Skip and Loafer

Let's begin with a rather critical point of view (I promise I won't hold it for long): it is probably a bit unrealistic to think that the primary cast of *Skip to Loafer* would wind up being such close friends. Their origins are so dissimilar, both in terms of their social and geographic characteristics. Every individual has unique concerns and obstacles that hinder their progress, ranging from feelings of conceit and apathy to feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and harsh reality checks. Given all of the barriers, one may argue that the characters would remain separate and ultimately become much more alone if left to their own devices.

But despite all of life's strange and ironic turns, there is one such force that propels everything forward. Iwakura Mitsumi arrives late for her first day of high school because she is disoriented in Tokyo and does not know which way is left. Someone who is determined to achieve has put herself in a difficult situation. Shima Sousuke, however, who also arrives late for the first day of school and doesn't seem to care, comes "to the rescue." Mitsumi trips as they hoof it to the school during this peculiar meeting of two persons with diametrically opposed viewpoints. But in a flash of sheer willpower, she kicks off her shoes and socks and keeps running despite the pavement thudding into her feet.

Skip and Loafer feels like a warm, nostalgic journey back to school days. Mitsumi's story coming from the countryside to Tokyo, making new friends, and experiencing simple, everyday moments captures that cozy, small-town vibe, reminding you of childhood innocence and the joy of discovering new friendships. The show's quiet moments and relatable characters bring a comforting familiarity, like scenes from your own memories. It celebrates the little joys and struggles of growing up, making it feel both heartwarming and deeply personal. Watching it feels like stepping back into a simpler, more genuine time.

I was a big fan of this anime, one of the best ones I've seen lately. Let's start off with the positives:

The protagonist is easily S-tier. She is a country hick who is trying to make her way in city life. A quirky perfectionist genius who has very human traits and shortcomings. She is an extremely likable character and I absolutely adore her.

The story telling and pacing is great. I love that the entire show is more character driven than anything- using characters in such a way that makes it hard to stop watching. There are some solid characters that are just so well written- like Nao-Chan. I was a huge fan of some of the side characters and their roles in the story.

(Though there is an issue with this and I'll address this in a bit.)

The artstyle is gorgeous. It's very hard to explain what exactly it is about it that makes it so good. It's like a warm blanket and a hug if it was an animation style. Semi real soft animation? I don't know. I'm not an animator.

But It doesn't take an animator to tell you the art style and animation is gorgeous.

The not so good: Some of the characters are painfully one dimensional. (Not all of them though) Some of them are just so plain to the point that I genuinely think if the protagonist wasn't in the show it would drop my rating down to 6/10.

*Wow dude that's so low is it really that bad?* Yes and no dear reader.

In some anime, it's cool to have the occasional surface level character. No biggie at all. If everyone had some sort of deep backstory it could convolute the storyline.

But here's the thing: The anime is character driven.

You need depth for the ship to sail.

Luckily, by the end of the season the story really hits a solid high note. Giving it potential to work with these characters and maybe fleshing them out more.

I'm looking forward to season 2, give this quirky weird show a watch. You won't regret it.

If the next season is better I'll easily go from an 8/10 to a solid 9/10.

First off, I adore the characters in this anime. Mitsumi is a very endearing protagonist, and her unusual but cute appearance is like a breath of fresh air compared to other shoujo's.

All of the side characters are very well written too and don't serve as just background noise. They have actual unique personalities, relatable traits / motivations and feel like they could stand on their own if the main couple vanished from the story.

As for the romance, the gradual relationship between Mitsumi and Shima feels very realistic / true to their character and takes a route I haven't seen other romance animes take. I'm glad the both of them make mistakes and aren't perfect, their romance doesn't feel like a melodrama but like an actual teenage relationship.

I watched all 12 episodes, eagerly awaiting the development of this "so-called" romance, only to be disappointed when it never came to fruition. While there were numerous backstories for supporting characters, the authentic connection between the protagonist and their romantic interest was utterly absent. I am left feeling both disappointed and confused about how this show received such high ratings, particularly considering the subpar art style-those distracting eyes were a constant issue! The storyline was, at best, mediocre. We were never provided with a clear indication of whether the main characters had any feelings for one another. This has undoubtedly become the worst romance anime I have ever encountered.