- Genre : Slice of life, comedy
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Silver Link
Tanaka-kun has a gift for lethargy. This sluggish languid boy is capable of falling asleep in just about any circumstance. He can passively take in the most dramatic events, the most heart pounding happenings with nothing more than a disinterested yawn. His power is so great that it takes a toll on him and he finds himself almost unable to muster up any energy at all. Thankfully, his friend Oota is usually around to help him with more strenuous tasks such as getting from point A to point B! Notice how I managed to get through that without using the word listless even once!?
When I heard that a documentary was going to be made about me, I figured I had to see it. I must say I was impressed by the accuracy although I think I’m a touch more handsome but I guess that would have been too unrelatable. All in all, Silver Link did a pretty good job. I guess I won’t sue them.
Tanaka-kun is a sweet little anime that basks in the joys of laziness. As such the visuals are soothing but attractive. Although not exactly one of a kind, the art work is nevertheless quite pretty, populating the sparse story with a cast of beautiful young people happily wandering through equally attractive venues. The colors are soft and warm offering an inviting comfortable space where you just want to curl up and take a nap.
Sure there really isn’t much story to speak of as this is a true slice of life with random episodic adventures following the decidedly ordinary lives of Tanaka and his friends. But don’t let that fool you into assuming this show is boring. Ok it might not exactly be exciting but it’s well paced and brimming with soft hearted humor that will keep you watching.
If there is any center theme to Tanaka-kun… it’s probably friendship. For all his lack of enthusiasm, Tanaka is surrounded wonderful friends. The odd couple dynamics featured throughout the series, whether it be Tanaka and his unexplainably faithful platonic life partner Oota, his genki self-proclaimed apprentice Miyano, his opposites attracts wannabe girlfriend Shirashi, Echizen’s suspiciously deep devotion to Miyano or Rino’s one sided rivalry with Oota, are all extremely endearing.
I guess you could call this show listless but I would call it laid back and charming. And a great way to unwind after a long day.
Favorite character: Oota and Echizen
What this anime taught me: I should get more sleep
If water is the universal solvent, then beer is the universal solution!
Suggested drink: Sleepyhead
- Every time Oota carries someone – take a drink
- if it’s not Tanaka – take another
- Every time Miyano puts a lot of effort into being lazy – take a drink
- Every time Echizen is really attached to Miyano – wink and take a drink
- Every time poeple get the wrong idea about Oota and Tanaka – cheer and take a drink
- Every time Rino is jealous – take a drink
- Every time Shiraishi gets flustered – take a drink
- Every time Saya blushes – take a drink
- Every time Tanaka get’s excited bout soemthng – take a drink
- Every time Oota acts like a mom – take a drink
I honestly could have done without the brother-complex thing going on with Rino here (I kept waiting for a comedy gag that never actually came with that one), but otherwise I adored this show. Rather than my way to unwind after a long day, it became my sweet morning weekend starter.
Anime for breakfast is a great idea!
Best lazy Sunday mornings. Though I have made the mistake of eating cereal while watching comedy and subsequently almost snorting milk out my nose.
At least it wasn’t coffee – that would burn!
This one was a little too laid back for me. I made it to episode 4 or 5 and then had to abandon it because I was starting to doze during episodes.
Well you’re wrong! Actually that’s a legit criticism. I know a lot of people feel that way but I guess my tolerance for stories where nothing happens is pretty high. So you’ll know that if I found something boring you can use it as a sleeping pill 🙂
I’ll keep that in mind.
Yeah, I know I have very little patience for slow paced. Flying Witch was another victim that got dropped because I just couldn’t see any point in continuing. Both Tanaka and Flying Witch are actually objectively very good, but they just do not appeal to me.
I gotta say I’m with you on Flying Witch….
The school is based off a real place (school)!
Really? I kinda want to move in!