Kotaro Lives Alone (2022) Series Review

 

Kotaro Lives Alone (Original title: Kotarou wa Hitorigurashi) | 2022 | 10 episodes
Genre: Anime/Seinen/Slice of Life/Animation/Comedy/Drama | Country: Japan
IMDB: 8.3/10
My Rate: 10/10

Kotaro, a five-year-old boy who has just moved and lives alone in Shimizu Apartment, meets its residents—Karino, Tamaru, and Mizuki—who immediately fall in love with and feel sympathy for him. Kotaro’s presence makes their days full of many unexpected new events.

Warning:

Nudity, coarse language, and alcohol

 
Synopsis:

Kotaro, a five-year-old child, moves into room number 203 in Shimizu Apartment. He lives alone without his parents. Kotaro appears very independent and does everything by himself.

As an introduction, Kotaro hands out tissues to his neighbors: Karino, a manga artist who lives in room 202; Mizuki, who works at a nightclub and lives in room 201; and Tamaru, a middle-aged man who dresses like a gangster and lives on the first floor. Everyone is surprised by Kotaro’s presence but also likes it and brings the apartment residents closer to each other.

Karino feels worried about Kotaro, so he always follows and accompanies Kotaro wherever he goes. Although Kotaro initially feels uncomfortable with this, he eventually gets used to Karino’s presence. Their relationship grows closer without them realizing it.

Mizuki helps Kotaro face his feelings. Sometimes Kotaro feels lonely even though he always denies it. Mizuki always tries to cheer him up and make Kotaro feel safe.

Tamaru has a child the same age as Kotaro. Whenever he sees Kotaro, he feels affectionate and wants to hug him. Kotaro is uncomfortable with this and always threatens Tamaru with his toy sword. However, Tamaru becomes someone who is always ready to defend Kotaro.

Kotaro begins to attend school, and all the residents want to always be around him so Kotaro does not feel lonely. Little by little, Kotaro’s past, feelings, and traumas are revealed. Unexpected events also often occur in his daily life.

What will Kotaro’s life be like next?

 

Review:

"If I become strong, I can live with my father again"

Kotaro Lives Alone is a series adapted from the Japanese manga of the same name by Mami Tsumura. This series has also been adapted into a live-action version. The story idea is quite simple and interesting. Many scenes are entertaining and also touching.

Each episode has a diverse story. The background of the story and characters is well developed. Conflicts and resolutions are presented well and logically. We can see the character development of each character and the deepening relationships between them.

The animation is very smooth and dynamic. The color composition also looks neat and well arranged. The choice of sound effects and background music is done well, enhancing the atmosphere of each scene. The voice actors also do their job well and can represent each character.

Overall, this series is suitable for watching during free time. It is not suitable for children due to its somewhat heavy themes and many scenes that may be difficult for children to understand. However, there are messages and lessons to be learned, namely the importance of being a brave and independent child.

An impressive scene is in episode 6, where Kotaro asks the detective investigating him not to inform his father of his whereabouts. Kotaro is not yet ready to meet his father because he feels he is not 'strong' enough. Kotaro wants to become strong first so that he can feel worthy of meeting his father.

This scene actually often happens in society, where children are expected to always be strong. It is as if recognition of their existence will only be granted if they can meet certain criteria desired by their parents.

 

Recommendation:

Must Watch

 

(Aluna)