Dagashi Kashi
Dagashi
Kashi was one of the few titles that caught my attention when I first browsed
through the list of anime that would be airing during the 2015/2016 Winter
season. Its premise intrigued me, because how could an anime about candy go
wrong, right?
Even the title is a play on words, with it either meaning ‘cheap,
Japanese sweets’ or ‘however’. Throw in two girls who will have viewers arguing
across episode discussion threads over who wins the ‘Best Girl’ title and I was
sold.
Even though
the anime finished its run a month ago, I’m still able to vividly remember the
various sweets and snacks that were introduced, with more than a few being
familiar to me and most Asian viewers, I’d bet. Not forgetting the various
situations that protagonist Shikada Kokonotsu and gang landed themselves in,
along with the history and trivia for each snack, sweet or treat.
I’m glad
with how Feel handled Dagashi Kashi’s anime adaptation, with the original manga
having a faster pace due to its comedic nature. The studio has added its own
touches and slowed the pace down in order to fit the 12-episode format without
each one feeling draggy and less entertaining.
Each episode follows a similar
formula of introducing a certain snack, along with its history, variations and
even different methods of consumption. The characters’ gags and interactions
revolve around the treat being featured, more often than not and form the base
for much of the anime’s humour.
However,
the anime isn’t without its flaws. Viewers looking for an intricate plot or
even love triangle-esque romance between Saya, Hotaru and Kokonotsu can look
away. The main focus of the series would be on the candy being introduced in
each episode and character development is often overlooked because of that.
I’m
disappointed that the anime didn’t take the chance to address each character’s
backstory and history more, feeling like a prisoner to the featured candy each
episode. It felt like a wasted opportunity at times, especially with such an
entertaining cast.
Dagashi
Kashi doesn’t take itself seriously and it’s a nice series to watch after a
long day at work or after one too many episodes or chapters involving death,
war, politics and the like.
The animation is well-polished, having an amazing
opening and ending theme and soundtrack to boot. It was lucky to have been
placed in a less competitive season, or else I might not have discovered it at
all.
Written by ET
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