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Kotaro Lives Alone is the Darkest Anime of 2022

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  • Опубликовано: 24 мар 2022
  • Winter 2022 contains a few dark anime in the obvious sense, but Kotaro Lives Alone has moments that feel utterly miserable. It also has a lighthearted side to it, though, and comedy that genuinely makes me laugh. Let's talk about why it's dark, why it's wonderful, and why you should watch it.
    Carrd: iwearclothes.carrd.co/
    MyAnimeList: myanimelist.net/profile/IWear...

Комментарии • 911

  • @CharmCaster
    @CharmCaster 2 года назад +1550

    Your videos have helped me find and appreciate so many unique shows 😀

    • @AnimeInRetrospect
      @AnimeInRetrospect  2 года назад +29

      Thanks! This is part of why I make these videos, so it's nice to see people take interest in the anime I talk about.

  • @vercingetorix9005
    @vercingetorix9005 2 года назад +5778

    This anime's gut-wrenching asf, but the most beautiful part of the show is how in the outro of each episode you see Kotaro's friend circle/support network slowly expand and increase. He's not alone anymore.

    • @monkeydgaming3219
      @monkeydgaming3219 2 года назад +218

      Yo the tissues scene hit hard

    • @vercingetorix9005
      @vercingetorix9005 2 года назад +216

      @@monkeydgaming3219 It was the newspaper scene that wrecked my shit, because there's epidemic of elderly Japanese people who die alone each year. So much so that there's thriving industry that specifically deals with just that issue.

    • @monkeydgaming3219
      @monkeydgaming3219 2 года назад +50

      @@vercingetorix9005 what a story it’s also so heartwarming along with the heartbreak I give it a 9.5/10

    • @vietkhanhhoang16
      @vietkhanhhoang16 2 года назад +59

      Exactly. Depressing as it is but there is always room for positivity. I watched all 10 eps non stop hoping that the universe will finally grant kotaro a bless cuz the kid more than deserves it. And indeed he has everyone around him love him so much so perhaps he finally has that bless.

    • @kgal1298
      @kgal1298 2 года назад +27

      I watched it and cried like a baby. It's beautiful and tragic. I don't normally go for this anime style either, but this is such a good story you can tell the writer really put their heart into it.

  • @paulapobesamis418
    @paulapobesamis418 2 года назад +3792

    Honestly, the story was so good that I didn't even notice the animation quality

    • @omensoffate
      @omensoffate 2 года назад +490

      People care too much about animation lol. Give me a story

    • @animec-dramaskpop6362
      @animec-dramaskpop6362 2 года назад +294

      I'm not gonna lie, i noticed, but once i got into it i didn't care about it anymore.

    • @hieinh
      @hieinh 2 года назад +157

      It’s not bad at all. I’d say it’s actually above average for slice of life animation

    • @animec-dramaskpop6362
      @animec-dramaskpop6362 2 года назад +135

      @@hieinh You must not watch slice of life anime then. I would say this is just slightly below average for any type of animation, but JUST slightly though. The story completely carries this anime. It's so emotional and good.

    • @hieinh
      @hieinh 2 года назад +11

      @@animec-dramaskpop6362 If you want bad animation watch AOT

  • @dontask9000
    @dontask9000 2 года назад +3169

    Good to know I’m not the only one with this mindset about the anime. It was pretty gut wrenching in some parts that made me want to cry. And what I think makes it more tragic is how it’s played off as a light hearted anime despite presenting extremely dark themes such as neglect and child abuse. Also showing how Kotarou blamed himself for how his father treated him and thinking he just wasn’t strong enough is truly heartbreaking.

    • @AnimeInRetrospect
      @AnimeInRetrospect  2 года назад +228

      It always threw me for a loop when Kotarou says some of these things! Like what you mentioned about him blaming himself for his dad becoming a "bad guy", implying that his base understanding of some things are non-issues for him because that's what normal is. Then to us and even for the residents of Shimizu Apartments, they're usually morose revelations, like when Sumire realizes why Kotaro's mom had those gloves. Now I'm reliving some of these scenes and I wish that I wasn't. 😭

    • @jyu6977
      @jyu6977 2 года назад +83

      both his mom and dad are in grey area. we saw in some scenes that his mom didn't care about kotaro, but in another she cared about him. same way with his dad, in some scenes we saw him loving kotaro even more caring than the mom to kotaro, but in some others his acts are aggressive and kinda abusive. i hope there is season 2 where we can see more of the parents' problem

    • @lazybookworm3879
      @lazybookworm3879 2 года назад +61

      @@jyu6977my guess is that there is some nuance here. There’s usually some occasional light in every bleak situation. The happy ones we see might be the ones that Kotaro loves and keeps close to heart while the reality may have been closer to the dark memories we see.

    • @suicideshy451
      @suicideshy451 2 года назад +19

      For me as a person with cPTSD I can't look past just the light heartedness. There is so much to relate to with truama in almost every skit it isn't very possible to see anything of pure comedy and I don't see how others can.

    • @cante325
      @cante325 2 года назад +5

      @@jyu6977 them being in the grey area just makes them bad

  • @TheGogirl901
    @TheGogirl901 2 года назад +2121

    The season was ten episodes and I cried for ten episodes 😭

    • @falafels221
      @falafels221 2 года назад +23

      Same

    • @oddish3022
      @oddish3022 2 года назад +30

      I believe everyone with a heart did 😭

    • @jjbb84x
      @jjbb84x 2 года назад +40

      Even the credits got me every time! I loved watching Kotoro's world get less lonely and more lively with each new character that joined in!.

    • @emanx222
      @emanx222 2 года назад +6

      SAME OMG

    • @seveknightasasasina2214
      @seveknightasasasina2214 2 года назад +7

      It hits you just as bad the second time you watch it

  • @nacieton1651
    @nacieton1651 2 года назад +903

    When Mizuki left the apartment in a few episodes, I fucking cried man. Kotaro's mother figure in the apartment gone because of his boyfriend.

    • @Lucyferbby
      @Lucyferbby 2 года назад +18

      nice spoiler warning btw

    • @ayumiii.urdarlinggg
      @ayumiii.urdarlinggg 2 года назад +171

      @@Lucyferbby the whole video is a spoiler tho?

    • @pokaay3163
      @pokaay3163 2 года назад +85

      @@Lucyferbby sorry bout that but maybe you shouldn’t have come to the comments of a video about a show you havent watched to completion yet

    • @allenjones4792
      @allenjones4792 2 года назад +18

      @@Lucyferbby why are you even in the comment section then?

    • @akasakikawasaki1890
      @akasakikawasaki1890 2 года назад +80

      I didn't like the message of that one story bit. It left an awful taste in my mouth. Felt a bit like victim blaming, I think she shoulda corrected Kotaro in his belief that you shouldn't "make people bad" it's always the choice of the person to act badly.

  • @Nemo.404
    @Nemo.404 2 года назад +1493

    I thought I was gonna see a wholesome slice of life anime. I ended up crying a lot because of sadness and joy

    • @epicgamer-ny4fj
      @epicgamer-ny4fj 2 года назад +46

      Yeah, I didn't think kotaro was an actual child, I thought it was just a stylized anime with a focus on comedy.
      I, was wrong.

    • @MaryArts
      @MaryArts 2 года назад +26

      On the frist 2 episodes I thought Kotaro is like a metapher for someone who struggles becoming an adult and living alone. I found myself in that. And then I quickly realize it isn't like that at all. He is really a child and the Anime wasn't comedy at all. Yet I appreciated the wholesome moments.

    • @rin-1932
      @rin-1932 2 года назад +15

      Same, the trailer Netflix showed me for the show made me think it was a comedic slice of life anime, it tricked me..

    • @PinksInMyArea
      @PinksInMyArea 2 года назад +1

      Same

    • @J-EO171
      @J-EO171 2 года назад +1

      Yeah

  • @claraB1016
    @claraB1016 2 года назад +593

    This anime, while really dark, is very important. Despite the horrible abuse that kotaro suffered, he begins to heal and find a new family within his neighbors. The story shows that even after escaping his abusers, he still suffers and has complex traumas after what happened to him. Many people of all ages go through different types of abuse and neglect in real life. I believe that seeing a character who went through the same thing being able to heal and find a new family on TV would be helpful to people who have been abused.

    • @kgal1298
      @kgal1298 2 года назад +28

      The beauty in it is that it shows you how you don't need to be related to people for them to be family, but the sadness is in the journey that lead all the characters to get to where they are. The character growth, tragedy, and joy is really what made it a well rounded story. I'm really glad Netflix picked this one up it's one of the best animes I've seen this year.

    • @claraB1016
      @claraB1016 2 года назад +3

      @@kgal1298 yes, I agree wholeheartedly!

  • @jyu6977
    @jyu6977 2 года назад +1319

    both his mom and dad are in grey area. we saw in some scenes that his mom didn't care about kotaro, but in another she cared about him. same way with his dad, in some scenes we saw him loving kotaro even more caring than the mom to kotaro, but in some others his acts are aggressive and kinda abusive. i hope there is season 2 where we can see more of the parents' problem

    • @maggiepie765
      @maggiepie765 2 года назад +268

      omg the thing about the “gloves” being used by his mom to touch him. 😭😭😭

    • @longphan7656
      @longphan7656 2 года назад +73

      I think it could also be an unreliable narrative at play
      Maybe Kotaro is seeing his parents as much worse than what they actually are

    • @zhongli6201
      @zhongli6201 2 года назад +205

      I personally believe his mom developed some kind of depression due to a reason we don't know yet. It could also be something related to being a mother, there are many cases in which the mother develops depression and aversion to their own child. maybe it was because his father change of behavior, or maybe, due to her issues, his father didn't know how to cope and turned into an abusive asshole that maybe blamed kotaro for his mother's behavior. it could be many many options, but either way, unfortunately it's not really that uncommon for parents to just abruptly become aggressive/indifferent with their own child because of external issues :(

    • @MaryArts
      @MaryArts 2 года назад +165

      As it often is with neglecting and abusive parents. The world is never black and white. This is why it is so hard to break through bad relationships and it is hard for children to break connections to their parents, cause you always feel like they could do better. They are not always scummy, maybe they will be nice again.
      Which is why Kotaro wants to be a good boy, so his parents can be nice to him, as they are, when they are in a good mood.
      It is confusing being born by people that treat you based on their mood

    • @beelzemobabbity
      @beelzemobabbity 2 года назад +22

      @@maggiepie765 at first I saw it like how the one girl did, but He knew that she wore them so she could touch him, not because she HAD to touch him.

  • @lazybookworm3879
    @lazybookworm3879 2 года назад +237

    I think what makes this anime particularly tragic is that it doesn’t show Kotaro in his abusive home but rather shows the after effects of his abusive home. It shows the escape from that dark place and how he is trying to cope. That’s what makes episodes like the tissue episode so sad. Eating tissues for food is already tragic, but the added knowledge that this was at some point a reality for Kotaro that scarred him so deeply that even with all of his cash he still feels the need to have his tissues adds another layer of tragedy. Healing can be painful because it exposes the cracks in one’s character. Kotaro slowly warming up to all of his neighbors and coming to accept that he isn’t alone anymore is both heartwarming and painful for this exact reason

  • @halfdemonprince
    @halfdemonprince 2 года назад +1736

    That bit you mentioned about how a toddler living alone is sadder than genocide isn't that strange. RUclipsr Overly Sarcastic Productions said it best in her video about "The End Of The World" trope. The end of the world is such an absurd and surreal concept, that no one could relate or even think about it. The world and all humans within it is just too big for anyone to care passionately. This is why when stories feature the end of the world, it's not the world itself that the protagonist cares about, it's their closest friends and family. They have to have the concept smaller so it can be more understandable. Also, it doesn't help that the end of the world is such a big stake, that it almost always never comes to fruition. The very rare times the world actually did end in a story, the characters either find a reset button or the few remaining humans pull an Adam and Even so humanity can still continue on.
    In contrast, a story about an abused toddler who was abandoned by one parent and ran away from another is painfully realistic. It's also relatable for those who had abusive parents or were kicked out of the house at a young age. My stepfather had to drop out of high school to work two minimum wage jobs so he could move away from his abusive parents at 18. Not to mention there are countless queer youths and teen parents who were kicked out and disowned by their parents. It's also refreshing to see an anime that advocates for non-traditional found families. Traditional family units are so perpetuated in media, that people who fail to live up to those standards are shammed and called a failure. Kotaro Lives Alone shows that traditional families are privileges that not everyone has, nor is it a moral failing if people choose not to have one. As much as I love Attack on Titan, I think Kotaro Lives Alone is a genuinely important anime that deserves as much attention as possible. Hopefully, it'll get a season 2.

    • @AnimeInRetrospect
      @AnimeInRetrospect  2 года назад +181

      I don't know how I didn't see your comment until now, but it's really a good comment that precisely delineates why your first sentence is spot-on. On paper, an apocalypse is far worse, but it rarely makes for an emotional reaction in practice.

    • @kimchipossum
      @kimchipossum 2 года назад +25

      thats beautifully said dude :')

    • @33alexramirez
      @33alexramirez 2 года назад +13

      Devilman Crybaby would like a word

    • @malaksafa4074
      @malaksafa4074 2 года назад +7

      Ayyy a fellow osp fan!

    • @user-bx8sj6qm3w
      @user-bx8sj6qm3w 2 года назад +3

      Stone ocean handled the end of the world thing well imo and it was actually a bittersweet ending.
      However, I personally can imagine/understand the end of the world, but I'm not afraid of it or upset about, I'm looking forward for it. So when fictional works tease it then it somehow survives, I get frustrated. I'm still looking for a fictional work where the world actually ends and everyone dies and disappears. I guess I gotta google that lol

  • @greenwhatevers6263
    @greenwhatevers6263 2 года назад +253

    That episode with the food really just made me cry. I was not expecting him to be making a bunch of food dishes to stop himself from being lonely

    • @rudy7803
      @rudy7803 2 года назад +7

      ooh so thats what it means, thx i didnt get it when watching the scene

    • @theMadMarsz
      @theMadMarsz 2 года назад +9

      No same, when he prepared hella food the next night I felt so gutted because it (really) hit that it was his coping mechanism, or at least one of them, for his loneliness.

    • @essence_rz4970
      @essence_rz4970 Год назад +3

      Or the part where he was eating tissue papers to survive cuz of hunger. I cried on that bit...

  • @laenaeverwood7453
    @laenaeverwood7453 2 года назад +462

    Dude, there were moments where I was nodding along all smiles and then sniffling the next second. The dentist? Ow. Literally just him finding a stain on the wall of his old home to the one on his current ceiling? Jfc, make the tears stop. Hearing about Kotaro's possible reason behind wanting to become "stronger"? AGH...I need therapy now.

    • @omensoffate
      @omensoffate 2 года назад +11

      I mean it’s not that much but the dentist scene was good

    • @MaryArts
      @MaryArts 2 года назад +35

      The saddest part of the stain was, that it was right in a corner. Which shows that Kotaro would sit in that corner for a long time, probably to protect himself from his father or to have something to stare at while being all alone....

    • @seurn7801
      @seurn7801 2 года назад +34

      It's also amazing how the show educates people on how neglected/abused children behave. I'm sure a lot of people have this awareness now.
      Of course, not all neglected/abused children would act the way some of the kids do in the show, but it really gives a nice perspective. Next time you see the signs, it'll be easier to act instead of wonder. (ofc thorough research would be best but I just love how the show is also raising awareness)

    • @bunniesandthorns
      @bunniesandthorns 2 года назад +32

      The part where the upperclassman is having a panic attack during the soccer/football game made me instantly tear up. Hearing just general shouts from a rival coach made the child just freeze up...
      The many elements of abuse and neglect, and their longterm affect on everyone in the series, and how the characters come together to overcome their traumas together and experience small joyful moments, makes this show have a lot of heart and importance. Easily one of my favorite recent anime series, and I hope it gets another season soon.

  • @yeahimagamer2740
    @yeahimagamer2740 2 года назад +194

    Can we all show some more appreciation for Karino? I adore him

  • @ravenmindful673
    @ravenmindful673 2 года назад +105

    Thing is, I NEVER even thought the animation quality was average or below average. I just thought it was a different type of animation style they used to produce the series and I genuinely loved it because the animations nowadays kinda look the same so I liked that this one stood out in that way. Didn't know people actually thought the quality was bad or average at best.

    • @martinaelyse9152
      @martinaelyse9152 2 года назад +7

      same! i thought the animation was kinda similar to saiki k

    • @CulEdz
      @CulEdz Год назад +7

      The animation adds to the charm. It’s so cute that when the darker scenes comes on, it just makes the atmosphere somewhat bleaker.

    • @egg_bun_
      @egg_bun_ Год назад +5

      Same! I thought it was cute.

    • @rosykindbunny1313
      @rosykindbunny1313 3 месяца назад

      I never even noticed. Probably because I haven't watched that much anime.

  • @baichan98
    @baichan98 2 года назад +485

    It's funny because I watched this with my boyfriend and he said it was really depressing because of what happened but I said it was uplifting because he gets people who care about him. I guess to me growing up from an isolating and abusive household, this kid who's escaped so young and then attracts a family and so many people who care sounds so happy but to my bf who has a wonderful and loving family and feels safe and comfortable at home the whole concept feels awful.
    I think the best part of this show as someone who comes from a bad household is how all of his problems linger but they aren't always obvious and just integrate into your life. I think one thing about abuse that people don't realize is it carves itself into you and changes your behaviours and it takes YEARS to change from a survivor mindset to living and even longer to find purpose AFTER surviving. And you have to live with the memories and feelings they leave you with forever. Realizing you were a burden or an unwanted child never goes away because it's just a fact of your life.
    But his life doesn't seem awful to him even if it is. And how looking back the bad household doesn't always seem that bad Because even when it's bad there are still times when it's good and when one parent is neglectful but they're your mom then they're the best person in your life.
    So yeah this show is happy because so many people are willing to step in and care for him and as someone who tried again and again to reach out for help and who never got it this show is very happy wish fulfilment.

    • @AnimeInRetrospect
      @AnimeInRetrospect  2 года назад +65

      Really insightful comment, especially what you said about found family. This anime does have an uplifting side to it, and like with you and your boyfriend, differing experience definitely shapes perspective.

    • @MaryArts
      @MaryArts 2 года назад +33

      Exactly. I want people to watch this Anime and see that it is super wholesome. "Dark" is a very negative word for little Kotaro.
      Though the ending made me feel uneasy. We see happy Kotaro grabbing onto Karino, knowing that Karino just lied to him. Makes you afraid, that sometime comes the point, where this idyllic life gets shattered.
      But still everyone is so precious and wholesome. Made me "Aw" so many times :D

    • @someonenothere8818
      @someonenothere8818 2 года назад +11

      @@MaryArts well in it does depend at how you look at it. Karino wasn’t entirely lying, it’s not actually sweet, but bittersweet really.
      The thing is though, kotaro’s mom didn’t abandon him entirely. We don’t know how she felt about him, especially with the gloves, but frankly he is living off of his mother’s life insurance, which really could only have been left for him. That means that in someway, she might have cared about him, even if it was half hearted.

    • @cante325
      @cante325 2 года назад

      @@someonenothere8818 wouldn’t Kotaro know that he’s lying dice he’s very perceptive

    • @meikaguya2376
      @meikaguya2376 2 года назад +11

      As a girl who comes from abusive family and environment, I totally agree… its a show as gray as life itself, for some people it’s gonna be dark for some it’s not gonna mean much for others it’s gonna be happy… for me, it reminded me of reality and myself and that not all is bad, it gives me peace when i see his interaction with his new family members… it’s heartwarming… and i can relate to and understand his pain so it’s a bittersweet show for me…
      PS- I really resonated with everything you wrote especially the last paragraph of your comment… wish you a happy life dear friend!!

  • @seeyalaterornever
    @seeyalaterornever Год назад +31

    I loved it when karino said ' that's my boy ' when he saw kotaro light up with joy and sing when he was there

  • @gennyrose5047
    @gennyrose5047 2 года назад +648

    I found this anime while I was on Netflix clicked it and couldn't stop watching. Its so heartbreaking but heartwarming at the same time. Its really good! I usually don't watch slice of life anime but, I'm glad I watched this!

    • @Fareeda212
      @Fareeda212 2 года назад +3

      Fr need a s2

    • @SlashinatorZ
      @SlashinatorZ 2 года назад +3

      Yeah I'm normally a JoJo, dragon ball, one punch/piece guy & I turned this on to see what it was.
      Got into it just like with Komi & Thermae Romae

    • @whoareyoutoaccuseme6588
      @whoareyoutoaccuseme6588 2 года назад +5

      @@SlashinatorZ Mob Psycho 100 served as my bridge to slice-of-life anime, since it's got equal doses of great action scenes and the more heartfelt, down-to-earth moments, especially in the second season.

    • @gokukon
      @gokukon 2 года назад +1

      I found it just last night and I was curious, literally almost cried throughout the episodes. This anime is one of my favorites this year.

    • @derkaiserzen
      @derkaiserzen 2 года назад +1

      You better watch the live action one.
      It's on Netflix too

  • @Slogie13
    @Slogie13 2 года назад +523

    Bro, this show had me crying like every other fucking scene.... fucking tissues man

    • @maggiepie765
      @maggiepie765 2 года назад +46

      “Tissues” 😭😭😭 Kotaro deserves all the good things in this world.

    • @emanx222
      @emanx222 2 года назад +4

      @@maggiepie765 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

    • @ninarain9422
      @ninarain9422 2 года назад +20

      THE TISSUES AND GLOVES 😭😭😭😭😭

    • @myorkka
      @myorkka 2 года назад +9

      @@ninarain9422 the “lie” scene made me cry omg

    • @rudy7803
      @rudy7803 2 года назад +2

      did u eat the tissue too?

  • @carmelanagneline
    @carmelanagneline 2 года назад +121

    It was so easy to relate to these characters. My favorite part was when Shin allowed Kotaru to figure things out with Tasuku. More importantly, that Shin was there and he said he would be no matter the outcome. Shin's love for Kotaru was not conditional upon whether Kotaru made good decisions or not. It was not conditional at all. Shin decided he was going to be there for Kotaru. Regardless of how Shin felt, he had already made up his mind to stand by Kotaru no matter the outcome.

  • @JD-qo7hm
    @JD-qo7hm 2 года назад +296

    I've gotta say, I've never been so invested, emotionally and otherwise, to any other artistic medium, let alone anime, like I have been with Kotaro Lives Alone. I too will be damned if they do not renew for another season.
    It might sound stupid, but I use lessons taught in this anime and some of the tenets Kotaro adheres to in my life since watching. A fictional 5 year old character has affected me THAT much, and I can, somewhat embarrassingly, admit that I am better for it. The perspective it has provided me has made me think twice about how I see things in the world as well as how I see my own circumstances.
    Its absolutely a must watch and I'm sincerely hoping there is more to come.

    • @alibaig941
      @alibaig941 2 года назад +13

      Honestly,there’s nothing embarrassing about taking away a valuable lesson that you can apply to your life despite a 5 year old character.
      Seriously if you take a valuable lesson that from any show that you can apply into your life to make you have a better perspective,then that’s a great thing my guy!

    • @megsterrzz
      @megsterrzz 2 года назад +6

      I'm totally right there with you. This anime has changed my life!

    • @Dopinoi
      @Dopinoi 2 года назад +4

      Dont be embarrased! I live in a toxic household and my mother never paid attention to me and was sometimes aggresive, it feels good to watch this anime and grow up, my grandparents used to hold me with gloves too and i cried a river in that one episode

    • @JD-qo7hm
      @JD-qo7hm 2 года назад +2

      @@Dopinoi Like Kotaro, we can train and become stronger, making friends along the way! If I've learned anything, its that the people we meet and grow close to in this life can become just as, sometimes even more, familial and important as the family we were born to.
      I read a quote somewhere that was like, "When we are born, a family chooses us. But, as we age and learn more of ourselves and about the world, WE then choose our family. "
      Thanks for the kind words and sharing your experiences. I'm heartened to see art bring people together like this series has.

    • @jessidawn7786
      @jessidawn7786 2 года назад +5

      I’ve never been super crazy about anime personally but I have watched Kotaro Lives Alone three times now and I’m trying really hard to resist a fourth so soon >.< there is something really special about this one.

  • @yamazaki752
    @yamazaki752 2 года назад +67

    My wife and I watched this series recently, and it hit my wife in a way that I don't think many could appreciate. Not because of what Kotoro and co deal with, but because my wife is in social services, and has seen children that have dealt with somewhat similar situations. All the abuse that Kotoro has dealt with, and how he's coped with it (or attempts to cope with it, because let's be real - that kid needs significant therapy) is horribly and terribly realistic.
    Kotaro wasn't a show that tugged at my heart strings, or even my wife's, but it was something she greatly appreciated from her professional experience. It was certainly something.

  • @bob-vz9ji
    @bob-vz9ji 2 года назад +350

    The anime may be addressing domestic issues in japan I think, everything feels rain and thunder for poor lil kotaro, good thing his neighbors brought umbrellas

  • @monkeydgaming3219
    @monkeydgaming3219 2 года назад +218

    Bro this shit hits different I was so confused when I started it and got stuck watching all 10 episodes it’s actually so good it’s just so sad and the story is actually really good. I don’t mind the animation of the story is actually good and this was

  • @kamikola
    @kamikola 2 года назад +155

    0:14
    Lets be real, all of us went "NOOOOOOOOOOO WHYYYYYYY" in that scene in episode 10.

    • @rudy7803
      @rudy7803 2 года назад +11

      well im not that surpised, the insurance lady have spoil it

    • @Rishhabhh
      @Rishhabhh 2 года назад +2

      😭

  • @Calico._69
    @Calico._69 2 года назад +75

    i love this anime but a part that stands out to me, is the episode that kotaro joins the soccer club and the kid who has 2 little siblings and taken by CPS, it shows that he has a trigger to yelling which i haven't seen in any other anime

  • @chosoistryinghisbest
    @chosoistryinghisbest 2 года назад +35

    i seriously cried so hard watching kotaro lives alone. the ones that hit the hardest is the tissue talk, the talk about daily meals not being guaranteed, gloves, and when his friend took advantage of him and he let it happen. And the part that really gets me is that Kotaro understands the world to a certain extent. He understands sad things to a certain extent because he's still a child. He doesn't know everything yet and he lets loose some details about his troubling past and the adults around him have to deal with them and lift him up.
    And something I really love was that the adults around him slowly figure out his life and try their best to keep him happy. They can't just tell him outright why these things happen or why his life is so sad, but what they can do is be there for him. Be the adult figures he needs in his life.
    And I saw people saying that he should've been older, but I disagree. What makes this story so wholesome is that he's a 4 year old kid who doesn't know any better because he's 4. If he was 10 or a teenager, he would be really hesitant to share his life and he would've probably ignore them. The biggest gut wrenching part of Kotaro Lives Alone is that he lets out these small, but troubling details, because at 4 he doesn't see them as an issue. After all little kids don't really have a filter and he innocently shares parts of his life without knowing that they're not okay and that he wasn't okay.

  • @ShiroKage-h8v
    @ShiroKage-h8v 2 года назад +96

    I have to give it to the director and staff for making this anime a masterpiece with simple animations. 10/10

    • @jugemujugemugokonosurikire4735
      @jugemujugemugokonosurikire4735 2 года назад +4

      It is a great example to all animation studios in the world.
      "Write a story where the writing does most of the work, not the animation"

  • @FrozeVertex
    @FrozeVertex 2 года назад +110

    One of the saddest moments I saw was when he took the balloons and drew his parents

  • @MaryArts
    @MaryArts 2 года назад +45

    After watching it, I still think this Anime is more wholesome than dark or sad. I mean I cried like a baby, yes, but everyone is just so precious and show how to treat each other right.
    Kotaro is a good boy and is allowed to feel that way

  • @mattb1593
    @mattb1593 2 года назад +17

    I went into this anime blind, I thought it was just a funny slice of life anime. Little did I know this would be the first anime that would literally make me ugly cry since I first watched Girls Last Tour.

  • @TenthCapo
    @TenthCapo 2 года назад +125

    Thank you for talking about this anime, it is so underrated and unique and I see no one talking about this show. Great Video!

  • @milleliza1490
    @milleliza1490 2 года назад +33

    This anime made me realize I could cry for nearly three hours straight.

  • @justletmesleep_
    @justletmesleep_ 2 года назад +6

    they really pull a bait and switch with the happy, cute opening and then bam tears, tears and more tears... I loved this show though, it was genuinely very moving, heartwarming and heart breaking in equal measure.

  • @merphul
    @merphul 2 года назад +24

    the moment when you realize that he isn't a weird future reincarnation of some samuari lord, it gets super depressing.
    10/10 worth watching.

  • @Jxichi
    @Jxichi 2 года назад +20

    I think what I really love about Kotaro’s lives Alone after binging the whole season within a few hours, is that even though his parents haven’t been the nicest to him or have even provided a great life for him, the best way we all can live life is to understand everyone’s situations and adapt around them, or maybe that while everyone may have a family, you can also have a family of your own just by being well known in your community. Friends who take care of you and look out for you everyday, basically makes them family. There’s just so many ways you can interpret KLA but I think it is a dark, yet wholesome anime. It hits home weirdly enough and although I didn’t exactly go through the hardships Kotaro faced I do indeed understand the pain. I cannot wait for season 2!

    • @Jxichi
      @Jxichi 2 года назад

      P.S The Animation quality is unique and not every animation needs to be top notch to tell a great story.

  • @natxon
    @natxon 2 года назад +16

    this show broke my heart multiple times. and the fact there are probably a lot of kids like kotaro in real life...

  • @phiretiger4476
    @phiretiger4476 2 года назад +11

    This is not a dark anime in my opinion. There are sad moments but the overall thing is how love can help anyone. Kotaro is not even related to these adults and they care for as if he is their child. It shows how it takes a village to raise a child. I'm a clinical social worker and I see so much hope in this anime. Working in child welfare and being a therapist I have seen stories like this were love and care can help change a young child's life. I guess it depends on what one has experienced how one would react to the anime. If you have unresolved trauma you might not see the positivity in this anime and only focus on the negative. I'm a huge fan and watched this anime multiple times. I even got my mom loving this anime. We joke around and she calls him Koko and she'd his adoptive grandson since I said I adopted him. I agree there needs to be another season.

  • @user-we7zb9wv6q
    @user-we7zb9wv6q 2 года назад +47

    I binged this anime in 2 days and it was amazing, I haven't cried or felt this way about an anime in so long. I'm looking forward to a s2!!

    • @theMadMarsz
      @theMadMarsz 2 года назад

      SAME! I came across it and was intrigued and then finished the show next day ready to fight for little Kotaro. I really can't wait for a second season of this show, the storytelling is absolutely beautiful and heartwarming/wrenching.

  • @atharvthakare2121
    @atharvthakare2121 Год назад +2

    they never showed us him crying like a normal child
    but the day I see Kotaro's crying face , I don't know how I would react

  • @iamabread9614
    @iamabread9614 2 года назад +36

    I just finish the watching the show. If I was a kid I will not see the deeper meanings between the interactions of Kotaro with the characters but I have the same situation with Kotaro but the difference is that there were no people that help me or was with me and wasn't brave as him. Its a show that will make you cry and appreciate what you have now. 10/10 great show.

  • @prashil3k594
    @prashil3k594 10 месяцев назад +3

    The unique art style is plus in my opinion.
    It differentiates itself from the mind numbing formulaic shows out there.
    It's also the contrast it brings to the theme of the show that makes it hit even harder.

  • @davidsnyder2068
    @davidsnyder2068 2 года назад +34

    When I watched this show I felt more like I could relate to the manga author since we, the audience, discover all the signs of neglect and trauma the kid has endured as he does and Kotaro is written in a sympathetic way so that we like him the same way the manga writer did.

  • @comfortableslug6570
    @comfortableslug6570 2 года назад +45

    Cried, I binged it. The only thing I didn’t like was the new girl character that moved in after the first girl moved out. It was very convenient that she had the exact same trauma as he did. It was too coincidental and took me out of the moment for a little bit

  • @lazybookworm3879
    @lazybookworm3879 2 года назад +10

    2:22 I wouldn’t say he did it just because. He sided with editor because he editor explained that he was really just trying to help Karino and that he believes in him. Kotaro not only believes in Karino and cares about him, but very much supports improvement as he himself is trying to improve all the time. So he acknowledges the editor’s actions as helpful and mimics them in hopes of improving and supporting Karino

  • @aaad3446
    @aaad3446 2 года назад +9

    The tissues scene broke me. I watched this anime just to pass some time, thinking it was going to keep me from boredom and it definitely did. Still, I wasn't prepared to get my heart broken like this. Indeed, it was beautiful. Yet, it also hurt me a lot.
    I hope this anime gets more recognition

  • @howlsaur
    @howlsaur 2 года назад +8

    I feel like the animation works well with how the main character makes manga with good stories but "old school" art.

  • @chikachika7782
    @chikachika7782 2 года назад +6

    It started off so light hearted then it got so dark so quickly. It really is a touching story I hope it gets a second season. And yes you learn why Kotaru lives alone.

  • @ZoPHiE1998
    @ZoPHiE1998 2 года назад +7

    NGL, it is really is a dark anime.
    It might look like a light anime but BRO! It wasn’t.
    You’ll have a whiplash watching it…one time you’re laughing then 5 mins later, you’re crying your heart out.
    I ABSOLUTELY love the characters, the plot, the animation and the relationship that they have is really like how you’ll meet a real person…it is SO GOOD. Never underestimate this anime…it’s a must watch.

  • @cgilbert210
    @cgilbert210 2 года назад +4

    This anime was a gut punch. Every time Kotaro did something adorable, you realized why and it’s oof. I still absolutely loved it and can’t wait until season 2. It did have a lot of sweet moments as well.

  • @xtanpx
    @xtanpx 5 месяцев назад +2

    It's sad, incredibly sad. But you know Kotaro is such a role model, he's insanely thoughtful, observant and emotionally intelligent. I want to be as strong as he is. I wish I could give him a tight hug. ❤

  • @amara560
    @amara560 2 года назад +4

    This anime was so cathartic. It's so precious to see some of your own experiences and feelings caught in this anime. What got me the most was when Kotarou's neighbours want to organize a birthday party for him and he says 'I never thought of me being born as a good thing'. It hit me right in the feels.

  • @pencokun
    @pencokun 2 года назад +16

    I had originally watched the J-drama adaptation of Kotarou Lives Alone (I was on a J-drama hype after finishing Gekikaradou), and I find it to be extremely gut-wrenching at times. I loved the story so much that I decided to start watching the anime adaptation as well. I have yet to finish it due to work, but this video is making me want to binge-watch it!

    • @egg_bun_
      @egg_bun_ Год назад

      Omg I absolutely have to watch that!! Where is it?

  • @SallyBerry9
    @SallyBerry9 2 года назад +18

    I would love to see your take on Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan!
    It might only have one season out and the manga might not be anywhere close to being finished but I haven’t really seen anyone really talk about it outside of recommending it (although I may have just been missing them).
    It might be the best representation I’ve personally ever seen of the comedy that comes along with being disappointed with how life ends up going and ‘wasting’ potential (as someone who’s been dealing with very similar emotions at a very similar age)

    • @AnimeInRetrospect
      @AnimeInRetrospect  2 года назад +3

      I skipped this when it aired but that does sound like a good time! Might have to check it out.

    • @SallyBerry9
      @SallyBerry9 2 года назад +1

      @@AnimeInRetrospect It’s a great time! Just be prepared to have a bit of an existential crisis at least once per episode while laughing. I hope you enjoy it!

  • @Dragonk116
    @Dragonk116 2 года назад +2

    It definitely was a lot darker than I originally thought this show was going to be, also extremely heartwarming when all his neighbors are basically taking care of him.

  • @vandalg282
    @vandalg282 2 года назад +3

    "That's my boy"....
    Kotaro lives needs to be the final arc.

  • @G2GIGI177
    @G2GIGI177 2 года назад +5

    I was expecting all the sad stuff with Kotaro but I didn’t expect Kotaro to find the trauma in his neighborhood and help people address it. It felt very real in a way I didn’t expect because everyone does have their own issues they are dealing with.

  • @TheInfernapeKingBattletube
    @TheInfernapeKingBattletube 2 года назад +6

    The most gutwrenching was his encounter with the tailor, I think it was in episode 9. I won't spoil much, but that episode explains Kotarou's shirt. I hope he meets that tailor guy again, and give him plenty more shirts.😍

  • @sophiasalazar9358
    @sophiasalazar9358 2 года назад +13

    This is my new favorite anime, and you summed it up so lovely.

  • @smitzy8617
    @smitzy8617 2 года назад +60

    The part that hit me the most is even when he’s mom treated him as a virus he still loved her and wanted to see her :(
    Spoiler -
    She dead as hell

    • @oshawott946
      @oshawott946 2 года назад

      That part shocked me but i couldn’t find more information about it online :/ I couldn’t understand it

    • @natelee6061
      @natelee6061 2 года назад

      Indeed

    • @lagopusvulpuz1571
      @lagopusvulpuz1571 2 года назад

      I never heard of the gloves before this anime. Mi guess after hearing the women’ mother that she felt disgusted by touching her child, is that they (Kotaro’s mother & the woman’s mother) were molested when were kids, holding & clothing their children brings them traumatic memories.

    • @smitzy8617
      @smitzy8617 2 года назад

      @@lagopusvulpuz1571 ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh now I understand ty

    • @lagopusvulpuz1571
      @lagopusvulpuz1571 2 года назад

      @@smitzy8617
      It just a theory, that was my interpretation. Others said is a extreme form of Postpartum Depression or OCD (Obsessive Compulsion Disorder), tho I doubt about the last one, since the woman’s mother said that feels disgusted by touching her child.

  • @eid6584
    @eid6584 2 года назад +5

    When I tell yall I cried at least once every episode I am not joking. I've always been a huge fan of stories about found family and seemingly mature children who've had it rough and this story really just took both and turned it into something out of this world. And it wasn't just nonsensical angst, like something a character holds at their back but never talks about again. We actually got to see how all the things Kotaro had gone through impacted the way he responded to certain situations and his mindset.A nd despite it all, he still was just a kid who wanted to have fun and be loved. It's a really wholesome anime and I can't wait for the next season

  • @ketchupketchup6646
    @ketchupketchup6646 2 года назад +8

    Expensive tissues 😭😭😭

  • @chocohanna
    @chocohanna 2 года назад +4

    I cried in every eps. :'( it hit me when Karino found out Kotaro used to eat tissues :'((( and the fact that his mom left him alone, died unknown, his father used to abuse him before separating with his mom. woah his past was so dark

  • @Nanoheroproductions
    @Nanoheroproductions 2 года назад +12

    Good video. It's probably one of my favorite videos you have ever produced.
    This anime is also one of my new favorites.

  • @Acekechi88
    @Acekechi88 2 года назад +4

    Kotaro lives alone made me cry tears of happiness and sadness. It was an emotional roller coaster

  • @kevtlee08
    @kevtlee08 2 года назад +7

    This anime is something. It had me crying, laughing, and all over the place. I love it so much. It’s my favorite anime of 2022 so far. I love kotaro so much. Never have I ever want such a happy ending for a fictional character.

  • @aren7138
    @aren7138 Год назад +1

    Thank you so much for this, this is a beautiful video and I binged the season in one day too.

  • @hafizatulsufiahyaacob5186
    @hafizatulsufiahyaacob5186 2 года назад +5

    This anime may look wholesome but damn, it's heart wrenching.. with the tissue eating revealiation to the mom touching him with gloves, when his orphanage friend lie and basically trying to steal his money. He even teach his friends to approciate their parents..

  • @froggoschoolaccount
    @froggoschoolaccount 2 года назад +5

    Thank you for talking about this anime! I've never seen other people talk about it, and I can't wait until it gets more popular.

  • @MaoriGamerDood
    @MaoriGamerDood 2 года назад +6

    I'm watching this after seeing the first 4 episodes. I'm loving it.
    It really hits a spot that other more popular ones just can't reach.
    I'm watching it in English and it's actually pretty good.

  • @anime_world6684
    @anime_world6684 Год назад +1

    The anime ended so tragically yet so beautiful, by the theme of the story it makes sense and doesn’t make sense if there’s no season 2

  • @maryanluv2395
    @maryanluv2395 2 года назад +4

    IM SO GLAD PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT THIS ANIME MORE ITS SO GOOD !!! keep up the good work :3

  • @jeanthemachine007
    @jeanthemachine007 2 года назад +6

    Just watched all 10 episodes in under a day and I cried a Nile river 😭

  • @SynchroUEHLNFX
    @SynchroUEHLNFX 2 года назад +4

    This anime hits you. This is really an anime about child neglect and how to overcome it.

  • @AquosFrost
    @AquosFrost 2 года назад +2

    The Netflix preview made it look like a cute slice of life

  • @TokenBlacklabel
    @TokenBlacklabel 2 года назад +2

    This show kick me in the feels and then stomped on them.. over and over again.. great show

  • @mycoal6912
    @mycoal6912 2 года назад +3

    The way I absolutely BAWLED at the ending of episode 9, I'm ready to donate to help build his castle 😭😭😭

  • @kamurochokaraokedragon214
    @kamurochokaraokedragon214 2 года назад +4

    Every time Rie Kugimiya plays a 5 to 8 years old child in any media, I mentally prepare to bawl my eyes out.

  • @xentherandomsewerrat5521
    @xentherandomsewerrat5521 2 года назад +2

    0:27
    Japan actually don't use gold for this technique. They use a sticky, rubbery black tar that sticks the pieces back together, and once it dries, you brush on a golden powder that only sicks to the tar (still sticky while dried)The black tar dries quickly in hot and humid environments, also making it more durable, making Japan the perfect place to use it ( Japan is hot and humid for most to basically all year ) In Japan, this technique has been used for centuries and has become part of the culture. It is used to show that broken things can and are able to be beautiful. thought this would be interesting for some of you! ❤️

  • @ithamarlowe2629
    @ithamarlowe2629 2 года назад +2

    I watch these type of anime in the middle of the night so nobody can see me sobbing and crying crocodile tears

  • @TMS004
    @TMS004 2 года назад +6

    Thanks a lot for making such unique videos 😊

  • @n0tebook078
    @n0tebook078 2 года назад +4

    When I saw this anime that was released on Netflix, I thought it was going to be terrible or bad. So I watched it blindly without reading any reviews or anyone opinion on it, and man it hit so hard. I never expected it to be so dark and sad with just the story alone. Watching it blindly without knowing a single thing about it, made me feel like I'm in the neighbors shoes. Slowly learning more and more about Kotaro and his situation which hit even harder.

  • @QurlirtyBrainwave
    @QurlirtyBrainwave 4 месяца назад +1

    "But the further he trudges on the more he starts to smell the roses"

  • @sherwinjhon7604
    @sherwinjhon7604 9 месяцев назад +2

    Almost every character in this anime has somewhat a negative life specially Kotaro, but joining two negatives creates positive, and i think this anime shows it, which is why I love it.

  • @inceltatsu9917
    @inceltatsu9917 2 года назад +4

    Sometimes I feels like leaving my parents and to live alone. But after watching this anime I decided not to leave them. I had a beautiful childhood although my teenage was rough that’s what will make me stronger in the long run.

  • @Riceachu
    @Riceachu 2 года назад +1

    I enjoyed your review of the anime Kotaro Lives Alone. You explain it so well and using roses and thorns as an analogy was great. You do it justice without giving away spoilers.

  • @wokebans
    @wokebans 2 года назад +1

    Easily my new favorite anime channel on RUclips

  • @SourRobo8364
    @SourRobo8364 2 года назад +5

    I couldn't make it pass the second episode. Felt like my heart was being squashed.

  • @xMoac
    @xMoac 2 года назад +5

    I seldom watch anime but I am glad I noticed this anime on Netflix today: finished it in one sitting. My favourite anime thus far.

  • @aGr3atD4y
    @aGr3atD4y 2 года назад +1

    Great review! I was really surprised by the dark moments whilst watching ep 1

  • @tosh221985
    @tosh221985 7 месяцев назад +1

    Great review. Not too many spoilers and a really good presentation I'll be subbing

  • @PickleMuncher97
    @PickleMuncher97 2 года назад +3

    First video I've seen of yours and I really enjoyed. Definitely subscribing. I really loved this anime imo it's a 10/10 hit me in all the spots and suprised me with just how deep it is

  • @brezze3431
    @brezze3431 2 года назад +4

    Man the times I cried during this show 😭 it was such a wonderful anime to watch really pulled my heartstrings!❤️

  • @CdramaInvasion
    @CdramaInvasion Год назад +2

    Put it on while making breakfast ended up crying while eating not what I expected

  • @Jmm9667
    @Jmm9667 2 года назад +1

    I just want to say I saw your video pop up on my timeline about 5 before I decided "dang I better watch this anime" came back after binging in 1 day to watch your video 👍

  • @GreatDemonVenerable
    @GreatDemonVenerable 2 года назад +7

    Dude how the heck do you only have 1.5k subscribers ? I love this video of your view on Kotaro so you got a sub from me !

    • @AnimeInRetrospect
      @AnimeInRetrospect  2 года назад +3

      Thanks. Real answer is probably that I need to upload more!

  • @yuri-bv7rk
    @yuri-bv7rk 2 года назад +5

    I just finished watching this show. Season one has ten episodes and I cried at all ten episodes.

  • @Vikapediathat
    @Vikapediathat Год назад +1

    I just finished watching this and I was so happy and sad the whole way through. I ended up rewatching clips on RUclips to help with the loss of an amazing show I’ll never get to experience the same way again. Now I’m here!

  • @jbark678
    @jbark678 2 года назад +1

    When you remember that Erin made a million Kotaro's and at least a couple Grave of the Fireflies.

  • @ArahabakinoKami
    @ArahabakinoKami 2 года назад +3

    So bittersweet, but also so wholesome. Just watched it and loved it so much.