Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge

Adapting the “田中くんはいつもけだるげ” manga by Uda Nozomi into anime, “Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge” is a lovely comedy that could be labeled as the ultimate ‘leisurely’ slice-of-life anime.

While there are plenty of terrific slice-of-life anime like “Aria” or this season’s “Flying Witch” that boast a leisurely pace and soothing atmosphere, “Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge” takes it a step further. It isn’t merely because the show’s protagonist Tanaka is so listless and always dozing off, but each episode makes you feel as if you’ve just taken a soothing, relaxing nap.

Silver Links’ work on “Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge” boasts an excellent combination of subdued, low contrast colors, and the studio perfectly balances the pace of each episode so it feels leisurely and relaxed, yet the show never comes across as boring, uneventful or too slow.
The comedy is handled similarly well, especially Miyano’s cute shenanigans and Echizen’s silly facial expressions are adorable, yet it is never the sort of slapstick comedy that makes you roar with laughter.

Also noteworthy about the animation by studio Silver Links in “Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge” is the background artwork, specifically the architectural and interior design of the school building. A contemporary styling with lots of natural-looking materials and colors, make this look like a modern office space with plenty of open space and light, instead of the classic, plain Japanese school design usually seen in anime.

Originally omitted it from my to watch list for this spring season as the plot synopsis did sound like it would be the slice-of-life anime that I personally enjoy, am nonetheless glad I did pick up “Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge” after all as it is the type of lighthearted, soothing slice-of-life show that I adore.

Recommend this show to all fans of slice-of-life anime. Am certain that together with “Flying Witch” it will be one of the season's sleeper hits.
You can watch “Tanaka-kun is Always Listless” on Crunchyroll.