haven’t read the manga, I knew this would be something I would love. A few weeks ago, it was announced that the anime would be delayed until 2026. I was sad, but this early look definitely healed me.
About Go For It, Nakamura-Kun!!
The anime adaptation of Go For It, Nakamura-kun!! is based on the manga of the same name by Syundei. Seven Seas Entertainment has the English license and has released the two volumes. The anime is produced by Studio Drive. Aoi Umeki (My Dress-up Darling) serves as the Director, Script Writer, and Character Designer. Chiaki Kobayashi (Hells’ Paraside) voices the titular character Okuto Nakamura and Yuki Sakakihara (Secrets of the Silent Witch) voices Aiki Hirose, Nakamura’s crush!
In Go For It, Nakamura-kun!!, Nakamura is head over heels for Hirose. The only problem is that Hirose barely knows who he is! Nakamura is shy and awkward but determined to make a move and make Hirose his.
First Impression
I knew within the first few seconds of watching Go For It, Nakamura-kun!!, this anime would be a new favorite of mine. Right of the bat, the art style had my heart. It felt like I was watching a school anime from the 90s. It was very reminisct to how I felt watching the Ranma 1/2 premiere last year. There’s just something about that older look that really elevates a new anime for me.
The hijinks ensue almost immeditely. Nakamura-kun is hilarious. His love for Hirose is out there and he can’t keep it together when it comes to him. But Nakamura’s passionate love is fun! While on the surface he’s trying to act cool around Hirose, inside he is freaking out and planning their future together. The first two episodes do a great job of capturing this contrast and showing us how wild Nakamura’s imagination is.
The two episodes do a great job of reeling you into this love story and immeditely getting you to root for Nakamura. Sure he’s a little bit intense BUT he has a good heart! He just wants to love Hirose and be together, and his methods may be outdated or totally inaccurate, but at least he’s trying. Nakamura’s love and sincerity really shine through Chiaki Kobayashi’s performance. Kobayashi perfectly portrays that innocent but desparate love Nakamura has for Hirose, especially through his inner monologues.
I am so glad I got to watch these first two episodes. While I want the rest of the episode right meow, I know the studio is working hard to produce them. It’s clear from the first two episodes that everyone working on this project is working hard and putting in the best work. I will be waiting patiently for the season in 2026.
