Teasing Master Takagi-san

Middle schoolers Nishikata, a boy, and Takagi, a girl, sit next to each other in school but, while they are friends, they also try to embarrass each other. It is clear that when it comes to embarrassing each other Takagi is a master and Nishikata has no hope; each time he comes up with a new plan to get the upper hand she effortlessly turns it back on him. Over the course of the series it becomes clear that Takagi has feeling for Nishikata; he also has feeling for her but can't admit it... even to himself. There are also side stories in each episode featuring three other girls in the class.

This series is a lot of fun from start to finish. Nishikata and Takagi are likeable protagonists as there is no real malice in their attempts to cause each other embarrassment. The story isn't deep but it is delightful in the way it captures the innocence of childhood. There isn't a huge amount of character development but without major events that wouldn't really be expected; the end of the series leaves things open for a second series; although like so many other anime series which I'd like to see return it will probably turn out to be a one series show.

The character designs are good and subtly different from most recent series that I've watched.