Usagi Drop

Initially did not plan to sample or watch “Usagi Drop”, the anime adapted from the original manga by Unita Yumi, but several fellow otaku spoke highly of the show so decided to give it a try.

Was convinced right away when watching the first episode! While perhaps a bit peculiar, “うさぎドロップ” is a very touching series about salary man Daikichi who becomes the guardian of his departed grandfather’s illegitimate daughter, Rin.

The first few episodes focus on Daikichi taking in Rin, how he must drastically alter his life of hard working days riding the last train home, to cope with the sudden responsibility of raising a six year old girl on his own.

Luckily Rin is not a mere cute moe shell character, but a believable -if a bit too conveniently- mature girl whose interaction with Daikichi has terrific chemistry. Thanks to this they involve the viewer not only in Daikichi and Rin’s own respective issues, but in their relationship dynamic as child and foster parent.

We’re not only shown how taking in Rin profoundly alters Daikichi’s life in terms of practical matters, his career and outlook on things, but enough time is spent on how it all affects Rin as well, showing that even a young girl can have profound questions about life when faced with such challenges.

Animated by Production IG, the animation style is very different from “Blood-C”, another series that Production IG is doing this summer season. The subdued, pastel-like faded coloring typical for “Usagi Drop” give it a peculiar style that also ensures the visual don’t overrule the characters and their story.

Rin is voiced by a young voice talent which helps making her character more believable. Daikichi is voiced by Tsuchida Hiroshi who previously did roles like Packy in “Cat Shit One”.

Ueda Kana voices Daikichi’s cousin Haruko, she also voiced Fumi in “Maria-sama ga Miteru”, Sakuya in “Hayate No Gotoku!” and Hazumu in “Kashimashi ~Girl meets Girl~”.
Koki’s mother -who has yet to appear- will be voiced by Ohara Sayaka, who previously voiced Yuuko in “xxxHolic” and Milly in “Code Geass”.

Wonder how much we’ll see of Rin’s mother Masako, as she’s voiced by Sakamoto Maaya, who also handled roles like Haruhi in “Ouran High School Host Club” and Shiki in “Kara No Kyoukai”.

Alas with the Internet rife with messages, writings and musings about “Usagi Drop”, was regrettably spoiled about the rough plot outline regarding the end of the manga’s story, but do not think that will detract me from enjoying the anime series run.

While had not expected this to be a show I would like, it’s been surprisingly good so far and has me hooked for more, so definitely recommend it!