Well humans, in a short amount of time I have another anime review(no, it won’t be a thousand words this time) . We’re gonna take a look at anime that aired during the winter/spring 2013 season. It involves comedy , drama, and invading your mental private space. This is Kotoura-san!
Kotoura –San is a story about a mind reader by the name of Kotoura Haruka. She has trouble throughout her life because of this special gift. Which includes alienating her parents and most of the people she meets. Leaving Kotoura as an introvert as she grows older. She eventually moves to a new high school and encounters a few people who turn everything around.
What you’ll encounter in this show lots of light hearted comedy. Mostly from the relationship she has with the people who aren’t freaked out by her powers. The primary character among this group for this is the perverted Manabe. He not only is ok with a mind reader, but actually makes Kotoura not want to read his filthy thoughts. We also have the duo making up the paranormal club, Mifune and Muroto. They are interested in our little friend for their own personal reasons. Then the romantic rival to Kotoura that is Moritani. You’d think the martial art jokes would get tired, but no! You are wrong.
Inanimate objects beware.
Also, Detective Conan decides to show up.
Now the mind reading nature of Kotoura is quite clever. She hears thoughts the same way as normal way regular voices are heard. Which also means that she can’t shut it off. Which is the basis of what Kotoura has to deal with her life (I’m guessing distance from a person is the only way to avoid it). Whether she likes it or not, she has to hear the double sided nature of people who secretly don’t like her. But this also plays into the comedy. Such as finding ways of avoiding having their thoughts read or using Kotoura’s abilities to fake a fortune telling booth.
Not as hot as this makes it look.
Along with the comedy, the anime really balances dramatic parts out as well. Subjects such as alienation and suicide are handled with the upmost emotion but without bringing down the mood. It always transitions back to comedy gracefully and you’ll never feel depressed watching Kotoura. Something that’s pulled off brilliantly.
Name's Snake. Solid Snake.
One thing I did notice is how I must assume this show did not have a huge budget. Particularly with the animation. The character designs seem really simple and the color schemes too. In fact I noticed they just reused the show’s opening theme for a scene involving karaoke.
But it’s not entirely a hindrance . Given the light hearted atmosphere, Kotoura-san can get away with these short comings. Plus they have voice actress Kana Hanazawa on board this psychic train (it seems easier to count the shows she isn’t in), so it can’t be that bad.
Having a nose is so overrated.
So overall a well rounded show that will keep you laughing and caring. Not necessarily a joke at every turn like Nichijou, but you will laugh when the gags pop up .Just sit back and relax(and hopefully no one will read your opinionated thoughts while watching it).
She knows what you download.
See it for free over at Crunchyroll: http://www.crunchyroll.com/kotoura-san