My Awkward Senpai Anime Series Review
My Awkward Senpai: A Rom-Com That Plays Coy
Synopsis
Azusa Kannawa excels as a manager, a true embodiment of a girl-boss in her workplace. However, her social skills lag behind her professional prowess. When she's tasked with training the new employee, Yuu Kamegawa, an unexpected relationship blossoms, adding an unforeseen twist to her routine 9-to-5 life.
A Workplace Romance in Disguise
"My Awkward Senpai" presents itself as a workplace anime, but it often shies away from fully embracing its romantic comedy elements, even when they are glaringly obvious. Going into the series with minimal expectations, I anticipated a realistic portrayal of office dynamics and the relationships that develop between senior and junior colleagues. However, that notion was quickly dispelled by the end of the first episode. The story shifts from a focus on two adults navigating their professional lives to a more conventional "girl meets boy" narrative. While the transition feels somewhat contrived, the story remains engaging, largely due to the charm of its socially awkward protagonist.
Azusa Kannawa: The Adorkable Lead
The anime centers around Azusa Kannawa, a highly competent manager who commands respect from her colleagues through hard work and dedication. However, her serious demeanor can sometimes be perceived as intimidating, revealing a demanding and occasionally confrontational side. Kannawa's life revolves around her work, leaving her with underdeveloped social skills. She can create impressive presentations, but struggles with casual interactions like inviting coworkers for drinks. The arrival of Yuu Kamegawa forces Kannawa to train and spend considerable time with him.
Initially, their interactions are professional and friendly. As they spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for each other. Kannawa's character is particularly appealing. She is given more screen time, allowing for a deeper exploration of her dual personality. The challenges she faces in balancing formality and informality make her endearing.
The anime cleverly avoids portraying Kannawa as either an overly rigid professional or a clumsy anime girl designed solely for comedic relief. She remains in control, and her social awkwardness never hinders her job performance. Kannawa's relatable nature makes the show enjoyable to watch.
Yuu Kamegawa: The Perfect Kohai?
While I appreciated Kannawa's character, I found Kamegawa slightly less compelling. You naturally want him to succeed in his new workplace and build a positive relationship with Kannawa. However, his eagerness to please sometimes feels forced. He consistently goes the extra mile to assist Kannawa, working overtime, guiding her through the rain, and even helping her arrange a meeting with her mother. Kamegawa embodies the ideal junior colleague and romantic interest, perhaps to a fault. His role seems primarily utilitarian, focused on supporting Kannawa's character rather than developing his own. At one point, he even declares, "I may be your junior, but I'm also a man," highlighting his unwavering support.
Romance vs. Workplace Dynamics
"My Awkward Senpai" uses the workplace more as a backdrop than a central theme. While Kannawa and Kamegawa engage in office tasks and participate in after-work gatherings, these aspects are often overshadowed by the burgeoning romance. The story seems eager to establish the romantic connection, perhaps prematurely. Did the characters really need to go to the beach together by the fourth episode? Paradoxically, the show simultaneously downplays the romance, insisting that Kannawa and Kamegawa remain "just friends" for much of the series, despite their actions suggesting otherwise. While I haven't read the source material, I can't help but wonder if this dynamic is as pronounced in the manga. Personally, I would have preferred a stronger emphasis on their relationship as colleagues before transitioning to a more overt romantic narrative.
The Romance Works
Despite its inconsistencies, the romance in "My Awkward Senpai" ultimately works. The leads are likable, and both are dedicated to their work. Their shared interests, such as gaming and building plastic models, provide common ground. Their relationship convincingly deepens, even as the narrative tries to maintain the "just friends" facade. The series culminates in a Christmas date, finally acknowledging their romantic feelings. As a side note, the final episode aired shortly before Christmas, which undoubtedly enhanced the viewing experience for those who watched it in time.
Soundtrack and Visuals
The soundtrack is pleasant and familiar, similar to what you'd expect from a series in this genre. It features relaxing, quirky, and intimate tones, utilizing synths, pianos, xylophones, and violins that evoke a sense of elevator music. However, the instruments have a twinkly timbre that adds a touch of spark and dreaminess to certain scenes.
The art style is cute without being overly extravagant, and the direction is consistent and adequate. While "My Awkward Senpai" doesn't offer any groundbreaking plot twists, it provides a lighthearted and enjoyable take on the classic "will they or won't they" trope. Even when the outcome is fairly predictable.
Overall
"My Awkward Senpai" is a charming workplace rom-com that, despite its reluctance to fully embrace its romantic elements, delivers a satisfying and entertaining experience. The adorkable lead, pleasant chemistry between the characters, delightful soundtrack, and cute art style make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. While the story rushes into the romance a bit too quickly and relies on familiar tropes, the overall package is breezy and enjoyable.
