The second day of the new releases bring about a slightly different twist. The first day brought more exotic offerings such as Allison to Lillia (that is going to be neglected somewhat by the mainstream audience) and Kure-nai (Go, Murasaki! You are the haughtiest loli I have seen for a while!). You can tell I happily avoided a certain title for commentary due to my dislike of excessive fanservice in general.
Nonetheless, it’s time for shoujo, my favorite genre. How will Itazura no Kiss fare?
Episode summary
Kotoko, a third year student in high school, is rejected by Naoki. She has a crush on him ever since the first year induction ceremony, where Naoki’s wonderful speech and good appearance has entranced her. She tried very hard to study in order to get to the top class, but has always stayed in 3-F. On the other hand, Naoki is in the elite class of 3-A. As she is worried that she will never be able to confess her feelings to Naoki, she decides to give him a confession letter. However, he simply rejected her without hesistating.
During the break, Kotoko’s other friends (Jinko, Satomi and Kinnosuke) try to console her that Naoki is not worth the effort. Kinnosuke goes into over burn mode, and he clearly likes Kotoko (unrequited love). In class, Kotoko tries to forget about Naoko, but knows that she has loved him for 2 years. On their way back, they discuss about Kotoko’s new house, and all her friends discuss about a housewarming party. Kotoko’s only family is her father. Then Naoki walks past the group, as Kinnosuke screams at him. Kinnosuke asks if Naoki has any heart at all, and asks him to respond to Kotoko at least. Naoki simply says that he does not talk to women who are stupid.
That completely hurts Kotoko. In the new house, Kotoko’s friends come to visit, but Kinnosuke becomes agitated after mentioning about Naoki. He knocked on the wall, and the house begins to shake. Everyone leaves the house but Kotoko’s father tries to get his wife’s remains. Just then, the house collapsed on him. In the aftermath, Kotoko’s father miraculously survived completely unhurt as we realize that the “earthquake” caused the vibrations.
With that incident, Kotoko is left without a home. The next day, Kotoko goes to school, with rumors spreading about the collapse of her house. In addition, she mentions that she will stay with her father’s friend and a strange woman secretly taking a picture of Kotoko before escaping. Kinnosuke also tries to drum up some sympathy for a donation drive, but Kotoko simply tells him to keep it low because it is embarrassing. Naoki appears and asks for the two to give way. He continues to talk in a condescending way.
Eventually, he tries to give some cash as he “pities” her, but Kotoko slaps his money away. She says that she is not related to him and does not need his sympathy. Naoki simply turns away and laughs at her. Later that day, Kotoko and her father travels to his friend’s house to stay. Strangely, the family name is Irie and it turns out that her father’s friend is the father of Naoki. He looks on amusingly, while Yuki Irie (Naoko’s younger brother) laughs at Kotoko’s inability to solve a simple primary school question.
Irie’s mother tries to relieve the tension (she is the photo-taking stalker) by bringing Kotoko to her room. Her room is extremely cute but Naoki mentions that he is glad that all the childish stuff are now thrown to her room. Irie’s mother instructs Naoki to help Kotoko with unpacking. As her mother leaves, Naoki is about to help but then mentions that Kotoko did not want his help or sympathy. They close the door on her, leaving her alone in the dark.
Audio
I do not have much to say about the audio to be honest. The OP is an average shoujo-like song. It seems to me that most of the series that have released the past two days have rather mediocre OPs. I have not found one that I can say that “wow, this song is wonderful”. Most of them are either way too quirky, way too off or just so common that it has no striking factor. Mizuki Nana does play Kotoko very well though, and she has interesting voice undertones that is fitting of a cute shoujo lead.
Animation
Something that has often plagued shoujo series is the lack of funding for a nice pretty animation. It’s obvious to tell that Itazura no Kiss does a competently below average job at animation. Some of the character shots are inconsistent, with the faces sometimes lazily animated. Some bits of it is generally due to shoujo inclinations to under-draw features rather than the Clannad-like moe faces. I think I prefer this style. However, I like how this shoujo series does not have an overpoweringly handsome or pretty lead. It makes it more human, I guess.
Background details are sketchy, as like a shoujo series. I do wish that it has a bit more depth in its art. I doubt so though, considering first episodes are a good indication of the graphical quality.
Vibe
You have seen that the last two sections have been rather negative. However, I actually enjoy the first series. Some other bloggers might feel that it is quite conventional and standard fare for shoujo, but I am quite a shocker for the “ordinary girl – cute guy” combination that is rather prevalent in shoujo series. The two characters are definitely parallels, and you will love to hate Naoko until he turns good (as expected).
Plot deepness is probably not the reason why you watch shoujo, but it is the character development that will decide whether it is a good series or not. From the good feedback I heard from those who have watched the drama, I think that there is something good to anticipate from this anime series.
Final thoughts
Despite the rather standard first episode, and the conventional story opening of a shoujo series, Itazura no Kiss does show some promise. If you are a shoujo anime lover, it’s definitely time to cash it on this.
16 Comments
>If you are a shoujo anime lover, it’s definitely time to cash it on this
In other words, if you’re a girl or a trap.
Rar! Sorry Impz, about mid-way through yesterday I crashed and burned in a wave of poor health. Sucked all the energy and work motivation out of me. I am glad that it happened on a day where the write-up came down to a nice shoujo series for you though.
That said, even without subs, I really enjoyed this first episode. Not that that’s saying much…I enjoy everything until about 3 episodes in.
@Leviahan: LOL, I do know of many guys (non-trappy) who likes shoujo too. But ya, anyone who is more inclined toward the GAR side of life should not apply here. It’s not a show for you.
@Rieu: Time to figure out the theme: 3 hours. Time to correct the faults of the theme: 3 days. Time for a break due to illness: priceless.
Anyway, the first episode looks good enough for a shoujo title. Needless to say, I am going to watch it keenly.
Ah. The shoujo genre deserves better animation. Especially Itazura na Kiss. I;m biased since this is one of my favorite manga series.
Based on the first episode, it looks like it’s your standard high school romance. BUt if it sticks with the manga storyline, we’d see the progression beyond high school lurv. (The manga didn’t end ‘properly’ because of the unfortunate passing of the mangaka.)
The character design isn’t to my liking, though. I wish they used more of the original artwork. I’m cringing a bit with the bishi-fied Naoki.
Hopefully, the studio shows proper respect for the series. I’m crossing my fingers.
Where’s my ten foot pole?
Hadn’t really looked into this, but after reading I’m interested now… =DD Hoping none of the characters resort to ‘fighting fog’. That is, paranoia about something that’s not actually there.
The character design of the female lead doesn’t really look gud… abt animation I haven’t watched it yet, so don’t know… the male lead is ok, but oh well, after a long time probably I will watch shojo.
The story seemed to be a good one.
/me cashes in
I’d agree, the visuals aren’t something to be proud of.
But since it’s shoujo, I’ll try it anyway.
@Ten: A pity though, the shoujo genre has never seen much graphics. Just remember Kare Kano and the insulting lack of funds at the end. From the comments I have read on other sites, it seems that Itazura no Kiss is like a very old manga that sprouted the other shoujo series. I don’t think that there will be huge plot twists, even though that is not the point of a shoujo series. It’s character development.
@Calawain: Screw you and your Code Grease!
@Nagato: Lol, i am very sure that it is very common in shoujo series. Fighting fog that is. Did you get my email? I tried to get your comments out of spam failure karma.
@Emmi: Arrr, the story will be quite good, if it is as cool as the drama. I think that the character design is nothing to be proud of, but it’s not too awful too.
@Michael: ya, shoujo. It’s also an old school manga, so you might like it, Mike.
No don’t get me wrong!
I love romance, I just think shojo usually has it’s focus on the male characters and little focus on the girls (which are usually less attractive than in seinen romance) so I may not like this show, but I would watch Special A!
I’m pretty much ready to bang my head on a padded wall with all the amount of harem shows lately. Shoujo saved the day lol I guess I was too numb with all the cliche storylines during ‘harem season’ that I didn’t even notice the cliche twist in the story. In fact, I incredibly enjoyed the first episode. The characters are funny like Kin-chan and Naoki’s miniature self. Cute and funny and everything light. That’s my overall impression of this show. Also, no emo people to boot, no dramatic girls who like to cry true tears. Joy. ^.^
I’m just curious. The original author didn’t properly end the story because he/she died? Is that really true?
@Leviathan: Oh, I see, i see. So you are the type who enjoys a bit more focus on the gals. Well, the issue with shoujo is that it is generally pandering to a more female audience (bah, they should focus more on the gal) but I am quite sure that it will turn out fine.
Yes, I am also hyped for Special A. Now, if I can get my hands on it…
@Ricaryx: Yep, the mangaka passed away on March 11th 1999. I doubt there is much emo yet, until a long time later. A bit of emoness is standard fare in shoujo series, is it not ? *wink wink*
The character design and general shape of the anime is so old school. And I adhor old school design.
It’s just a matter of whether the interesting story and characters are enough to overwhelm my sense of ickiness at the visual designs… I’ll probably need a couple of episodes to decide.
(Sorry, I just don’t like old school…)
I enjoy shoujo–it’s my favorite genre–but I’m getting a bit tired of the “stupid girl” characterization. It’s fine to have a normal girl, but don’t normal girls get average grades at least?!
@Briar: What’s wrong with old school T_T? To me, as long as the series is decently animated (Most series are all right now), I do not mind the shoujo at all. I wonder what is so wrong with the animation. I guess I am not too crazy over animation in the first place, or the need for great quality and designs. If they are like normal animation, I am fine.
@Linya: Lol, cos being average is so dull? I do not know, but ya, I do get your point. I prefer Koukou Debut’s main lead by the way. She is average but she works very hard at the relationship and is so likable. We need more of such strong-attitude leads in shoujo. However, since this series has its manga roots in the early 90s, there is nothing really new or innovative that you should expect.
It’s like the mother of all the recent shoujo series we have watched or read.
@all who have been skeptical of the graphics: actually if you look at the manga, the graphics of the anime have improved a bit on the manga (it was a very old series!)
The story is really amusing – stupid people being able to manipulate really smart people is something I always find funny.
However, I would definitely recommend the manga over the drama – they make Kotoko’s character over-the-top BAKA in the drama, to the point where you start screaming in agony while beating your laptop then tear your hair out and yell unintelligible gibberish at the screen until you realize that your roommate is staring at you agape and all your apartment neighbors can hear you… maybe that is just me.
*coughs*
Anyway, I think that those who continue watching will not be disappointed as long as they like the shoujo style. I know that this is one of the series I have been eagerly anticipating.