6.6 / 10 (based on 350 reviews)
For the sake of parents’ business plans, Hidaka Sana moved to Tokyo. Five years later, he has become a high school student, and returned to his hometown, Sakuranomori. He feels uneasy because the streets of his hometown and his old friend he meets again have changed a lot since five years ago. The most changed thing is his childhood friend, Yatsushiro Nanaka. She used to smile sweetly with innocent eyes, but now she has withdrawn herself and is gloomy.
Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Shinnosuke Tachibana, Tomoko Kaneda, Ami Koshimizu, Yukari Tamura
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1 season, 13 episodes, 25-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Maiserufu; Yuaserufu (2007)
Ao-chan Can’t Study (2019)
6.4 / 10 (based on 775 reviews)
When Ao was in kindergarten, she smiled ear-to-ear as she told her classmates how her father (a bestselling erotic author) chose her name: “A as in apple and O as in orgy!” That day still haunts her ten years later as she studies with a single goal in mind: get into an elite university and achieve independence from her father once and for all. She has no youth to misspend and no time to think about boys – until her classmate, “King Normie” Kijima, approaches her with a shocking confession of love. She tries to lose Kijima, but he just can’t take a hint – and as her mind runs wild with impure thoughts, she realizes her father has totally influenced her.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Azumi Waki, Junta Terashima, Kenjirô Tsuda, Sarah Wiedenheft
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1 season, 12 episodes, 12.0-minute runtime
Just Because (2017)
6.9 / 10 (based on 767 reviews)
Four highschool kids are ready for their university life,but with a new transfer student it all changes.
Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Aoi Ichikawa, Karin Isobe, Taishi Murata, Yuna Yoshino
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1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Ookami shoujo to kuro ouji (2014)
6.9 / 10 (based on 2730 reviews)
About Erika who claims that popular boy, Sata is her boyfriend. She has no choice but to make him her fake boyfriend. Unfortunately,he may look like a sweet person, but he is actually an ultra sadist and treat her like a slave.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Yoshimasa Hosoya, Kanae Itô, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Takahiro Sakurai
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1 season, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Tokyo Ravens (2013)
7.3 / 10 (based on 1315 reviews)
Tsuchimikado Harutora was born into the prestigious Onmyoji family, but can’t see “spirit energy”. Therefore, he’s been enjoying a peaceful daily life with his friends at the Onmyo branch school. One day, his childhood friend Tsuchimikado Natsume, heir to the head family, suddenly appears. Will this cause his destiny to spring into motion?
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Kaito Ishikawa, Aki Toyosaki, Ryohei Kimura, Ayane Sakura
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1 season, 24 episodes
D-Frag! (2014)
7.3 / 10 (based on 791 reviews)
A high-school delinquent is shanghaied into joining a game development club by four not-so-normal girls.
Genre: Animation, Comedy
Main Cast: Katsuyuki Konishi, Chiwa Saitô, Mikako Takahashi, Austin Tindle
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1 season, 13 episodes
3D Kanojo Real Girl (2018)
6.9 / 10 (based on 916 reviews)
Hikaru Tsutsui is a quiet, unassuming high school student who forsakes the company of his classmates to spend his time reading manga, playing video games, and watching anime. Hikaru is perfectly content to dwell in his 2D world, until one day he’s assigned to clean the school pool with the beautiful Iroha Ikarashi, and she confesses her feelings to him. Will Iroha’s affection draw Hikaru out of his shell?
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Teppei Uenishi, Yû Serizawa, Sayaka Kanda, Reina Ueda
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2 seasons, 24 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
Irozuku sekai no ashita kara (2018)
7.3 / 10 (based on 705 reviews)
Set in the city of Nagasaki, the story takes place in a world where a miniscule amount of magic remains in everyday life. Hitomi Tsukishiro is a 17-year-old descendant of a witch family who grew up with stale emotions, as she lost her sense of color at a very young age. Feeling sorry for her granddaughter’s future, Kohaku, a great witch, sends Hitomi to past, the year 2018. Through exchanges with her 17-year-old grandmother and her club members, the story follows Hitomi’s growth as a person.
Genre: Animation, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Kaori Ishihara, Ayumu Murase, Nao Tôyama, Shoya Chiba
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1 season, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Bokura wa minna kawaisou (2014)
7.2 / 10 (based on 709 reviews)
Thanks to his parents’ job transfer, high school freshman Usa finally gets to enjoy living on his own in the Kawai Complex, a boarding house. Ritsu, the senpai he admires, also lives there, as do a few other “unique” individuals.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Kana Hanazawa, Sanae Kobayashi, Yûichi Iguchi
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1 season, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Introduction
When it comes to TV shows that have left an indelible mark on the landscape of Japanese animation, “Maiserufu; Yuaserufu” (2007) stands out. This series, while not as globally renowned as some of its contemporaries, offers a unique blend of storytelling, character development, and thematic exploration that deserves a closer look.
The Premise
At its core, “Maiserufu; Yuaserufu” is about the intertwined fates of two characters from contrasting backgrounds. The show navigates through their struggles, aspirations, and the inevitable conflicts that arise from their differing worldviews. It’s a narrative that delves deep into themes of friendship, rivalry, and the quest for identity in a world that’s constantly changing.
Character Dynamics
One of the show’s strongest suits is its character dynamics. The protagonists, despite their contrasting backgrounds, share a complex relationship that evolves over the course of the series. This isn’t your typical “opposites attract” scenario. Their bond is tested, broken, and forged anew in ways that feel authentic and deeply human.
- Example: In one memorable episode, a misunderstanding leads to a rift between the characters that seems insurmountable. The resolution doesn’t come through grand gestures but through small, meaningful acts of understanding and forgiveness. It’s a testament to the show’s nuanced approach to relationships.
Narrative Structure
“Maiserufu; Yuaserufu” employs a narrative structure that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the story and its characters the space to breathe and develop organically. Yet, it knows when to ramp up the tension, delivering climactic moments that are both satisfying and thought-provoking.
- Anecdote: Fans often talk about the “mid-series twist” that turned their expectations on their head. Without giving too much away, this twist not only recontextualizes the entire narrative but also deepens the thematic exploration of the series.
Thematic Depth
The series doesn’t shy away from exploring complex themes. From the nature of identity and the impact of societal expectations to the nuances of morality, “Maiserufu; Yuaserufu” weaves these themes into its narrative fabric. These aren’t mere backdrops to the action; they are integral to understanding the characters and their motivations.
- Example: A recurring theme is the question of what it means to be true to oneself in a world that demands conformity. This is explored through the protagonists’ journey, as they navigate their own desires against the expectations placed upon them.
Visual and Sound Design
Visually, the show is a feast for the eyes. The animation style blends traditional and modern techniques, creating a look that is both timeless and distinctly contemporary. The character designs are detailed and expressive, allowing for a wide range of emotions to be conveyed without a single word.
The sound design, too, deserves mention. The soundtrack beautifully complements the visual storytelling, with themes that enhance the emotional resonance of key scenes. The opening and ending themes, in particular, have become iconic, capturing the essence of the series.
- Anecdote: Many fans note how certain scenes have stayed with them long after watching, thanks in part to the powerful combination of visuals and music. A particular scene that often gets mentioned is the “rain sequence” in episode 12, where the animation and soundtrack come together to create a moment of pure, emotional catharsis.
Cultural Impact
While “Maiserufu; Yuaserufu” may not have the widespread recognition of some anime, its impact on those who have experienced it is undeniable. It has cultivated a dedicated fanbase that appreciates the show for its depth, character development, and storytelling.
- Example: Online forums and fan conventions often feature discussions and panels dedicated to dissecting the series’ themes, characters, and narrative choices. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to engage and inspire deep thought and analysis.
Legacy
So, what makes “Maiserufu; Yuaserufu” enduring? It’s a combination of factors: relatable characters, a compelling narrative, thematic richness, and a distinct visual and sound design. But perhaps more importantly, it’s the way the series resonates on a personal level with its audience, offering a reflective mirror to our own experiences and struggles.
Conclusion
“Maiserufu; Yuaserufu” is more than just a TV show. It’s a nuanced exploration of the human condition, a visual and auditory masterpiece, and a narrative journey that stays with you long after the final credits roll. For those who have yet to experience it, the series awaits, ready to unfold its many layers and reveal its hidden depths. For those who have, it remains a benchmark of storytelling excellence in the world of animation.