Drama Digest
The main character does not speak as this in this anime the perspective is first person based. So, the main character would be us as viewers. There are a number of girls the main character meets and does mundane day to day things with in order to spend some time with them. Each of the girls have been given an equal share of episodes to showcase their backgrounds and personality to the viewer who is also filling the spot for the main character.
.The Feel-Good Part
In one room a unique concept is explored. The viewer is the main character and therefore everything is in the first perspective. The stories are centred around different girls and the best part is all of this is encapsulated into a short episode of 3 to 4 minutes. It’s filmed from your point of view, as in you meet a bunch of girls and they speak to you. The premise for this anime was something very new and unheard of. The way it was executed in order to make the viewer the main character by making them tutor, go to public baths, etc all virtually. The girls are written as compliant in this series and often prepare homecooked meals for the main character. There are new girls introduced in the 3rd season and that is something to look forward to. For a short series, there was plenty of character development that was refreshing to experience.
The Disappointing Factor
The series chronically introduces the sexualization of the girls by the focus being shifted to their chest or legs. Within anime, this kind of scene is often termed as fan service and this series has tons of them. This is why one room despite having such a unique and never tried before the concept was vehemently abandoned by the fans. However, this was the scenario for the US fans. The second thing to note is that the pacing of the show is very confusing at times. Each girl gets around two-four episodes with the main character. The series comes off as a poorly done dating simulator because of the excessive fan service.
In-Depth Analysis
Akira, Saya, and Imouto are a few of the girls that make their presence in the anime. Zero-G studio did a good job of animation, it’s a cut above what one would expect of anime based on these premises. There are good soundtracks as well. The characters are developed nicely despite being a short anime. There is a development and the plot does not remain stagnant, picks up quickly. We also witness a change in how the main character responds to the girls, this was the makers’ way of showing the character development of the main character, in this case, the viewer.
Star Power
Mao Ichimichi who voices the character Yui Hanasaka has worked in animes like Saiki K, Tensura, Mob Psycho. Rie Murakawa another prominent cast in the series is well established in the entertainment industry as a singer, and voice actor among her many achievements. Rie Takahashi has also voiced Minori Nanahashi in the series and previously worked on the FATE anime series. Other voice actors include Miyu Tomita, who has won the grand prix award for voice acting in Japan. Yumiri Hanamori who voices Saya in the one room series has also previously worked on Akudama Drive, demon slayer, and Darwin’s game.
Overall Opinion
This anime series is short with a new and refreshing concept that entirely put the viewer in the main character’s seat. The POV is from the viewer’s eyes, despite this, the girls each have their own character development, and the arcs in the story are well established. There is an ample amount of fan service but nothing too ridiculous. Often times while viewing the series, the visuals and storyline downright become a dating simulator-type experience. The animation was done smoothly. Since this anime relies on a lot of sexual innuendoes or at least assumes that the viewer is looking at the girls through a perverted gaze, some people might find this extremely uncomfortable to sit through. Nevertheless, the anime is good enough for a one time watch.
