Kakushi Gotou is a somewhat popular manga artist whose works are known for inappropriate content. Because of this raunchiness, when his daughter Hime was born, he vowed to keep his profession hidden from her, believing that she will be disillusioned if she finds out.
This paranoia-induced belief leads Kakushi into hectic situations. Despite being a single father, he does his best and often resorts to extreme ends just to protect his secret, such as guising as a salaryman every day or holding emergency drills in case Hime somehow finds her way to his workplace.
Kakushigoto tells the story of a father and daughter living side by side, maintaining their peaceful existence as the father attempts to preserve the status quo. However, there is a saying: "there are no secrets that time cannot reveal." In time, Hime must learn the reality behind the things she took for granted as she grew up.
Synopsis:
Kakushigoto revolves around the life of a single father and mangaka, GoTo Kakushi. He’s the author of a raunchy gag manga and is trying to keep this a secret from his young daughter, Hime. Called “Kakushigoto” (a clever play on word that means “secret” in Japanese), this anime reflects its title on two fronts, Goto Kakushi’s secret job and the hardship of parenting itself, both penned with comedic genius often veering into heartwarming and poignant territories.
Built on a scaffolding of slice-of-life narratives interspersed with hilarious situational comedy, Kakushigoto is a balance beam performance between humour and sentimentality. What starts as comedy morphs into a profound tale of the love between a father-daughter and the lengths to which a parent will go to protect a child’s innocence.
Review:
Kakushigoto brings humour and reality together in a perfect blend, delivering a story that tickles your funny bone but also plucks at your heartstrings. It may be based on gag manga, yet, it lends an unwavering gaze towards life’s struggles and the allure of family bonds. This contrasting mix makes it delightful and impactful!
The animation and art style are commendable, expected from Ajia-do Animation Works that in the past has served remarkable titles like ascendance of a bookworm. The character designs are expressive, the backgrounds are lovingly detailed, and the overall ambiance is refreshing. Expect pleasing aesthetics at every click that contributes to the emotions the scenes aim to portray.
The characters add so much depth to the story. Goto Kakushi, in all his scaredy-cat goofiness, wins hearts. His earnest determination to hide his profession while doing his best as a single parent is at once comical and touching. Hime, with her absolutely adorable persona and innocence, too, is a well-crafted character. The interaction and chemistry between the father-daughter duo are a spectacular highlight of this anime.
Soundtrack and Voice Acting:
I must mention the beautiful soundtrack that holds the ability to induce gentle laughter in one scene and might make you teary-eyed in the next. “Chisana Hibi” used as the opening track sets the tone of the anime perfectly. The closing tracks are adaptable, changing with the tone of the conclusion of the episode, some being light-hearted while others, sentimental.
The voice acting deserves applause as well, greatly enlivening the characters. Hiroshi Kamiya, voicing Goto Kakushi, brings out the complexities of his character flawlessly. Rie Takahashi, voicing Hime, enhances her innocence through her performance. The casting couldn’t have been better.
Final Verdict:
Kakushigoto is that rare piece of animation that combines comedy and sentimentality with utter brilliance. The anime offers laughter, warmth, and some food for thought, all wrapped within an aesthetically pleasing package of well-designed art and commendable voice acting. For the fans of slice-of-life anime, this is an absolute gem worth renting, buying, or streaming. Go on this heartwarming journey of love, laughter, and life’s little absurdities with Goto Kakushi and Hime. As the anime critic, I promise you, it’s worth your time!
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