Aharen-san wa Hakarenai | Episode One: Komi-san(esk).

The first episode of Aharen-san wa Hakarenai felt very much like Komi-san, in the way that we had a female protagonist (Reina) who doesn’t really know how to communicate. Then we have the male protagonist (Raidou) who does his best to better understand and interact with the person who doesn’t know how to communicate.

Anyone who has seen the first episode can draw many parallels regarding these two anime. However, the biggest difference between the two is that Aharen-san wa Hakarenai feels a lot lighter (If you get what I mean). Like the interactions between the characters aren’t out of this world crazy, with hyper exaggerated scenes. To best describe it, the first episode was a mix between Komi-san (from the aspect of the female protagonist not being able to communicate) and Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge because of how oddly laid back everything felt.

Aharen-san wa Hakarenai was one of those anime that carried a lot of hype, which was something I tried very hard to avoid. As you all know by now, I try my best to avoid material regarding the anime I plan on watching because I want an organic experience. I knew going into the first episode that Aharen-san wa Hakarenai was a show being hyped up.

I can definitely say that the first episode was oddly interesting and entertaining at the same time. We have two socially awkward individuals trying to understand each other. That in itself should lead to pretty entertaining segments, something that has already happened in the first episode. I don’t know how viable the premise will be in the long term because I did find myself getting a little bored with Komi-san towards the end. But maybe its more laid back approach will work to the anime’s benefit.

Furthermore, episode one was twenty minutes or so, of various arcs/chapters put together. So if you’re someone who enjoys episodic episodes then maybe Aharen-san wa Hakarenai will be the anime for you. From what I can tell, every segment has been fairly lighthearted so, I think that’ll also work in its favour. I’m someone who doesn’t really enjoy the flashier more chaotic school comedy anime (Love is War being the exception). So maybe this will be one of those anime that I’ll enjoy.

In short, I thought the first episode was fairly entertaining. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes down the pipeline.