Information:
Other Names: "Tanaka-kun is Always Listless", "田中くんはいつもけだるげ".
Studio: Silver Link
Writer: Akemi Omode
Director: Shinya Kawamo
Music: Hiromi Mizutani
Type: TV Series, Web Manga Adaptation
Length: 12 Episodes. 24 min per episode approx.
Genres: Comedy, School, Slice of Life
Rating: PG - 13
Air Dates: 9th April 2016 - 25th June 2016
Alternate Recommendations: "Non Non Byori" & "Isshuukan Friends".
(Source: MAL (myanimelist) & Wikipedia)
Synopsis:
Sighing, leaning on his elbows, sleepy eyes. Tanaka-kun is a boy that basically doesn't try but isn't disliked. This is a laid-back youth comedy about Tanaka-kun and the quiet Oota who can't leave him alone.
(Source: MAL(myanimelist))
Review:
Tanaka-kun
is very essence of being lazy/listless, you could say he is the king of being
listless in one sense, in another he can be seen as that lazy character from
any slice of life anime, who got his own show. As said above this is a slice of
life show so if you want any extraordinary development or twisting plot I suggest
you go look elsewhere, but if you want a relaxing show to take your mind of the
hardships of reality, then this is the anime for you. Following the life of Tanaka a lazy student in HighSchool (because there no were else this could possibly take place in), who is taken care of by his best friend Oda the student every mom wants though he has delinquent eyes but has a heart of gold. The chemistry between these two characters is what drives the series forward, relying mainly on how Oda takes care of Tanaka as well as how their relationship function with or without each other, it can be heart-warming at times as well as a pleasure to watch, but since nothing happens between these two it becomes fairly repetitive as the series goes on.
But there are other characters in the show to counter this, adding more excitement and issues for characters to fix each episode, which can range from a would be Tanka apprentice to an over attached little sister who feels the need to compete with Oda. All these add to the overall experience, keeping the show fresh.
Where the series stands from a production stand point, the animation is fairly decent nothing bad but also nothing good or above and for the art I would say that it may not be the best looking art, but it does fit the series well looking fairly unique and has a sense of listlessness on its own, but I’m not saying it’s bad it just fits with tone of the show well.
As far as the soundtrack is considered it fits well with series being light-hearted and relaxing to listen to but it doesn’t stick out much in the crowd of other soundtracks that came out in the same season. The opening and ending songs both fit the show nicely as well as helped relax you when going into the show and coming out of it.
In conclusion, I would recommend this too anyone looking for a relaxing watch as well as to any school kids I believe you’ll enjoy this as you’ll know just how Tanka feels, as you wish for your own Oda.
Story/Setting: 7.2
Characters: 7.4
Art/Animation: 6.8
Soundtrack: 7.4
Final Verdict: 7.3/10 (Good)
