Kamichu!

I really like shows that incorporate shinto themes and I also like slice of life anime and anime that doesn't really have fanservice or other "adult" themes when it comes to minors. This is a great example of that. Kamichu! is about a middle school kid who becomes a god, in the shinto sense, and how her life changes as a result of that. She explores the supernatural world while maintaining her friendships, having wild, supernatural (and otherworldly) adventures, and trying to get the attention of her crush. It's a charming show that I would describe as being a bit Ghibly-esque. This is, to my mind, anime at its best, a well executed, character driven coming-of-age that incorporates elements that would be difficult to pull off in a live-action film. All the while, it doesn't pander to otaku or the so-called "male gaze". It's a pity then that it's not really the kind of thing that anime audiences really go for. The main character, Yurie, the titular chuugakusei no kami-sama, is an innocent girl, even for a middle schooler, which contrasts well against her more worldly friends. Nevertheless, no one is too precocious - we get believable renders of a cast of kids that age. The adventures are driven by the newly attained godhood of Yurie, who struggles to make sense of the world she now occupies. The show is a bit like Non Non Biyori in that it's about a group of friends doing kid stuff and being charming, but with the supernatural twist that accompanies our main character being a literal god. It is a 1980s period piece set in Onomichi on the coast of Japan's Inland Sea. It thrives on the off-kilter stories it tells and the relaxing atmosphere it creates. It's genuinely wholesome, not "wholesome with caveats" as so many shows given the label are, and while I like it a lot, I think it might bore many viewers. It's a bit like Tonari no Totoro, a film that I think is special but cannot fault anyone for dismissing. Overall, it's a cozy fairytale and not much more, but that's really all I want out of it.

Kamichu is one of those anime's where you wish you saw it when it came out because it gives you a sense of nostalgia. It is a very light hearted show that has a slow paced story each episode with some connections through-out the whole series. Story: The story is overall enjoyable but for the most part the story isn't anything amazing, they are just 24 minute snippets into Yurie's life as a middleschooler/new goddess. Which this format is perfectly fine for the slice-of-life genre the show takes. The only main story plot line that sticks throughout the whole show is her crush for Kenji. Art: as other shows from the earlier 2000's the art is good, but I'd say its on the higher end. Characters and spirits are drawn out well and scenes have good details, personally I wish I had a copy of the DVD because it's hard to find higher quality episodes due to its age and its lack of awareness outside of Japan. Sound: This show shines in the music department, definitely one of my favorite parts of the show, wouldn't be the same without it. That's all to it, its relaxing when its supposed to be and energetic when it's more exciting. Characters: They don't go into too much detail about the characters previously to the start of the show. This story is really there to show the growth of each of the characters but each grow differently and/or a lot less or more than others. The majority of the main cast are middle-school kids who are experiencing life and finding what they enjoy and don't. Other characters like Matsuri can sometimes be more annoying and pushy but they way they are written they don't get worse to the point where you don't end up liking them. Enjoyment: I would recommend this show to other people who are into slice-of-life or the Iyashikei theme and don't mind slower paced shows. It never really got me laughing but it did get a few chuckles out of me, but that's probably due to more I'm older. Overall: Do give this show a chance, you should at least say by the end of it that you didn't think you waste your time. This is definitely a show to go at your own pace, no need to rush it or binge it unless you want to. I would even say this show is underrated due to age and lack of word of mouth. Especially now that Iyashikei shows are picking up this would be a good one to add to your to-watch-list. Just be careful of the beach episode because there isn't any fan servicey scenes until there. Why they added animation budget for it I'll never know. Ps there are extras and I'd say they are nicer than the main episodes. They do fit in between certain episodes but I watched them after the main series and it didn't really make a difference. But do check em out if you like the main series.