I knew from the moment I watched the trailer that Yano-Kun’s Ordinary Days was going to be my anime this season. There’s just something so charming about a slice-of-life, high school friends anime (with a potential romance)! This anime has already become my new personality, and I want everyone to get on board ASAP!
About Yano-kun’s Ordinary Days
Yano-kun’s Ordinary Days is an anime based on the manga, Yano-kun no Futsuu no Hibi by Yui Tamura. It is currently not in print in English, but I hope that changes by the end of the season. It’s produced by Ajiado Studios, which also produced A Sign of Affection. It is airing weekly on Crunchyroll.
In it, Kiyoko Yoshida is the class president. She’s naturally a little anxious and notices one of her classmates, Yano-kun is always hurt. Thinking he’s a victim of bullying after school, she follows him one day and learns that Yano-kun is just super clumsy. After learning this, Kiyoko becomes super invested in Yano-kun and develops a crush on him.
My Thoughts
Ahhhhhhh!! That is how I felt the entire time watching the first episode. It was entirely sweet, and I had the biggest smile on my face start to finish. There was so much to love right away, and the first episode was a great precursor to what we can expect for the entire season.
Art Style
The art style for this anime is stunning. It reminded me a lot of some Ghibli works, particularly the older style of Ocean Waves and Only Yesterday. It really adds the vibes to the slice-of-life feel, but also knows when to do the silly anime visuals and gags we all love.
Kiyoko
I fell in love with Kiyoko immediately. She is so precious it hurts. I love how she takes action as class president and cares about doing a good job. You can tell she’s so kind, and as an older sister, she’s used to taking care of others. She’s so honest with Yano, even if it embarrasses her a little bit. She’s so determined to break down Yano’s walls, and I can’t wait to see her do it.
Kiyoko and Mei
If you’ve been here long enough, you already KNOW Kiyoko and Mei’s friendship was going to be on my “loved this” list. Mei’s calm nature balances Kiyoko’s anxious nature so well. I love how Mei immediately pointed out to Kiyoko that she was crushing on Yano, and helps her plot out how to get closer to him. She’s down for the ride, and I’m excited to see the two of them together.
Yano
Of course, sweet baby Yano is a highlight. His clumsy ways are so relatable ( I am also always getting hurt and covered in scrapes and bruises.) But as this first episode hints, there is a lot of loneliness because he doesn’t want anyone else to get hurt with him. He reminds me so much of Watanuki from xxxHolic. I can’t wait to see Kiyoko break him out of his shell and for him to start having a good high school experience.
What’s Next
Overall, this episode was incredible. I am locked in and so excited to see Yano bloom. We need to get the festival episode, the beach episode, the aquarium episode, ALL OF IT! I want Yano living his best life. I’m also excited to see the friend group expand and what other side characters will join the group.
