In a world where everyone wears a mask to be accepted by society, Horimiya is an anime that dares to tear off that mask and reveal the true selves of teenagers who are both bright and dark at the same time. Adapted from a popular Japanese webcomic, this series takes us back to the feelings of yesteryear, filled with laughter, tears, and lessons in self-acceptance.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins with Kyoko Hori, a popular high school girl who hides another side of her life at home: she takes care of the house and her younger brother while her mother works. Meanwhile, Izumi Miyamura, a quiet and bespectacled classmate, is actually a pierced and tattooed guy outside of school. They accidentally meet outside school and learn each other's secrets, causing their relationship to develop from strangers to close friends, and gradually into a warm romance. The series focuses on the daily lives of a group of friends at school, complex relationships, and the search for true identity in adolescence.
Performance and Characters
The main voice actors for Hori and Miyamura do an excellent job. Haruka Tomatsu (Hori) naturally conveys both her bright side and her homemaker side, while Koki Uchiyama (Miyamura) makes viewers fall in love with a character who seems cold but is actually gentle and anxious. Supporting characters like Toru Ishikawa, Yuki Yoshikawa, and Kakeru Sengoku are charming and add fun to the story. The development of relationships between characters is gradual, making viewers feel invested in their friendships and love.
Direction, Animation, and Music
The anime is produced by studio CloverWorks, known for beautiful and fluid animation. The character designs closely resemble the original webcomic, pleasing fans. The bright colors and scenes are vividly depicted, especially the school scenes that feel warm and familiar. The opening theme "Iro Kousui" by Hana Hope and the ending theme "Te no Hira" by Konomi Suzuki perfectly complement the story's emotions. The overall sound design creates an atmosphere that immerses viewers in the story.
Editorial Analysis
Horimiya is not just a typical romantic anime; it reflects the reality of teenagers facing societal expectations. Hiding one's true self is something many have experienced, whether it's Hori being a homemaker while friends think she's a party girl, or Miyamura hiding his tattoos for fear of judgment. The series teaches us that accepting ourselves and others is the first step to genuine relationships. It also delves into family and friendship issues, giving the story more depth than just sweet romance.
Verdict
Horimiya is a warm and sincere anime, suitable for those who enjoy romantic comedies focusing on relationships and character growth. If you're looking for a story that makes you smile and feel good, this is one not to be missed.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Natural and engaging character relationship development
- +Excellent voice acting that conveys emotions well
- +Beautiful animation with vibrant colors, faithful to the original
👎 Cons
- −Some parts of the story progress too quickly, causing missing details
- −Some supporting characters lack sufficient development
Top Cast
FAQ
The Horimiya anime series has 13 episodes, aired in 2021, plus 3 OVA episodes.
The anime adapts the webcomic's content but condenses some parts for pacing. Overall, it retains the core themes and main characters well.
As of 2024, there is no official announcement about season 2, but the anime concludes satisfactorily in the first season.
