Review of Teasing Master Takagi-san

legitimately one of my favourite anime of Winter 2018 Summary: Heartwarming and nostalgic, it's a gentle and funny exploration into how first love can be hard to spot and the different speeds children come to realise it. Firstly, let me address some of the minor issue I have with Karakai Jouzo no Takagi-san: . Yes, Nishikata does suffer from the, all too common, stupid Protag-kun syndrome. However, in this case, I make allowances for his age. Since I know (from personal experience) how much slower boys are at getting started in the romance game . Some people regard this anime as having a bullying theme, but I think theyare very wrong in that regard, since it is clear from the off-set that Takagi has a MAJOR crush on Nishikata and the "teasing" in never mean spirited, but I can see how some people might be misguided into believing this from the title and synopsis.
. Takagi's character design is more 'big forehead' than 'big tree'. I can see how it might be off-putting to some, but I found it endearing.

Now, for the good stuff:
.The show format is broken down by chapter, which means that, while there is progress in the overall story, it is never monotonous and repetitive, especially when it is interspersed with chapters dedicated to the three girls; Mina; Yukari and Sanae. They each had their own unique characters, but Mina was, by far, my favourite as she was the quintessential tomboy. Their contribution was always lighthearted and was responsible for the best of the comedy.
.The romance is clear to see (to everyone except Nishikata, as you'd expect) but it is genuine, gentle and heartwarming. It gave me a great sense of nostalgia. Takagi's teasing is never mean and when her facade does occasionally slip it's really enjoyable to witness (if you like 'young love' stories, as I do).
. The music is another highlight, primarily due to the variety. I'm not certain, but it appears that there is an entire album's worth of ending songs in this anime, all from the artist Rie Takahashi...most surprisingly, they are all well in keeping with the lighthearted nature of this anime and I liked them all, without exception.

Would watch again, especially as a mood booster. Left me with a similar good vibe as the anime Amaama to Inazuma.