Review of Ya Boy Kongming!

The anime very briefly touches upon themes of anxiety and depression. Suicidal ideation and attempted suicide are briefly shown (not in detail) and talked about - just a little warning for those of us for whom those are triggering topics. Those topics are "resolved" in a very fairy tail-ish fashion and i understand how that might turn some people off this anime. If you absolutely loathe comedy anime, let this be the first and only you'll ever watch. IMO a MUST WATCH for anyone who likes funny, heartfelt stories about dreams, Most unlikely friendships, deeply respectful rivalries and love for the craft. Paripi Koumei really is somethingvery special. There are no real twists and turns, its not complicated or serious. Its lighthearted, sweet and easy like iced tea on a hot day. Its earnest and has so much love for its characters and their aspirations, its impossible to not give in to its charm.

Kongming himself is excellent, his "age" and lack of modern world knowledge isnt played for laughs in a typical "uh oh he doesnt know how smartphones work, just like grandpa!". Yes, he requires some explanations in the beginning, but boy does he get very proficient very quickly. He's a funny scheming old party man that has SO much heart and sheer intent of enjoying his new life to the fullest. However, in the second half or so he gets more of a backseat, which was not a problem for me, but might be for some.

The main heroine, just like the anime itself, is simple yet compelling. Just an earnest girl with a dream, shes very easy to like and root for, she tries her damnest to reach her dream and she and Kongming have such a sweet friendship!

The side characters are wonderful, you root for them almost as much as for the main heroine.