Review of Honey Lemon Soda

TDLR: A really underrated show that's definitely worth watching. This story has a few things you don't always see, character development and a romance that goes somewhere. I always see people describe certain anime characters as "autistic". I don't know how appropriate that diagnostic is but the way certain characters in certain animes are written could certainly be perceived that way. It's important to remember that Japan is a different culture with its own rules, ways of expressions, cultural norms, and personalities. It can be frustrating to watch a neurotypical character struggle to do the most basic things or have the simplest of conversations; you cant helpbut even wonder how they even made it that far in life. This anime's main character has many moments like that. In this case, that's the point; that's the characters main aspect and what she works to overcome over the anime.

This anime is definitely a hidden gem and I do thinks it's worth watching but it's not without its shortcomings. I'm going to be a bit harsh and overly-picky. The plot can seem repetitive, characters seemingly go around in circles, having to overcome problems they seemingly already addressed or solved. This anime also does something (and I understand this might be more common in Japanese culture) where a crowd of people (mostly one-note background/supporting characters) need to witness something and react to it. It's not enough that the MC and love interest have these interactions, it doesn't "count" unless all the background characters can witness it and react to it. The background characters can all sort of blend into one, and overall be very one dimensional. Aside from acting as an in-universe representation for the viewers, the background characters can become somewhat stale or even annoying. The love interest also doesn't really have much depth. A dark past or shady connections is hinted at but not really explored. He's edgy and attractive and every girl wants him, so of course he wants the MC that's "plain", nerdy, doesn't speak, and has never been noticed by another human soul in any positive way (this has certainly never been done in anime before). It's never actually revealed just what he likes about her.

I really like how this anime actually makes note of how awkward, slow, and socially inept the MC is and works to get her to change in a positive way. It also doesn't happen overnight like you see in some amines. Though I do feel that it could have been paced better. I like how it addresses bullying and shows that it can happen to anyone and how that dynamic can change if you really work on it. I like how it doesn't present her parents (mostly her father) as these cool, hip, young, go-with-the-flow, down for anything parents like certain animes do. They are shown as realistic, strict, worrying, traditional, and even stifling representation that I don't imagine is too different from many actual parents in Japan. It's even shown how their actions cause the MC to be the way she is. This aired along the second half of Blue Box and compared to the progress made there, the anime is miles ahead (though I would be remise if I didn't mention Blue Box is an overall slightly better anime).

All in all, I think this anime has a lot to offer. I think you definitely should watch it. It actually has progress and what I thought was a pleasant ending. It's optimistic and hopeful; qualities that are much needed these days.