This anime is criminally underrated, I really wish it got the attention it deserves. Easily one of my top 10 anime, Who knows, maybe those who see themselves in Handa like this more than others...
People keep saying Barakamon is a really slow show but for me the 12 episodes went by really fast. Plus I love Handa. Am I the only one who thinks this?
I disagree, the development of characters in this anime is steady and thorough, it doesn't treat viewers as idiots and hold their hand, it departs from conventional anime's constant pointing "see? Here's the character development, we did It!" I think this anime developed the character so well that you can feel they are part of a warm family that you care, there's a reason why so many people love it, you didn't give it enough credit that it deserves. Oh btw, no fan service, that's awesome.
well one must shed of their expectations before watching any Story to enjoy something. I actually agree with you!, This serie progressed so naturally and realistically, ..Few days back, I myself was in a slump, i couldn't even enjoy entertainment, but then i stumbed upon this serie. i must admit, it can't be this accurate, Without REAL EXPERIENCE, which the author seemed have in plenty, except the few bits and peices exaggerated comedies, This story was so Real that it didn't even felt your everyday Slice of Life Anime, _IT WAS JUST 'NORMAL LIFE ANIME' which made me realise 'Normal can be Sooo.. much Better', and that's the magic of this serie._ Although, as we know that lil girl, didn't have parents, it could be better built upon to give more heavy tone to the serie, but.. it's merely 12 episodes, so.. I Guess it had to focus on being light and comedic, which was so memorable.
Handa is one the most relatable protagonists for me - an adult with an immature mentality, not very social, self conscious, better with kids than with people his own age, dry sense of humor, brutally honest to the point of being unintentionally rude. So yeah, you're right, maybe the show is more about how we can relate to Handa and his struggles rather than Handa himself, but that's why I like it. And I disagree that you don't learn anything about him in the anime - sure you're not told exactly what his life was like before coming to the island but I think you can get a clear picture regardless just from seeing what his personality is like (and also after you meet his parents). Overall I love this anime and the manga to pieces, and I think it's a lot better than Sweetness and Lightning (which sometimes felt a little *too* sweet and light). My alternate recommendation for an anime similar to Barakamon would be Silver Spoon - there are similarities between the main leads and it's also really funny and down to earth
+Sterling Muse Yes, go watch the show. It's definitely worth your time - it's only 12 episodes, so you can probably knock it out in around 5 hours if watched back-to-back.
"Handa is one the most relatable protagonists for me - an adult with an immature mentality, not very social, self conscious, better with kids than with people his own age, dry sense of humor, brutally honest to the point of being unintentionally rude." Damn... That hit me on the spot! Hahaha Yeah, that was one aspect that make Barakamon special for me. And I kinda have been in the same situation as Handa. Years ago, I was in social work in a village outside of the city for around 3 months (well, it was a requirement to garduate from my university), and those feelings about how different it was with my everyday lives, especially for someone like me. Man, this anime really bring nostalgic feelings to me...
I completely disagree with you on your comment about Handa's character development, well that and most of the review. The development of Handa is slow, but consistent and evident. Someone doesn't change over night. Also, I think the serious tone worked perfectly well with the show. Infact I would say that that is the one aspect that doesn't just make this a "dumpling" show. The whole story is about self discovery, not just random cute moe shenanigans. Although I thought your review was off base, I still appreciate that you made it though.
I get what Arkada is saying. Is kind of slow but this show is so beautiful that this changes are very at theyre own peace. I think is the same thing with sweetness and lighting ....is so lovely ...but as you could saw at the end of the anime, the characters development still the same...slow and at his own peace. I think the OP ok Barakamon is one of my favorite. Or maybe I get the character (Handa) so I understand him? I dont know. People has differents opinon in this kind of shows.
Of course....hahaha that just...haha.. What I mean is that, in anime comunity you can say somthing like "Evagelion is good" and is going to be a masive response about that sentence... But with SLICE of LIFE shows... it really depend on how each one is feelling at the moment, and how theyre percive the show.... I love Barakamon. And Sweetness and Lightness too... Right now I am watching "Poco's Udon World" and even when I like the little Poco... I dont feel the same way like the first two. Also, I drop flying witch at the second ep......
***** Lol, we have similar opinions it seems(Atleast with regards to slice of life). I am also watching Udon's world and I also disliked Flying Witch(although I watched the whole thing). This was one of my previous comments on the show "Even though the purpose of the show is to be slow and basically just slife of life or iyashikei. I find all the characters boring as they are over simplistic and therefore cannot keep me entertainend. So boring characters + non existant plot+ underdeveloped world + decent music= bad show. This is all in my opinion of course."
I happened to find this show at just the right moment in my life. I was really stressed and depressed, but this show helped give me a little more optimism and hope. This show has a sort of special place for me.
YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. FINALLY A BARAKMAON REVIEW. This anime is one of my all time favourites! Barakamon and Usagi Drop are some of the best slice of life anime I've ever watched.
Handa-kun is *completely* different in feeling from Barakamon, so don't expect that going in. That said, it can be an enjoyable and funny show, but the overall plot feels like a wasted opportunity. Also, the first part of the first episode can be a bit painful to sit through, so warning on that. Overall, I'd say give it a shot. Funny, but not great.
Barakamon for me is my feel good anime, as well as my personal favourite to my surprise when I watched it. If i'm a bit down or just want something nice to watch, I could just put on any episode of Barakamon and come out relaxed/happy by the end of it. The music alone is soothing and the BGM of this video is on point o .ob
I thought the show was about as flawless as it gets. My first time through was week-to-week as it aired, but since then I've binge watched it twice and didn't feel it was as formulaic as you portray it. Shows like this, Flying Witch, Sweetness and Lightning, and even stuff like Hidamari Sketch or Koufuku Graffiti I've been calling "comfy" shows, because they are like listening to a spring rain or those first couple minutes after you've taken your shoes off after a long day at work, but in a serialized format.
I'd have to re watch the show to make sure, but I'm not sure how much I agree regarding handa. Handa's sensitivity to criticism was a big stickler that I thought was developed quite well. And even earlier then the final episode, his friend from Tokyo had noticed a remarkable change in the way he held himself and acted. He was just flat out nicer, more relaxed, etc. He didn't yell or punch so quickly. He just seemed to me like a sensitive yet misguided guy who has passions, I don't need to know what specifically he did with his life beforehand to get that. I feel like Handa is just being underestimated as a character here, partially because, yes, I kind of agree this entire thing was centered around him, thematically or otherwise. A fair criticism to make, but I don't think it's as bad as you're making it out to be.
I believe that you are correct, but overestimating his character arc just a tad. Because I believe that if I remember it correctly, they never talked about Handa yelling or punching so quickly as something notable, as we only saw one scene of it - rather, he was impulsive. And that didn't exactly change come the episodes, given his tendencies to get sudden bursts of inspiration, or do things without the idea of repercussions, like agreeing to teaching the older girls about calligraphy or throwing tea on his artwork. Same with his sensitive and passionate guy that's been misguided and trying to find the right thing - that doesn't exactly change from the ending of episode one onwards. I see that the only change that is more apparent is how he is a lot more relaxed, open and kind, and that he does manage to get out of his shell, if only to a selective group of people. And the characters had talked about his change in dialect and attitude (lie with dogs and get up with fleas). But otherwise, I don't see where else he really had a significant change from episode one to the last episode. But that's just my take on it.
"Same with his sensitive and passionate guy that's been misguided and trying to find the right thing - that doesn't exactly change from the ending of episode one onwards." Err, if i may ask, why is this important? I have a thing where i don't really like character development for character developments sake; or at least, I don't like it when it attempts to change the person's personality like that. There is nothing wrong with him as a person, he could stay sensitive yet passionate and that's perfectly fine with me, in-fact, if anything, if that were to change, I'd be alienated, worried and bothered, Change like that isn't progress when including yourself into the mix. I find it both unrealistic and honestly uninteresting. The only thing that needed changing was how he expressed the issues he had, and how we _he_ was able to deal with it himself, and how he showed himself dealing with it. How relaxed on a general basis and sensitive to criticism he was, that was he needed to focus on, and that's what changed (mostly), that's all that needed to change. although you are right about this ", they never talked about Handa yelling or punching so quickly as something notable," I shouldn't have included that in my stuff, he got over that in the first episode.
I understand all the points you brought up, and agree now that I think about it, that it does have its narrative flaws..... But SCREW IT! Barakamon is just too damn enjoyable for me to care about any of its flaws! I friggin LOVE Naru and almost all of the secondary characters, as well as our MC, because it's just too dang fun to see him in misery. I don't need to know much about him to enjoy seeing him in comedic pain. Also does anybody else besides me ADORE the opening??!
Including me 🙃 I've just watched it in this 2023, and I didn't regret it at all. It was a joyful experience, the anime is lovable and I really enjoyed it!
Few days back, I myself was in a slump, i couldn't even enjoy entertainment, but then i stumbed upon this serie, tho one must be calm n patient (don't consume in 1 day) state of mind to enjoy this Fully. **I must admit, such a life was shows soo.. accuratly, it wouldn't work without having FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE, which the author seemed have in plenty,* except the few bits and peices exaggerated comedies, This story was so Real that it didn't even felt your everyday Slice of Life Anime, _IT WAS JUST 'NORMAL LIFE ANIME' which made me realise 'Normal can be Sooo.. much Better', and that's the magic of this serie._
I absolutely love barakamon. It's one of the most hilarious anime out there in my opinion but it's also very light hearted and doesn't rely on crude humor. Also the dynamic of ono daisuke as handa and the fact that a little girl actually plays naru in the sub is so perfect. Very rarely in anime do you actually have kids playing kids so it makes the role even more genuine to me.
Good review, man. Watch this show when you are feeling low or having a bad time & it'll work wonders. It instantly makes the mood a lot better & you'll enjoy it more than you thought you would.
+Glass Reflection I've never watched this series so I can't really comment on this review other than to say that I like your style as usual, although the lack of your usual pros and cons section stood out to me, as well as the fact that I almost missed your rating since it was so small and at the bottom of the screen with no vocal mention whatsoever. Ha, guess I had a little more to say than I initially thought XD. On a different note, I'd really like to see your thoughts on the Fruit of Grisaia and it's follow ups Labyrinth and Eden. If you haven't seen Grisaia, it's a different take on the harem genre, where each girl has a serious mental hangup that main protagonist Yuuji endeavors to help them get over. Watching that series totally got me to back the localization Kickstarter when it was still going, and I've definitely not regretted that decision.
Arc I love you and all, honestly if you ever come to Australia I hope we meet! You've changed the way in how I view and watch manga and anime -- I no longer pirate anime like when I was a kid and I have a crunchy roll subscription and I continue to buy manga volumes and anime box sets to support the industry BUT ANYWAYS HOPE YOU ARE WELL AND I HOPE YOU CAN BRING THE REVIEW WEEK OF AWESOMENESS SOON BRUDDA! !
Also the dub is really good. I haven't done much research on the specific cast in question, but I can readily say that the dub is amazing. I'm someone who prefers to watch dub for slice of life and generally all feel good shows like these so that I can just enjoy the show (and do the mounds of homework I have yet to complete). So if you're someone who just needs an easy plot and the ability to multitask in relative peace, this show is perfect. Also Handa-Kun isn't an ear-sore either.
These types of anime are wonderful. Awesome review, Arkada. And with those two recommendations and other anime, 2016 is the year of slice of life, it was a great of anime for me.
I gotta say I never noticed any of the issues you had with the show, though that might be precisely because I watched it 1 episode a week as it was airing. Glad to see you still like it though, despite those issues. It shouldn't really matter to me too much but it still makes me happy when people like some of my favourite anime (or books, or tv shows, or games, or whatever really, but this is an anime channel)
Arkada,my man,i need you to review Noein.I saw it on your shelf on one of your older videos.It needs to be known by people.It s really close to a masterpiece.Hyped for the week of awesome.
Your dumpling analogy made me think of projared for some reason. i could easily hear projared saying something like "That's why i rate this show a dumpling out of ten. Like a dumpling, its delicious and fluffy and fun to eat, but also like a dumpling, its too simple and unchanging to be the main course."
I just watched this anime last Saturday, and I burned through the whole thing in a day. It gave me way to many feels and life lessons. Just as Handa, I was given that little push to remember that they exist. Will probably be the first anime I'll rewatch, especially if I'm under the weather during artist blocks.
Udon no Kuni no Kiniro Kemari is another dumpling show about a guy who goes back to his hometown and unwittingly adopts a magical tanuki child. It's airing right now so there's still time for it to implode but so far, it's been nothing but pleasantly adorable.
Glass Reflection Akada I know that I've said this many times before and I'm probably going to say this many more time, but I will never give up..... I ask of you to Review Aldnoah Zero!!! I promise its not a waste of time!
Now I'm not sure if anyone else had this thought when watching it, but since I watched as it aired. Did anyone else get a Mushi-shi vibe from this show? In the sense that you could just sit down watch an episode and feel significantly more relaxed than when you started. Its kinda weird though, while I always watched Mushi-shi late at night with the lights dimmed, I found myself watching this show in the middle of the day with a nice lunch, with the blinds/curtains thrown open. Maybe it was the fact that the show takes place in summer/spring (cant remember which) and I watched it during the summer that It felt so much more enjoyable and relatable. I dunno, just curious to see if anyone else had this thought. Also, loved the review Ark, and looking forward to the review week of awesome!
My Dumpling Show Recommendations: Barakamon, Sweetness and Lightning, Flying Witch, and Poco's Udon World. These are the shows that I put in the DVD player when I want that "warm gooie center" feeling
this show is so fucking amazing, in my top 5 favorite anime, not just the whole comedy and cute things, but the serious under tone to the show as well, highly recommend it.
I'm so happy that you covered Barakamon. It is my favorite series of all time. I've never bought manga before Barakamon, but I spent over $200 on this series alone. To everyone that hasn't seen it, please do!
I love this show. It's kinda my go to if I just need a pick-me up, since it's funny, it's charming, yet can be just serious enough that it makes me warm and fuzzy inside.
Handa is hilarious in the other show, his awkwardness makes him fun to watch. And because the few times he actually speaks, the people around him take it for something completely different. My favorite part of that show is when Handa is able to indirectly talk someone out of jumping off a building, when really he was just talking to his desk.
0:16 Yes there actually is a term for this style of show! It's called "iyashikei", which encompasses anime such as Barakamon, Non Non Biyori, Flying Witch, K-on, Mushishi, etc.
Slice of life moe, and Slice of life comedy. Are the sub types. Honestly I think all slice of life shows have this "healing effect", except maybe some of the heavy comedy ones.
My main takeaway from this show was its fun music (plenty of which you included in the video) Some time ago, I watched Barakamon subbed not dubbed, so it's strange for me to hear a bit of Soldier 76 in Handa's voice. The Japanese Handa sounds more youthful but English him sounds gruff and world weary.
A few months ago I binge watched this show in one sitting. . . . It is still my favorite slice of life show to date. I didn't feel the characters as shallow at all, in fact they were some of the most relatable I have seen in an anime yet. As a 21 year old still living with my younger siblings, I find myself falling into the same mindset as Honda and then of course the same antics with a Naru of my own; my three little sisters. Not once during my time watching this show did it feel like I was being preached to when the thought crossed my mind "hey that's a lot like me." Idk, I think the show is definitely binge worthy if you like the first 2 or 3 episodes. This anime is terribly underrated.
I love barakamon and decided to watch amaama to inazuma thinking it will be all fluffy like barakamon and then cried my eyes out. A lot. I would recommend them both I loved them. great review video thank you.
Top 3 Dumbling Girls (Anime Girls you would want as your daughter) in no particular order Rin from Usagi Drop Naaru from Barakamon Rengi from Non non Biyori
Great review!! I actually tend to like dumpling shows in large quantities, but then again I actually like dumplings as a main course. Maybe there is a correlation :O :P
If you enjoyed this show, pretty sure you would also like "Poco's Udon World". While it's a bit more nonsensical. it still has that "Troubled adult finds see the happiness with the help of a young kid story ".
I adored this show - but I think that's largely in part because at the time I lived in the super country Japan and I got a lot more of the jokes. That in mind, the city boy having trouble in the country is completely understandable because they are impressively different. But mostly, I loved it for Naru. Naru is life. It might be worth noting that in the Japanese (and dub? I'm not sure) actually had a kid doing Naru's voice. Also: Naru is very much an elementary school student ^^
Everyone focuses on the punch of the critic at the beginning, and rightly so, but for me what sells that scene is the shoe kick. I crack up every time I see it.
i actually watching this anime today because i felt like i wanted more of that small kids involved light heartedness after watching the tenth episode of Poco's udon world.i didnt really pay all too much attention to what the anime wanted to tell us. instead i just switched my mind off and enjoyed as much of it as i could. i feel great after watching it Cx
I loved Barakamon. I agree with a lot of your criticisms about the series, but I think the solution would've been to adapt more of the manga, rather than the first main plot, because after that, Honda becomes a staple of the island, teaches in an official position at the school, and goes through more development along with Naru, Tama, Miwa, Hiro, and the others.
Love this anime, super fun and each episode tries to provide life lessons to uplift the spirit so I find this anime as one that you can truly enjoy anytime and if you meed to get yourself cheered up or bingwatch on a free day ...this is the show for that
If this new "Dumpling" anime category can be considered a slice of life subgenre, then can shows like Tanaka the Listless and Konobi (AKA Kono Bijutsubu Niwa Mondai). Where there was really no plot progression but just an enjoyable cast of characters interacting with each other in a number of humorous ways be considered part of it? because if so then I highly recommend both shows (as Dumpling shows, not headliners).
One of the greatest slice of life anime for me.
same
It's so inspiring
It’s the greatest
This anime is criminally underrated, I really wish it got the attention it deserves. Easily one of my top 10 anime,
Who knows, maybe those who see themselves in Handa like this more than others...
People keep saying Barakamon is a really slow show but for me the 12 episodes went by really fast. Plus I love Handa. Am I the only one who thinks this?
These are likely the same people who want nothing but action scenes. I absolutely love Barakamon and today it remains 1 of my top 10 anime.
@@forcexjr1566 Ok wow I forgot I had written a comment for this video. Maybe this is a sign to rewatch it
Yeah dude....makes me sad I finished it in one day back in 2016 HAHAHAH XD
Ikr. SOL anime are supposed to be slow and relaxed anyway
I disagree, the development of characters in this anime is steady and thorough, it doesn't treat viewers as idiots and hold their hand, it departs from conventional anime's constant pointing "see? Here's the character development, we did It!" I think this anime developed the character so well that you can feel they are part of a warm family that you care, there's a reason why so many people love it, you didn't give it enough credit that it deserves.
Oh btw, no fan service, that's awesome.
well one must shed of their expectations before watching any Story to enjoy something.
I actually agree with you!, This serie progressed so naturally and realistically, ..Few days back, I myself was in a slump, i couldn't even enjoy entertainment, but then i stumbed upon this serie.
i must admit, it can't be this accurate, Without REAL EXPERIENCE, which the author seemed have in plenty, except the few bits and peices exaggerated comedies, This story was so Real that it didn't even felt your everyday Slice of Life Anime,
_IT WAS JUST 'NORMAL LIFE ANIME' which made me realise 'Normal can be Sooo.. much Better', and that's the magic of this serie._
Although, as we know that lil girl, didn't have parents, it could be better built upon to give more heavy tone to the serie, but.. it's merely 12 episodes, so.. I Guess it had to focus on being light and comedic, which was so memorable.
Handa is one the most relatable protagonists for me - an adult with an immature mentality, not very social, self conscious, better with kids than with people his own age, dry sense of humor, brutally honest to the point of being unintentionally rude.
So yeah, you're right, maybe the show is more about how we can relate to Handa and his struggles rather than Handa himself, but that's why I like it. And I disagree that you don't learn anything about him in the anime - sure you're not told exactly what his life was like before coming to the island but I think you can get a clear picture regardless just from seeing what his personality is like (and also after you meet his parents).
Overall I love this anime and the manga to pieces, and I think it's a lot better than Sweetness and Lightning (which sometimes felt a little *too* sweet and light). My alternate recommendation for an anime similar to Barakamon would be Silver Spoon - there are similarities between the main leads and it's also really funny and down to earth
Huh... If I didn't know better, I would have thought you were describing me. Maybe I should watch this show XD
+Sterling Muse
Yes, go watch the show. It's definitely worth your time - it's only 12 episodes, so you can probably knock it out in around 5 hours if watched back-to-back.
"Handa is one the most relatable protagonists for me - an adult with an immature mentality, not very social, self conscious, better with kids than with people his own age, dry sense of humor, brutally honest to the point of being unintentionally rude." Damn... That hit me on the spot! Hahaha
Yeah, that was one aspect that make Barakamon special for me. And I kinda have been in the same situation as Handa. Years ago, I was in social work in a village outside of the city for around 3 months (well, it was a requirement to garduate from my university), and those feelings about how different it was with my everyday lives, especially for someone like me. Man, this anime really bring nostalgic feelings to me...
I completely disagree with you on your comment about Handa's character development, well that and most of the review. The development of Handa is slow, but consistent and evident. Someone doesn't change over night. Also, I think the serious tone worked perfectly well with the show. Infact I would say that that is the one aspect that doesn't just make this a "dumpling" show. The whole story is about self discovery, not just random cute moe shenanigans. Although I thought your review was off base, I still appreciate that you made it though.
Protagonist
Thumbs up for this constructive opinion :-)
I get what Arkada is saying. Is kind of slow but this show is so beautiful that this changes are very at theyre own peace. I think is the same thing with sweetness and lighting ....is so lovely ...but as you could saw at the end of the anime, the characters development still the same...slow and at his own peace. I think the OP ok Barakamon is one of my favorite. Or maybe I get the character (Handa) so I understand him? I dont know. People has differents opinon in this kind of shows.
***** People have different opinions on everything, lol.
Of course....hahaha that just...haha.. What I mean is that, in anime comunity you can say somthing like "Evagelion is good" and is going to be a masive response about that sentence... But with SLICE of LIFE shows... it really depend on how each one is feelling at the moment, and how theyre percive the show.... I love Barakamon. And Sweetness and Lightness too... Right now I am watching "Poco's Udon World" and even when I like the little Poco... I dont feel the same way like the first two. Also, I drop flying witch at the second ep......
***** Lol, we have similar opinions it seems(Atleast with regards to slice of life). I am also watching Udon's world and I also disliked Flying Witch(although I watched the whole thing). This was one of my previous comments on the show "Even though the purpose of the show is to be slow and basically just slife of life or iyashikei. I find all the characters boring as they are over simplistic and therefore cannot keep me entertainend. So boring characters + non existant plot+ underdeveloped world + decent music= bad show. This is all in my opinion of course."
I happened to find this show at just the right moment in my life. I was really stressed and depressed, but this show helped give me a little more optimism and hope. This show has a sort of special place for me.
Barakamon sounds like the digimon version of Barack Obama. Seriously say it out loud
RedTeamReview
Lmao so true
Glass Reflection Arkada I humbly ask of you to Review Aldnoah Zero! It would be a pleasure if you did....
Ramon Reyes Um....who're you replying to?
Ramon Reyes I agree Glass Reflection should Review Aldnoah Zero! He has to! He must!
RedTeamReview Do you agree?
"middle school tomboy Naru" nonono she is in Elementary school, in 2nd or 3rd grade and the older girls are middle schoolers
OtakuSenseiHig he's trying to find a loophole to make it legal ;)
XD
Q.M hmmm that's reasonable
In first grade, actually
YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. FINALLY A BARAKMAON REVIEW. This anime is one of my all time favourites! Barakamon and Usagi Drop are some of the best slice of life anime I've ever watched.
Btw, I haven't watched Handa-Kun yet. Anyone know how it compares to the Barakamon greatness?
Traxus handa-kun is very enjoyable
Handa-kun is gimmicky and has ZERO Barakamon feels,
Traxus yes ikr!! ive been waiting for this forever and i wish more people knew about barakamon,, its my fav tbh
Handa-kun is *completely* different in feeling from Barakamon, so don't expect that going in. That said, it can be an enjoyable and funny show, but the overall plot feels like a wasted opportunity. Also, the first part of the first episode can be a bit painful to sit through, so warning on that. Overall, I'd say give it a shot. Funny, but not great.
Barakamon is Barakamazing. -Barack Obama
Did you say Naru is in middle school around 2:58? lol she's like 5
Hououin Kyouma
Yes she's 7. Naru's in 1st grade ^^
in the world of anime the "cutest" girls are like 14 instead of like 5
yet the most mature people you will ever find are "16"
THAT THING IS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL?!?!?!
aliastheabnormal No, she's not, more like first grade
aliastheabnormal She's in first grade (2nd grade if you're caught up on the manga)
Barakamon for me is my feel good anime, as well as my personal favourite to my surprise when I watched it. If i'm a bit down or just want something nice to watch, I could just put on any episode of Barakamon and come out relaxed/happy by the end of it. The music alone is soothing and the BGM of this video is on point o .ob
I know you prefer dub man..... But her sub voice is just so perfect.....
Red Turtle it's the perfect amount of childish
Vale :3 her voice actor being an actual child helps it alot.
It’s not even about sub vs dub anymore naru just sounds perfect in sun and I’m a dub guy since I like watching anime while I work
I thought the show was about as flawless as it gets. My first time through was week-to-week as it aired, but since then I've binge watched it twice and didn't feel it was as formulaic as you portray it. Shows like this, Flying Witch, Sweetness and Lightning, and even stuff like Hidamari Sketch or Koufuku Graffiti I've been calling "comfy" shows, because they are like listening to a spring rain or those first couple minutes after you've taken your shoes off after a long day at work, but in a serialized format.
This is the most happiest anime that I cried to
and the spinoff handakun is also great
I'd have to re watch the show to make sure, but I'm not sure how much I agree regarding handa.
Handa's sensitivity to criticism was a big stickler that I thought was developed quite well. And even earlier then the final episode, his friend from Tokyo had noticed a remarkable change in the way he held himself and acted.
He was just flat out nicer, more relaxed, etc. He didn't yell or punch so quickly.
He just seemed to me like a sensitive yet misguided guy who has passions, I don't need to know what specifically he did with his life beforehand to get that.
I feel like Handa is just being underestimated as a character here, partially because, yes, I kind of agree this entire thing was centered around him, thematically or otherwise. A fair criticism to make, but I don't think it's as bad as you're making it out to be.
pikamontr completely agree. I found his criticism to be baseless, and for the record I watched the show in the same way he did.
So did I. Watched the first 3 episodes, then binge watched the rest later a week later.
agreed he is more tolerant even before final episode.
I believe that you are correct, but overestimating his character arc just a tad. Because I believe that if I remember it correctly, they never talked about Handa yelling or punching so quickly as something notable, as we only saw one scene of it - rather, he was impulsive. And that didn't exactly change come the episodes, given his tendencies to get sudden bursts of inspiration, or do things without the idea of repercussions, like agreeing to teaching the older girls about calligraphy or throwing tea on his artwork. Same with his sensitive and passionate guy that's been misguided and trying to find the right thing - that doesn't exactly change from the ending of episode one onwards.
I see that the only change that is more apparent is how he is a lot more relaxed, open and kind, and that he does manage to get out of his shell, if only to a selective group of people. And the characters had talked about his change in dialect and attitude (lie with dogs and get up with fleas). But otherwise, I don't see where else he really had a significant change from episode one to the last episode.
But that's just my take on it.
"Same with his sensitive and passionate guy that's been misguided and trying to find the right thing - that doesn't exactly change from the ending of episode one onwards."
Err, if i may ask, why is this important?
I have a thing where i don't really like character development for character developments sake; or at least, I don't like it when it attempts to change the person's personality like that.
There is nothing wrong with him as a person, he could stay sensitive yet passionate and that's perfectly fine with me, in-fact, if anything, if that were to change, I'd be alienated, worried and bothered, Change like that isn't progress when including yourself into the mix. I find it both unrealistic and honestly uninteresting.
The only thing that needed changing was how he expressed the issues he had, and how we _he_ was able to deal with it himself, and how he showed himself dealing with it. How relaxed on a general basis and sensitive to criticism he was, that was he needed to focus on, and that's what changed (mostly), that's all that needed to change.
although you are right about this ", they never talked about Handa yelling or punching so quickly as something notable,"
I shouldn't have included that in my stuff, he got over that in the first episode.
my favorite comedy/slice of life
I understand all the points you brought up, and agree now that I think about it, that it does have its narrative flaws.....
But SCREW IT! Barakamon is just too damn enjoyable for me to care about any of its flaws! I friggin LOVE Naru and almost all of the secondary characters, as well as our MC, because it's just too dang fun to see him in misery. I don't need to know much about him to enjoy seeing him in comedic pain. Also does anybody else besides me ADORE the opening??!
Hoping Glass will review Handa-kun soon. I enjoyed that just as much as I did Barakamon
I like Barakamon
This show heals you
Was hoping for a shoutout to the VA's here, the dub of this anime was godly.
That was what I was waiting for Arkada to address the entire video; that short clip in English sounded great!
Indeed, Naru's VA was soooo gooood and Handa's as well everyone did outstanding
Why are there so many people picking this up so late? Amazing series.
Me watching this for the first time in 2022….
Including me 🙃 I've just watched it in this 2023, and I didn't regret it at all. It was a joyful experience, the anime is lovable and I really enjoyed it!
Few days back, I myself was in a slump, i couldn't even enjoy entertainment, but then i stumbed upon this serie, tho one must be calm n patient (don't consume in 1 day) state of mind to enjoy this Fully.
**I must admit, such a life was shows soo.. accuratly, it wouldn't work without having FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE, which the author seemed have in plenty,* except the few bits and peices exaggerated comedies, This story was so Real that it didn't even felt your everyday Slice of Life Anime,
_IT WAS JUST 'NORMAL LIFE ANIME' which made me realise 'Normal can be Sooo.. much Better', and that's the magic of this serie._
I absolutely love barakamon. It's one of the most hilarious anime out there in my opinion but it's also very light hearted and doesn't rely on crude humor. Also the dynamic of ono daisuke as handa and the fact that a little girl actually plays naru in the sub is so perfect. Very rarely in anime do you actually have kids playing kids so it makes the role even more genuine to me.
Good review, man. Watch this show when you are feeling low or having a bad time & it'll work wonders. It instantly makes the mood a lot better & you'll enjoy it more than you thought you would.
One thing I really liked about this was the JP va for Naru was only 9 years old when she did the role. She did a damn good job as well
Just finished flying witch and it is a great show! I highly recommend it if you're in to casual lighthearted anime!
Barakamon was actually just recently put on crunchyroll!
That intro is stunning. Great job.
Review week of awesome. it's still happening, right ?
Of course! Official update on that...soon-ish.
Glass Reflection Omg! senpai has noticed me! :3
Hurry up plz
aditya saran Indian ?
+Glass Reflection
I've never watched this series so I can't really comment on this review other than to say that I like your style as usual, although the lack of your usual pros and cons section stood out to me, as well as the fact that I almost missed your rating since it was so small and at the bottom of the screen with no vocal mention whatsoever. Ha, guess I had a little more to say than I initially thought XD.
On a different note, I'd really like to see your thoughts on the Fruit of Grisaia and it's follow ups Labyrinth and Eden. If you haven't seen Grisaia, it's a different take on the harem genre, where each girl has a serious mental hangup that main protagonist Yuuji endeavors to help them get over. Watching that series totally got me to back the localization Kickstarter when it was still going, and I've definitely not regretted that decision.
For those who dont know, Barakamon is available on Crunchyroll in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
I watch this anime when I feel depressed, it really brings me back up
Arc I love you and all, honestly if you ever come to Australia I hope we meet! You've changed the way in how I view and watch manga and anime -- I no longer pirate anime like when I was a kid and I have a crunchy roll subscription and I continue to buy manga volumes and anime box sets to support the industry BUT ANYWAYS HOPE YOU ARE WELL AND I HOPE YOU CAN BRING THE REVIEW WEEK OF AWESOMENESS SOON BRUDDA! !
Don't worry Arkada, some people did watch Flying Witch, and Sweetness and Lightning, even Barakamon. As they aired.
Also the dub is really good. I haven't done much research on the specific cast in question, but I can readily say that the dub is amazing. I'm someone who prefers to watch dub for slice of life and generally all feel good shows like these so that I can just enjoy the show (and do the mounds of homework I have yet to complete). So if you're someone who just needs an easy plot and the ability to multitask in relative peace, this show is perfect. Also Handa-Kun isn't an ear-sore either.
I think this show is the pinnacle of a show where you can enjoy it without any drama, romance or anything fantasy like
These types of anime are wonderful. Awesome review, Arkada. And with those two recommendations and other anime, 2016 is the year of slice of life, it was a great of anime for me.
I gotta say I never noticed any of the issues you had with the show, though that might be precisely because I watched it 1 episode a week as it was airing. Glad to see you still like it though, despite those issues. It shouldn't really matter to me too much but it still makes me happy when people like some of my favourite anime (or books, or tv shows, or games, or whatever really, but this is an anime channel)
Arkada,my man,i need you to review Noein.I saw it on your shelf on one of your older videos.It needs to be known by people.It s really close to a masterpiece.Hyped for the week of awesome.
Thank you @GlassReflection!
I knew you'd like Barakamon. I was actually pretty hyped for your review XD
OMG I'm so happy you reviewed this, I fucking love Barakamon!!!
I'm just here to spread the word further that 'Barakamon is very good & its prequel-"Handa-kun" is even better'
After two weeks off... ARKADA IS BACK, BABY!
While I really liked Naru and the other kids they are definitely not the reason I kept watching the show.
Your dumpling analogy made me think of projared for some reason. i could easily hear projared saying something like "That's why i rate this show a dumpling out of ten. Like a dumpling, its delicious and fluffy and fun to eat, but also like a dumpling, its too simple and unchanging to be the main course."
I just watched this anime last Saturday, and I burned through the whole thing in a day. It gave me way to many feels and life lessons. Just as Handa, I was given that little push to remember that they exist. Will probably be the first anime I'll rewatch, especially if I'm under the weather during artist blocks.
Udon no Kuni no Kiniro Kemari is another dumpling show about a guy who goes back to his hometown and unwittingly adopts a magical tanuki child. It's airing right now so there's still time for it to implode but so far, it's been nothing but pleasantly adorable.
Oh look an anime I have never heard before!
Well then, I might watch it :D
It's really good.
WATCH IT
Glass Reflection Akada I know that I've said this many times before and I'm probably going to say this many more time, but I will never give up..... I ask of you to Review Aldnoah Zero!!! I promise its not a waste of time!
Now I'm not sure if anyone else had this thought when watching it, but since I watched as it aired. Did anyone else get a Mushi-shi vibe from this show? In the sense that you could just sit down watch an episode and feel significantly more relaxed than when you started. Its kinda weird though, while I always watched Mushi-shi late at night with the lights dimmed, I found myself watching this show in the middle of the day with a nice lunch, with the blinds/curtains thrown open. Maybe it was the fact that the show takes place in summer/spring (cant remember which) and I watched it during the summer that It felt so much more enjoyable and relatable. I dunno, just curious to see if anyone else had this thought.
Also, loved the review Ark, and looking forward to the review week of awesome!
My Dumpling Show Recommendations: Barakamon, Sweetness and Lightning, Flying Witch, and Poco's Udon World. These are the shows that I put in the DVD player when I want that "warm gooie center" feeling
It’s very easy for me to rewatch this show, and your reviews too are as re-watchable.
The editing on the intro is amazing. Kinda hoping you do a tutorial on how to do something like that in the future.
this show is so fucking amazing, in my top 5 favorite anime, not just the whole comedy and cute things, but the serious under tone to the show as well, highly recommend it.
FINALLY THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING BARAKAMON! Now, to watch the video.
I'm so happy that you covered Barakamon. It is my favorite series of all time. I've never bought manga before Barakamon, but I spent over $200 on this series alone. To everyone that hasn't seen it, please do!
but the dub sucked imo
I love this show. It's kinda my go to if I just need a pick-me up, since it's funny, it's charming, yet can be just serious enough that it makes me warm and fuzzy inside.
ABOUT TIME THIS VIDEO EXISTS-
Talk about perfect timing for me! I recently finished watching Barakamon and the prequel Handa-kun and now currently reading the manga! XD
what? no mention of Super Beaver's awesome opening? that song is dope...
Handa is hilarious in the other show, his awkwardness makes him fun to watch. And because the few times he actually speaks, the people around him take it for something completely different. My favorite part of that show is when Handa is able to indirectly talk someone out of jumping off a building, when really he was just talking to his desk.
been waiting for this forever :) thank you...one of my favorites
btw this was the first time I heard it in the eng dub, it sounds pretty good tbh
The dub takes away so much of Naru's cuteness.
John Payne the Japanese version was recorded by an actual kid of Naru's age, which imo contributed so much to her character feeling so real
0:16 Yes there actually is a term for this style of show! It's called "iyashikei", which encompasses anime such as Barakamon, Non Non Biyori, Flying Witch, K-on, Mushishi, etc.
Or you can just call it "Slice of life" like most other English only speaking anime watchers.
I do, just wanted to throw it out since such a term does exist for this specific style of slice of life.
Slice of life moe, and Slice of life comedy. Are the sub types. Honestly I think all slice of life shows have this "healing effect", except maybe some of the heavy comedy ones.
Yes! One of my favorite anime, and finally you're reviewing it!
i love your videos man, you do great
My main takeaway from this show was its fun music (plenty of which you included in the video)
Some time ago, I watched Barakamon subbed not dubbed, so it's strange for me to hear a bit of Soldier 76 in Handa's voice. The Japanese Handa sounds more youthful but English him sounds gruff and world weary.
yes!!! I'm so glad you reviewed this!
A few months ago I binge watched this show in one sitting. . . . It is still my favorite slice of life show to date. I didn't feel the characters as shallow at all, in fact they were some of the most relatable I have seen in an anime yet. As a 21 year old still living with my younger siblings, I find myself falling into the same mindset as Honda and then of course the same antics with a Naru of my own; my three little sisters. Not once during my time watching this show did it feel like I was being preached to when the thought crossed my mind "hey that's a lot like me."
Idk, I think the show is definitely binge worthy if you like the first 2 or 3 episodes. This anime is terribly underrated.
Unusually short review. I hope that the Review Week of Awesome doesn't have short reviews.
I like that show just because there are no giant robots or tentacles
Well...that ink COULD have come from anywhere you know?
Glass Reflection Hahaha, good one
PC Master Race what m8 you dot like hentay m8
Glass Reflection Arkada in the near future would you please Review Aldnoah Zero! PLEASE!!!!
Glass Reflection will you PLEASE Review Aldnoah Zero!!! Its on Crunchyroll and Netflix with a Dub.
Barakamon and Bofuri are my 2 favorite anime now I'm not always in the mood for them but they both always give me what I need every time I watch em
I am always enthralled and captivated by your intros. Hella cool. Do you do the editing yourself?
I love barakamon and decided to watch amaama to inazuma thinking it will be all fluffy like barakamon and then cried my eyes out. A lot. I would recommend them both I loved them. great review video thank you.
Top 3 Dumbling Girls (Anime Girls you would want as your daughter) in no particular order
Rin from Usagi Drop
Naaru from Barakamon
Rengi from Non non Biyori
Just finished watching Handa-Kun.....such an amazing anime! When i found out that was the prequel to this i was soooo excited!
Great review!! I actually tend to like dumpling shows in large quantities, but then again I actually like dumplings as a main course. Maybe there is a correlation :O :P
mob psycho review when
Barakamon is also available on Crunchyroll along with other shows that belonged exclusively to Funimation
It's even on the European Crunchyroll.
It's even on Dubai Crunchyroll.
Glass Reflection Arkada PLEASE Review Aldnoah Zero, I promise you that its worth your time to Review! Its on Crunchyroll and Netflix with a Dub.
Ramon Reyes
Post this on an individual comment, don't just reply to others like this. He'll never see it, and you're starting to spam.
Ruan Coetzee This isn't spamming, its a request.
If you enjoyed this show, pretty sure you would also like "Poco's Udon World". While it's a bit more nonsensical. it still has that "Troubled adult finds see the happiness with the help of a young kid story ".
I adored this show - but I think that's largely in part because at the time I lived in the super country Japan and I got a lot more of the jokes. That in mind, the city boy having trouble in the country is completely understandable because they are impressively different.
But mostly, I loved it for Naru. Naru is life. It might be worth noting that in the Japanese (and dub? I'm not sure) actually had a kid doing Naru's voice.
Also: Naru is very much an elementary school student ^^
We need Barakamon season 2 man, there's so much content from the Manga to adapt
Oh God! I hadn't made that connection with the spin-off! *sees the world with new eyes*
Everyone focuses on the punch of the critic at the beginning, and rightly so, but for me what sells that scene is the shoe kick. I crack up every time I see it.
Hey! Thats awesome you are working with rightstuf!
i actually watching this anime today because i felt like i wanted more of that small kids involved light heartedness after watching the tenth episode of Poco's udon world.i didnt really pay all too much attention to what the anime wanted to tell us. instead i just switched my mind off and enjoyed as much of it as i could. i feel great after watching it Cx
Barakamon is a phenomenal show. One of my favorites
I loved Barakamon. I agree with a lot of your criticisms about the series, but I think the solution would've been to adapt more of the manga, rather than the first main plot, because after that, Honda becomes a staple of the island, teaches in an official position at the school, and goes through more development along with Naru, Tama, Miwa, Hiro, and the others.
When you notice thats been 2 years since you watched the show and still remember stuff from it.
Barakamon and Flying Witch are two of my favourite slice of life anime ever coming after Non Non Biyori
FINALLY! This is one of the best anime I've ever watched! finallyyyyyy!😭😭😭😭
YES YES YES FINALLY! Barakamon is one of the best slice of life anime there is!
Love this anime, super fun and each episode tries to provide life lessons to uplift the spirit so I find this anime as one that you can truly enjoy anytime and if you meed to get yourself cheered up or bingwatch on a free day ...this is the show for that
MANDOM.
I was wondering when this was gonna get a review. Thought it was the best show last year in all honesty.
If this new "Dumpling" anime category can be considered a slice of life subgenre, then can shows like Tanaka the Listless and Konobi (AKA Kono Bijutsubu Niwa Mondai). Where there was really no plot progression but just an enjoyable cast of characters interacting with each other in a number of humorous ways be considered part of it? because if so then I highly recommend both shows (as Dumpling shows, not headliners).
Every single time he said "Nauru", I thought of the tiny island nation.