Why can't anime stop calling me out?
Together with Maman is a popular pre-school show based on an actual real life pre-school show with a similar name, it's cast members consist of Gymnast Uramichi, mascots Usahara and Kumatani along with singers Iketeru and Utano but behind the cheerful performances lies a cast of barely functioning adults as each one showcases the darker sides of adulthood with lead character Uramichi often revealing insightful and disturbing advice to the kids that appear on the show.
The premise itself is very much in the dark comedy category but as someone who is older than the cast of the show (late 20s or over 30) I feel frequently called out by everything the cast talk about and go through, it's not something I enjoy especially as I've jumped in and out of depression for the last five-seven years and I watch anime to escape this sort of thing.
Let's break down the five main characters and their issues.
Uramichi: The best example of the burned out working adult, Uramichi is one bad day away from snapping.
Usahara: Someone who didn't get the memo that he's nearly 30 and constantly blows his money on gambling and expensive food and drink not to mention he's likely going to be killed by his co-workers for talking shit behind their backs.
Kumatani: Looks the most functional but due to anger issues triggered by unpleasant people, he looks like he's holding back his emotions constantly knowing he'll lose another job if he loses his temper.
Iketeru: He's an adult with clear autism, he misses plenty of cues by constantly spacing out and needs clear instructions just to function but is likely the most talented in the group. He needs protecting.
Utano: The only female cast member is stuck in a go nowhere relationship with her comedian boyfriend and is desperate to marry if only to have validation for her previous mistakes in her singing career.
So do I like this anime?
Hard to say really, it's extremely well written and the sub has a level of layers that would be lost on the average fan, even the dub isn't that bad but I wish Uramichi had a better voice actor, considering the subject matter, this would suit a washed up voice actor like Vic Mignogna.
Final Verdict: A solidly written series that is in equal parts funny and uncomfortable especially for people around the same age or older than the cast.
Life Lessons With Uramichi Oniisan Review
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