Anime Digest
Irino Nagomu’s father ran a traditional Japanese confectionery or wagashi store, called Ryokushō in Kyoto. He is an only child. After graduating from college, he left for Tokyo to fulfill his dream of becoming a musician and becoming a member of a band.
Ten years later, his band is not doing so well. Most of his bandmates have left. It is a low point for him. One day a letter comes from his home and he finds out his father was hospitalized. His family was asking him to come back home and start taking care of the family business. Hearing that, he immediately packs his bags and leaves for home.
However, in his absence, his family had fostered a cute ten-year-old girl, called Yukihira Itsuka. She was abandoned by her father. In exchange for their hospitality, she helps out in the shop and is close with his father, who wants her to stand in as the heir to their family shop.
This creates confusion. To decide the right person to get the inheritance, Nagomu’s mom announces that there will be a contest between Itsuka and Nagomu. Not viewing Nagomu in a good light for leaving his home, and also having grown close to his parents, Itsuka vows to win the contest and become the heir of the shop.
The Feel-Good Part
The anime is very wholesome. Itsuka is a gem and every scene involving her is adorable. The family dynamic between the characters provides a very warm atmosphere for the viewer.
The Disappointing Factor
The anime doesn’t disappoint. Some of the childish scenes may be a little funny to a more mature audience, but it is good.
In-Depth Analysis
Much like the many-layered savory flavor of Japanese sweets, this anime is seemingly simple, with surprising depth. The characters are each individual flavors that add and create a beautiful story for the viewers.
The characters are warm. We have Nagomu, who is light-hearted and obedient. He is laidback about life, taking in the highs and lows along with his stride. Then we have Itsuka who is twenty years younger than him but refuses to be a burden on anyone because of her age. What she went through was pretty traumatic, but she chooses to move forward from it.
Each of the side characters, such as the parents, Mitsuru, and Kanoko, has their own story. The story doesn’t focus too much on the main tragedy or the conflict; it portrays them as something that happens to many people. Instead, it focuses on the characters. In itself, it shows a very important fact about life. Events happen, but the actions you take and the people that stay in those moments that matter.
Nagomu is asked to take care of Itsuka as a fatherly figure, but the dynamic is pretty much flipped. He is clumsy, cries about having to sell his beloved sweets, and cannot swim. Itsuka is very mature for a ten-year-old and tries to watch out for him. Yet when her independence gets too much for her, Nagomu stands by her unhesitant, ready to hold her hand when she is ready. As do the other characters behind their beloved, silly son.
I love the artwork in this anime. It is done in watercolour, which further accents the softness of this anime. The opening and ending songs are beautiful and easy on the ear. In fact, I’m listening to the opening as I write this.
Star Power
The voice actors of this anime were commendable. Shimazaki Nobunaga really brings out the silly maturity of Nagomu. On the other hand, Yuuki Kozue does a wonderful job of portraying the mature naivete of Itsuka. Ohara Sayaka and Koyama Rikiya are funny as Nagomu’s irate, caring parents. The supporting cast is great.
Overall Opinion
I love slice-of-life, family anime. They always leave me with a sense of comfort and love. This anime is a fantastic watch for people who are looking for a ray of sunshine to unwind and relax. It would be better to watch this anime without expecting too much, because, just like a Japanese sweet, it will surprise the viewers unexpectedly.
