Having slept through all four of her alarms, the energetic Narumi Momose finds herself running late for her first day of work at a new office. As she races to catch her train, she makes a promise to herself that none of her coworkers will find out about her dark secret: that she is an otaku and a fujoshi. Her plan goes instantly awry, though, when she runs into Hirotaka Nifuji, an old friend from middle school. Although she tries to keep her secret by inviting him out for drinks after work, her cover is blown when he casually asks her whether or not she will be attending the upcoming Summer Comiket. Luckily for her, the only witnesses—Hanako Koyanagi and Tarou Kabakura—are otaku as well.
Later that night, the pair go out for drinks so that they can catch up after all the years apart. After Narumi complains about her previous boyfriend breaking up with her because he refused to date a fujoshi, Hirotaka suggests that she try dating a fellow otaku, specifically himself. He makes a solemn promise to always be there for her, to support her, and to help her farm for rare drops in Monster Hunter. Blown away by the proposal, Narumi agrees immediately. Thus the two otaku start dating, and their adorably awkward romance begins.
Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii Review: A Love Story for the Otaku in Us All
Highlights:
– Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii (also known as Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku) is a quirky love story that will resonate with anime fans.
– The series deals with themes of acceptance, friendship, and the challenges of being an “otaku” in modern Japan.
Story Synopsis
A refreshing take on the romance genre, Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku (Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii) centers on the lives of four geeks immersed deeply in their respective “otaku” (geek) cultures while navigating the complex world of love, relationships, and societal expectations.
Our main protagonist, Narumi Momose, is a self-proclaimed “fujoshi” (a female fan of manga and anime that contain romantic relationships between men), and she tries her best to keep this side of her life a secret from her colleagues. In contrast, Hirotaka Nifuji, Narumi’s childhood friend and gaming otaku, is completely open about his love for video games. The story takes a turn when Narumi switches her job only to find out that her new coworker is none other than Hirotaka!
Series Review
Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii is a breath of fresh air in a market saturated with high school romance animes. Set in a corporate environment, the anime features adult characters with relatable struggles. The charm of this anime isn’t just in its romance but also in the chemistry between the characters, their daily struggles, and the nuances of the otaku culture.
In essence, Wotakoi is a celebration of the otaku culture spoken in a language that is relatable to non-otakus. The anime explores themes of acceptance and being true to oneself, which is presented in a heart-warming and oftentimes hilarious manner. The characters are engaging, the plot is well-paced, and the dialogues are witty and full of pop culture references that otakus will appreciate.
Aesthetically, the anime is pleasing with its bright, vibrant color palette and comfortable character designs. The background music is lively, setting an upbeat tone that matches the energy of the series.
However, Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii isn’t perfect. Some may find the humor to be a bit niche, catering more to those who share similar interests with the characters. Still, the core message of acceptance and friendship is universal.
Overall Verdict
Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii is a refreshingly mature romantic comedy that kickstarts a new portrayal of otaku culture in anime. Its heartfelt story, fun cast of characters, and witty humor make this anime a joy to watch. Whether you’re an otaku or not, Wotaku is definitely worth a watch.
Rent, Buy, or Stream? If you’re a fan of romantic comedies, or if you can relate to otaku culture, it’s a definite buy or stream! However, for those new to the genre or who want to get a feel for the series, a rent is a safe bet.
In conclusion, Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii is a gem in the world of romantic comedy anime. It offers a mature approach to love that beautifully intertwines with the world of otaku. It’s a must-watch, especially for self-proclaimed geeks seeking both entertainment and relatability. So grab your popcorn and your cosplay gear, and settle for a fantastic ride!
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