Sasami-san@Ganbaranai
ささみさん@がんばらないThe Japanese call them hikikomori—people who've become so withdrawn socially that they refuse to leave their homes for weeks and even months at a time. For Sasami Tsukuyomi, who's attempting to pass her first year of high school despite being a shut in, it's more than just a word. Fortunately though, she lives with her older brother Kamiomi, who just happens to be a teacher at the school Sasami is supposed to attend. Not to mention, her "Brother Surveillance Tool" which lets her view the outside world via her computer and will, theoretically, allow her to readjust to interfacing with people again. What it mainly does, however, is let her view her brother's interactions with the three very odd Yagami sisters, who inexplicably seem to have had their ages reversed and have various types of "interest" in Kamiomi. And then things start to get really weird... Magical powers? Everything turning into chocolate? Is life via the web warping Sasami's brain, or is it the universe that's going crazy? (Source: Sentai Filmworks)
Reviews
kozey.maye - 2013-07-05 02:02:08
Though not by any means amazing, Sasami-san@Ganbaranai certainly is an enjoyable, but quite strange series. While I find it difficult to categorize it into any particular genre, it could probably be best described as a comedic thriller.The first episode is a bit of a trip through madness, showing the main character, Sasami Tsukuyomi, spying on her pervert brother from home before the world inexplicably turns to chocolate, with three strange girls, the Yagami sisters, bringing things back to normal in a very over the top way. However, the first episode doesn't quite capture the true essence of this series, which reveals important details with each episode that explain what the viewer has seen previously. The underlying theme is Sasami's desire to escape from supernatural obligation and live a more ordinary life. The story itself is fairly weak and felt a little a random or directionless at times, with events often resolved with deus ex machina plot elements, but the characters are enjoyable and developed pretty well. There is a fair amount (though not overwhelming) of "ecchi" humour, as well as references to Shinto mythology and Japanese internet culture here, which some people will love, while others might feel lost watching this. Beyond all that, the art style is beautiful, with a very watercolour sort of design that sets it apart from most contemporary anime, along with character designs that really bring out the personality of each of the characters. The music is quite good, too, with a catchy opening theme by ZAQ, and the background music, while it isn't memorable, sets the mood well. The ending theme is mostly played for laughs, with off-key singing and commentary by various characters throughout almost the entirety of the series.Overall, I think that Sasami-san@Ganbaranai is a good watch, though not for everyone. If you're willing to overlook the aimless storyline and can appreciate the otaku elements though, you'll probably enjoy this series too.