Review of CHOYOYU!: High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even in Another World!

How many isekai anime did we get this year? From the Fall season alone, we got plenty enough to add to the roster ranging from anime about saving animals, an overly cautious protagonist, and even one with a blue haired bookworm. From the author of Chivalry of a Failed Knight, we receive an anime about high school prodigies. As the title implies, Choujin is an anime exactly as it sounds. It’s about a group of Japanese prodigies who enters a fantasy world. What’s unique about this group is that each of the characters specializes in a different field with their abilities. This anime chronicles their adventurein a fantasy world where they solve problems caused by corruption. And from the start, the first few episodes didn’t waste time to establish the main cast. Every main character stands out in some way or form whether it’s their personality or unique skill. As such, you really shouldn’t be expecting only one character to carry the show. From my first impressions, this anime wants to make the most of its characters. We quickly meet Tsukasa Mikogami a prime minister with heterochromia coming from a previous world. With a personality of wisdom, he stands out as a poster boy of restoring peace and eradicating corruption. Joining him includes Lyrule, the mysterious elf who seems to have feelings for him. The anime doesn’t fully commit on their relationship but it’s obvious that she sees Tsukasa as more than a close friend. It also doesn’t take long for the audience to meet the other main characters – Shinobu Sarutobi, Keine Kanzaki, Aoi Ichijiou, Ringo Oohoshi, and Prince Akatsuki, and Sanada Masato. Possessing skills such as medical expertise, swordsmanship, ninja art, magic, and among others, these prodigies stands as a symbol of hope for their world.

The main question you should ask yourself is why you should care about these characters. From first glance, there’s not much special about them. Most of the cast fits within the archetype of isekai protagonists. Even someone as intelligent as Tsukasa lacks depth about his character. However, as a collective group, they stand together as an important part of the main story. They all share similar goals and to pursue that goal require a level of trust and commitment. Many of the episodes focuses on these prodigies working together to fight the good fight. Regardless of the circumstances, they want to rid of the corruption in this new world and show that there’s a light in the dark tunnel. Some of these characters take major risks by putting themselves above others such as Shinobu. In particular episode, she surrenders herself to save an innocent woman and her child from public humiliation. Aoi is also known for her valor and fights with honor to uphold the law. Even someone as childish as Prince Akatsuki knows the morals of right and wrong. There are also other minor characters who joins in these prodigies in their quest to free corruption such as Jeanne de Leblan, Winona, and Elka. A main theme of the show is how anyone can make a difference whether you’re a prodigy or an ordinary folk. Choyoyui actually does this quite well and as an anime only viewer, it’s gratifying.

For a world of corruption, the main antagonists comes off as a stereotypical as you can get. For instance, Gustav is a corrupt ruler of a town and uses his power to humiliate the people. It isn’t until Shinobu takes a stand against his ego that they manage to restore peace. Gustav comes off as a very unlikable character. He has no redeemable traits and it’s easy for us to hate him. Unfortunately, antagonists like Gustav are easily forgettable and once they’re dealt with, you’ll probably never talk about them again. Maruis Findolf is another example who treats Lyrule like a toy. It’s despicable to know such individuals exist in their world and get away with their actions. If this anime’s goal is to get us to hate the antagonists, it sure as hell worked. But if the goal was trying the viewers into investing interest in them, then the show definitely dropped the ball.

Watching Choyoyui can also be an entertaining and more relaxed experience in some cases. As dramatic as the plot is, there’s breather moments with the characters taking breaks and enjoying their new lifestyles. These often come in the form of leisure time such as taking baths. And because the anime has some alluring female cast, you should be prepared for some juicy fan service coming. The author did work on Chivalry of a Failed Knight after all and is known for some of its infamous fan service. Comedy also takes the form of character personalities in particular Prince Akatsuki. Don’t be expecting to laugh too much but just know that Choyoyui is not all gloom and doom.

Studio Project No.9 is a questionable choice given their resume of mediocre anime lineup. Choyoyui’s art style is perhaps most noticeable for two subjects – the character designs with each of the cast’s traits and the action cinematics. Don’t expect an ufotable caliber level of choreography but do watch for some stylish battles such as Aoi’s rocket ride and Shinobu’s unorthodox ninja talents. As I mentioned before, the character designs for the female cast is alluring such as with Keine’s beautiful eyes and Lyrule’s elven ears. Fan service is conscious with some episodes being aware of how it presents them. (see the massage and bath scenes if you’re not a believer) The male cast also possess noticeable looks with Tsukasa’s heterochromia eyes and Masato’s professional business suit. To say it clearly, this is actually one of Studio Project No.9’s improved projects.

Normally, I wouldn’t talk much about voice acting in an isekai show. However, character voices such as Aoi’s accent and Masato’s professionalism is hard to ignore. Even some of the antagonists’ voices brings out their villainous traits to full fold without holding back. The theme songs features an ensemble of the prodigies in this other world.

Honestly, watching Choyoyui is probably as good or awful as you want it to be. After seeing so many isekai anime in recent years, it feels like watching the same thing over again and expecting different results. Choyoyui does carry some entertaining characters that you can’t take your eyes off but other times falls short on expectations. The main plot is questionable as it revolves around the same themes almost every episode. So in other words, Choyoyui stands in the line of average and it’s really hard to say it’s something great.