UlasanAnime.com – The anime series Asatte no Houkou has garnered significant praise, and while it’s tempting to join in, this review will aim for a more reserved approach.
One of the most compelling aspects of Asatte no Houkou is the inherent sense of uncertainty it presents. The premise alone is striking, leaving viewers with a lasting impression. We understand that Shoko and Hiro were a couple who parted under peculiar circumstances, and the details of what transpired before and after their separation, particularly concerning Shoko’s current mental state, remain ambiguous.
There’s also an unusual blend of elements, with hints of a complex, perhaps even disturbing, dynamic alongside Hiro’s apparent attempt to step into a paternal role. Furthermore, the inner workings of Harada’s mind are largely a mystery, though one can surmise with some accuracy that she is experiencing an early onset of adolescence. She seems to learn quickly from her brother, as both of them exhibit a tendency to hold back when they likely shouldn’t, behaving rather childishly.
However, this very depth is also where my personal challenge with the series lies. It’s almost a curse that I find myself compelled to analyze and apply genre tropes to a show like this. Asatte no Houkou offers so much that I’ve already begun to form expectations for its narrative. In my mind, I envision a masterful story that will build towards a resolution superior to my initial imaginings.
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Even more impressive would be a narrative that deliberately misdirects, subsequently surprising an audience that, like myself, tries to predict its course. Yet, I hesitate to impose such expectations on this particular show; it deserves a more open-minded appreciation.
We can readily acknowledge the artistic direction and the overall quality of Asatte no Houkou as being quite commendable. It’s reasonable to anticipate dramatic developments and a potentially heartwarming conclusion where fantasy elements resolve in a satisfying manner. But is that the extent of its ambition?
I find myself struggling to appreciate the series as a simple slice-of-life mood piece precisely because it places a dramatic plot front and center. This isn’t to say Asatte no Houkou is exclusively a slice-of-life anime. Instead, it demands my engagement and concern, preventing me from simply sitting back and enjoying the ride passively. It occupies the mind.
And once the gears of thought begin to turn, they are relentless until the process is complete. It’s quite frustrating.
Nevertheless, I believe this poses a genuine risk. If Asatte no Houkou ultimately fails to live up to the potential I perceive, I may very well find myself disliking the series. This is not to say that such an outcome is inevitable, but it has become more probable, solely based on the impact of the first episode.
