Tag: Comedy

Anime to Make You Laugh and Lift Your Spirits (Part II)

This is a continuation of an earlier post, found here: https://empathmeetsanime.com/2020/03/17/anime-to-make-you-laugh-and-lift-your-spirits-part-i/ I’ve watched these anime series on various platforms; VRV, Crunchyroll, Hidive, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and DVDs.

Generally, my favorite anime contain humor, romance, supernatural elements, slice-of-life, or some level of cuteness. During this time of uncertainty, when many of us are stuck in our homes, you may be looking for a happy distraction! In that case look no further. In no particular order, here are some anime that may provide merriment, good humor, and cheer to your hearts!

  • Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san / Teasing Master Takagi-san : At first glance, I thought this anime was pretty slow, but when I viewed it as a story of young love, sprinkled with humor, I got it. There’s something very wholesome and relaxing about this series, especially in these uncertain times, that I find soothing. I like good-natured teasing, so I get where Takagi’s coming from, plus she knows Nishikata so well. I prefer subtitled anime, but the dubbed version of this one is pretty good. https://myanimelist.net/anime/35860/Karakai_Jouzu_no_Takagi-san
  • Special A : Super smart students have their own elite class, called Special A. This anime follows the group of friends as they navigate high school adventures. In addition to always studying to stay at the top of their class, they have to be on alert because there are haters lurking around every corner. Hikari Hanazono, who works incredibly hard and always does her best, is a great character. As skilled and talented as she is, cooking escapes her grasp (much like myself). And her rival is Kei Takishima, who makes everything look easy. Because Hikari is always focused on studying, it seems she’s missed the very obvious signs that Kei is in love with her. His swoon-worthy qualities include sincerity, intelligence, work ethic, dry humor, and kindheartedness. If you’re looking for shoujo anime, check this one out! It’s also got some great comedy. https://myanimelist.net/anime/3470/Special_A
  • Kaichou wa Maid-sama / Maid Sama: Misaki Ayuzawa is class president at a school that used to be males only. She works extremely hard at school and also at her part time job at a maid cafe. Her father abandoned her family leaving a lot of debt, so she helps her mother with the bills, and her younger sister enters a lot of contests to win prizes that help them sustain their living. Misaki means well, but comes off abrasive to most of the male students, and has the nickname Demon President. Despite her temper, or because of it, Takumi Usui is enamored with her and spends as much time as he can at the maid cafe. He genuinely cares for her and helps her overcome some of the hurdles that keep the student body divided. Her strong leadership is better received and the school grows to appreciate her, and how she always stands up for them. Takumi, much like Kei from Special A, is a gentleman, loyal, funny, and authentic. His personality, while different from Misaki’s, compliments her perfectly. In addition to the cute romance, it is a pretty funny series, with some poignant quotes. https://myanimelist.net/anime/7054/Kaichou_wa_Maid-sama

Haha me too guys!

  • Doukyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue / My Roommate is a Cat : If you’re looking for cute and wholesome anime, then you have to check out My Roommate is a Cat. Half of the episode is in the perspective of Subaru Mikazuki, and the other half is from the perspective of Haru, the cat. Mikazuki is a major introvert, who would rather stay at home and write, and is socially awkward. Haru helps him open up more, and to enjoy the world around him. Given the special circumstances of social distancing, it may be interesting for people to see the introverts who generally enjoy spending time at home (granted we also have a need to get out from time to time, but for the good of our country and the good health of all, let’s stay at home until it’s deemed safe to leave). There are moments that this anime tugs at the heart strings. Mikazuki, who lost both of his parents, finds a new family connection with Haru. If this series, albeit cute, becomes too heavy perhaps consider watching of the other recommendations. https://myanimelist.net/anime/38145/Doukyonin_wa_Hiza_Tokidoki_Atama_no_Ue

More recommendations coming soon! Stay safe, healthy, and well my friends!

Anime to Make You Laugh and Lift Your Spirits (Part I)

Generally, my favorite anime contain humor, romance, supernatural elements, slice-of-life, or some level of cuteness. During this time of uncertainty, when many of us are stuck in our homes, you may be looking for a happy distraction! In that case look no further. In no particular order, here are some anime that may provide merriment, good humor, and cheer to your hearts!

  • Tamako Market: An anime about life at Usagiyama Shopping District, there are cute girls, a love interest, family and friends, strength of community, music, humor, romance, and an exotic talking bird! The opening is adorable and the song her Dad wrote makes me me smile every time I hear it! https://myanimelist.net/anime/16417/Tamako_Market

Yea same here Dera. I’ve been going to bootcamp for two months…maybe I need to reconsider my nutrition…

If you enjoy Tamako Market, you’ll want to check out Tamako Love Story!

  • Servant x Service: Anime about working in a government agency may not sound funny, but it is! There’s a talking pink bunny, what to do if you have a wardrobe malfunction at work, romance, dealing with the public, and hiding at your desk because people keep interrupting your efforts to do work. https://myanimelist.net/anime/18119/Servant_x_Service
  • Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun / Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun: Imagine if you will, there’s a hot guy who writes a shoujo manga, but in real life he can’t pick up on the fact that a close gal pal is madly in love with him. Everyone in their friend circle can see Chiyo Sakura loves Umetarou Nozaki…except Nozaki! This is one of the few shows I’ve seen, where I actually enjoy every single one of the characters! And this was an anime my entire family and I could agree on. The creaters did a great job building these characters as multi-dimensional people, that weren’t bound by gender stereotypes. Some people may be appalled to hear this, but there’s something about Yuzuki “Lorelei” Seo, that I connect to on a soul level (unfortunately I don’t like scary movies, or have her singing talent or sports skills, so just her other good qualities maybe? LOL) https://myanimelist.net/anime/23289/Gekkan_Shoujo_Nozaki-kun?q=monthly%20girls
I too, am interested in science….
Credit: Crunchyroll
  • Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii / Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku: Finally a love story that happens in an office with adults! And it’s funny and charming, plus there’s cosplay and witty banter! My heart is already fluttering! Is there a single fellow like Hirotaka Nifuji in real life?! https://myanimelist.net/anime/35968/Wotaku_ni_Koi_wa_Muzukashii
  • Tada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai / Tada Never Falls in Love: MAJOR SPOILER….HE DOES! You probably saw that one coming. Mitsuyoshi Tada is a photographer. He’s walking around, capturing beautiful images, when he runs into Teresa Wagner, an exchange student. Now she’s the one doing the capturing…of his heart. Haha so cheesy but I couldn’t resist writing that! There’s also a cat, Nyanko Big, who doesn’t talk, but we get to hear his internal monologue as he watches his family and the other humans interact. His observations are entertaining. Plus the music in this anime is beautiful. As they say in the show; “Always Make Your Heart Rainbow!” Here are some videos with SPOILERS and a fan-made video.
  • Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun / Toilet-bound Hanako-kun: I know, what a name right? Perhaps you’ve heard the Japanese urban legend about Hanako, a spirit that dwells in a school’s bathroom? In the tales it’s usually a girl, but in this retelling Hanako is a boy. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this anime. I was pleasantly surprised. The artwork is beautiful. The characters are interesting, endearing, and show growth and development. I like the supernatural element as the characters solve mysteries at the school, the comedy is great, and we have a touch of romance and intrigue. The teacher’s story about Hanako, when he was a student of his that dreamed about becoming an astronaut, was my favorite episode. While it tore at my heart, it created a stronger connection with Hanako. Okay maybe I should warn you, while this series has humor, at moments it can cause moments of insight, reflection, and sorrow, so if it’s too much during this time definitely hit the pause button. https://myanimelist.net/anime/39534/Jibaku_Shounen_Hanako-kun

I have tons more anime that I recommend! Hope to have those posts later this week. Stay safe, healthy, and well my friends!

Heartgasm

I’ve been watching Lovely Complex on Crunchyroll/VRV. It’s an anime full of comedy and romance. Some episodes are almost too awkward to watch, but each have funny moments. Otani and Koizumi are fun, they have comedic banter, and are friends that truly care for each other. They have wonderful friends that always cheer them on. I’m only on episode eleven, so I’m hoping it’ll work out for them. I’m definitely rooting for them!

I like that the message is, it doesn’t matter about your looks, or your negative perception of your looks (because we all know at least one person, if not ourselves, who is fixated on some flaw no one else notices or other people actually like), what really matters is on the inside and your chemistry and how you vibe with someone. Here are some moments of hilarity from this episode, including a video game Koizumi was playing and a shrine visit (where Koizumi was praying extra hard).

Kon Runs Away

I started watching Bleach on Hulu. When my brother said I’d be watching it forever, I thought he was being funny, but I googled it and looks like there’s sixteen seasons!

At first glance, the personality of Ichigo Kurosaki reminded me of Bakugo from My Hero Academia (maybe that sentence should be reversed, considering which was created first). But Ichigo is definitely his own character. He isn’t shy about defending what, and who, is important to him. He is proud, and sometimes borderline cocky, but I wouldn’t say he’s arrogant. Talking about feelings isn’t something he enjoys discussing, but he does it. I appreciate that a male lead is able to do that, without it being a big issue. Keeping sight of the bigger picture, and the safety of others at the top of his concern, he can even turn rivals into friends like UryÅ« Ishida. I also admire Ichigo’s ability to keep calm under pressure.

I’m only in the midst of season one, but I’m enjoying it! The spiritual element is intriguing to me. I like that Rukia Kuchiki, Orihime Inoue, Tatsuki Arisawa, Karin Kurosaki, and Yuzu Kurosaki have their own unique personalities. They’re each strong in their own way, whether it’s fighting hollows, running a household, martial arts practitioner, mentoring, mentally tough, fearless, defenders, or being so warm in kindness and heart that you positively impact those around you daily.

And Kon, the soul who dwells in the lion stuffed animal, is always good for a laugh! Like these scenes, from Season 1, Episode 15 of Bleach…

In/Spectre

I’m currently watching In/Spectre on VRV, on Crunchyroll. Their brief blurb is here:

This series has romance, supernatural beings, and comedy! Three things I enjoy in anime. So I’m really excited about this series. I watched the first episode and it did not disappoint. Give it a chance, you may enjoy it too!

Kotoko Iwanaga bumped into Kuro Sakuragawa at a hospital. She’s immediately smitten but unfortunately he’s there visiting his girlfriend. Iwanaga runs into him two years later and declares her interest but he is not jumping at her offer. Her yokai friends don’t see his appeal and they wonder if she actually has two glass eyes (rude!) We learn Iwanaga is the Goddess of Wisdom for yokai and spirits and for some reason they’re all scared of her potential love interest.

OMG look at her face pressed against the window! However her spirit friend is not impressed.

Dried Fish

I feel personally attacked! And like I found my anime soul sister…so…

This was one of the first animes I watched, so it’ll always have a special place in my heart (along with Maid Sama, Special A, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, Kamisama Kiss, and Noragami). I’m watching on Hulu.

While I relate to Umaru in many ways, I’d like to think I’m not a brat.

At least I hope not.

Meanwhile her big brother is always patient, thoughtful, and kind. And he spends time with her.

He plays video games with her, they enjoy meals and conversation, and even shop for groceries together. I’m curious about the background of the Doma family and how she came to live with her older brother. But he’s definitely a hard worker and a good parent figure. He never seems bitter about taking care of her or like his quality of life is less with her around. He’d appreciate her taking better care of things and being more considerate and responsible, but he genuinely seems happy. Although they do have tiffs like all siblings do.

Umaru is top of her class, excels in piano, sports, and is doing great at school. So it’s difficult to scold her when she’s laying around at home. In her free time she’s playing video games (if not watching anime, reading manga, scrolling online, snacking, or napping). While her brother has little, to no free time, and is not great at video games.

Boarding School Juliet

I’ve been watching Mushishi on Hulu, and enjoying it, but it tends to have a heaviness to it so I was looking for a comedy, or something lighthearted to enjoy this Thanksgiving. On Amazon Prime, I saw Boarding School Juliet (Kishuku Gakkou no Juliet). I just finished the first episode and it was exactly what I was looking for. Although it’s obviously based on Romeo and Juliet, I’m hoping for a happier ending!

Haha ah isn’t that what we all do….