Anime Hajime Review: Handa-kun

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Handa-kun. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Sei Handa (voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki) is the son a famous calligrapher. Now in high school, Handa has already made a name as and up and coming artist in his own right.

For years, a sort of legend has formed around Handa. Everyone at his school reveres him. There's hardly a person who doesn’t know his name. And there are even fewer who don’t think he's the greatest. He's beloved by everyone.

There's only one person who doesn’t think so. And that's Handa himself.

In his mind, he's the bane of society. At any and every opportunity, he thinks people are trying to bully or get rid of him. Because of this, Handa has closed himself off to the world. You can count on one hand how many people he feels comfortable around.

With Handa’s self-isolation and everyone else’s high praise, misunderstandings are bound to happen. Regardless of how they play out, Handa always shrinks deeper into his worries. And the number of people who idolize him continues to grow.

Anime Hajime Review: Barakamon

Series Synopsis

Seishu Handa (voiced by Daisuke Ono) is a professional calligrapher who has risen to become an up and coming star. He has poured everything into his writing his whole life and given up a lot in the process. However, his latest piece is criticized for being too textbook. Following a very public freak out, which involved the punching of an elderly critic in the face, Seishu is sent away to clear his mind.

The young artist arrives in a small rural community on Goto Island, far and away from the hustle of Tokyo. He hopes to finally find a style that is truly his own and to do that he requires absolute peace and quiet. What he gets is anything but.

Upon his arrival, Seishu meets six-year-old Naru Kotoishi (voiced by Suzuko Hara). This energetic little girl instantly finds the newcomer fascinating and a lot of fun. Much to Seishu annoyance, Naru comes over everyday to play with her new friend. Along with this, the whole town quickly develops an interested in the newest resident.

Although the quiet country life he was expecting turned out to be much more lively, Seishu and his writing are clearly affect. Perhaps he can find the inspiration he has been desperately searching for.