Review of Tsugumomo

Tsugumomo looks like a typical generic shounen action harem show, at least at first sight. You've got Kazuya, our weak and average male MC who has to get stronger to fight some supernatural creatures, Kiriha, the supernatural and strong female lead who helps him, some more harem cast, and some ecchi of course. But right after the first episode, I knew this would be different, and I would like it. And after finishing, I knew that I was right. Yes it uses generic elements, but many of them in a rather unusual way. But there is more to it than just generics. Tsugumomo has plenty of ecchi scenes, but more ina funny way.
Not like for example Shinmai Maou no Testament which is sometimes borderline Hentai, and you see lots of detailed boobs, butts, and lewd SM stuff going on, to make you pitch a tent between the fights.
Instead, you don't get to see any details, but plenty of lewd comments from the acting persons what's going on, or unambiguous visual substitutes of what happens.
And there is definitely a lot going on, in fact his whole harem (including his childhood friend and even his big sister) at once gets him off multiple times, and there are quite obvious hints that even more has happend with some harem members, something quite rarely seen, although not really voluntarily from his side...
You don't get to see many panty shots except those for some comedy, I think mostly because Kiriha does't wear any anyway, which is another comedic element here.
Really, I laughed my ass off during these scenes, I liked very much how explicit Tsugumomo was without being visual explicit.

Comedy has a big role in the show, be it stereotypical, lewd, or unconventional.
Have you ever thought of a local goddess getting so weak due to lacking belief and overuse of her powers, that her body transforms to a very young girl?
And of that literally poor goddess begging for money of another goddess, and a very lewd one on top of that?

And Tsugumomo actually has a plot, though not the most innovative kind, but with quite interesting reference to Japanese popular beliefs.
I mean, seriously, who ever thought of fighting with an obi (a kimono belt) as a weapon, but it works and you get some decent fights.
It's just a little disappointing that not everything is explained, for example what exactly had happend to Kazuya in his past and why.
That calls for a second season, but I think one has to read the manga...

Character drawing is sometimes quite simple, but without looking lazy, and sometimes more detailed, mostly during any kind of action.
The only thing I didn't quite like was Chisato's hair style, the high forehead without hair looks a bit awkward.
Animation is fluent and nice to watch.
I also liked the visual substitutes, like a bunch of hearts popping up, a massive telescopic crane, or the Rin (a cup gong), these always made me grin lewdly.
You won't see any full front nudity, the most important parts are always covered with towels, arms, soap, blur or stuff like that.
I'm fully ok with that, it fits the show very well, you don't always have to have massive boobs swinging right before your eyes (although that can be quite nice from time to time, too).

Sound is nice and decent, all seiyuu voice their character very well, I especially liked Kiriha's voice with that lewd tone, and Kokuyou's deep voice and formal mode of expression.

Character design is quite ok, the more important characters all get some sort of development, although that is not the most important part for that kind of show.
I wished that Kokuyou had some more screen time, I really liked her dry comments...

As Tsugumomo is a comedy show, character design can not work without using stereotypes, because it would be a waste of comedic resources.
You just have to use the tropes in a clever way instead of showing the exact same template like the cheap generic shows.
I'm sure we all have seen many different male-wants-to-take-a-bath-but-nude-female-is-already-there-scenes, and the female char screams, beats up the male char, or both.
But when Kazuya rushes in, Kiriha just tells him to wash her back, because he as her servant surely is here to do that anyway.

I liked Tsugumomo a lot, and even rewatched the most hilarious scenes, still laughing like the first time.
If you are here just for some boobs, you will be disappointed.
But if you like lewd humour, I think this is for you!