UlasanAnime.com – The question of why one continues to watch a particular anime, especially when its appeal seems to wane, is a complex one, and for the author, it’s particularly true for “Ninomiya-kun.”
While fanservice has never been the primary draw for the author, a certain appreciation has developed over time. The fanservice in “Ninomiya-kun,” however, is described as not being particularly egregious. It offers the expected visual elements but lacks significant impact or excitement. For some, this might be a major drawback, but for the author, it strikes a satisfactory balance.
A strong conviction held by the author is that fanservice, regardless of its personal appeal, must serve a greater purpose. There needs to be underlying meaning, not necessarily tied directly to the plot, but contributing to the overall writing and direction of the series. This principle is crucial for justifying its inclusion.
An example cited is an episode of “Blue Drop.” While it featured some of the protagonists, an all-girls group, the fanservice was integrated within the series’ direction, which balanced slice-of-life elements with its alien mecha narrative. The author points to instances like Miichi’s contemplation in the bath and Hagino’s reaction to the heroine jumping into the ocean as moments where fanservice, however subtle, aligned with the show’s broader aims. Whether these moments were distracting was ultimately up to the viewer’s interpretation.
In contrast, “Ninomiya-kun” frequently places its protagonist, Ninomiya, in compromising situations, often due to the machinations of his classmates and sister. Given that Ninomiya and his sister are portrayed as international super agents, the series presents ample justification for its characters to be in revealing attire suited for tropical settings, and it frequently does. However, the author found more compelling the prelude segment in episode 7, featuring Rika’s peculiar fourth-wall-breaking fantasy about propaganda. This moment is highlighted as an effective blend of satire and humor, wrapped within a fanservice package – the kind of content the author appreciates.
Conversely, the author was less entertained later in the same episode when Mayu experienced a breakdown and changed her attire. While perhaps intended as a humorous gag, it felt gratuitous. The sudden appearance of a character dressed in a bizarre combination of cheerleader, nurse, and dominatrix gear, attempting to stab someone with a syringe of unknown chemicals, was deemed amusing by some, but it failed to resonate with the author’s criteria for meaningful fanservice.
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More laughter was elicited by the interruption of Reika’s meeting with an enigmatic, Arab-looking man. The author acknowledges that “Ninomiya-kun” might be a low-budget production, but notes that it initially showed promise with its premise and character chemistry. However, the current trajectory of the show appears to be directionless, which the author finds disappointing.
