Dagashi Kashi

Dagashi Kashi is a captivating Japanese anime series that aired in 2016 by the reputable Tokyo Broadcasting System. Striking a perfect balance between comedy and slice of life elements, the series is inspired by Kotoyama's manga of the same name. The title, Dagashi Kashi, refers to inexpensive candies and snacks that children typically enjoy, an integral element to the heart of this series.

The storyline primarily revolves around Kokonotsu Shikada, the male protagonist who harbors a dream of becoming a manga artist. However, he faces conflict with his destiny as he's expected to take over his family's countryside dagashi shop. Dagashi are cheap candies and snacks that are popular among kids and promote a nostalgic essence of Japanese culture, and the Shikada Shop has been producing these beloved treats for nine generations.

The monotony of Kokonotsu's life takes a turn when the quirky and effervescent Hotaru Shidare storms into the scene. Hotaru is the heiress of the globally renowned sweet company, Shidare Corporation. She visits the countryside with a unique agenda—to convince Kokonotsu's father, Yo Shikada, to join her family's corporation, given his incredible skills in the dagashi-making profession. However, Yo places a condition - he will only agree if Hotaru can persuade Kokonotsu to take over the family dagashi business.

As a result, a majority of the series explores the humorous and entertaining exploits of Hotaru as she diligently works to convince Kokonotsu to inherit the family business. Throughout the journey of persuasion, the series delivers a variety of comedic situations, interspersed with nuggets of information about traditional Japanese dagashi in each episode. The narrative is beautifully paced, charming the audience with the delightful and colorful personalities of the characters while offering them an insight into the lucrative world of dagashi.

Each character in Dagashi Kashi is intricately constructed, fostering exclusive qualities that add depth to the narrative. Kokonotsu is a classic example of a character torn between his dreams and his obligations. His artistic nature and playful characteristics align perfectly with the vibrant atmosphere the show projects. On the other hand, Hotaru Shidare is a candy fanatic whose passion for dagashi is palpable. Her enthusiasm for these sweet delights is infectious, providing an engaging vigor to the story's progression.

Moreover, Dagashi Kashi does not exclude the element of drama and friendship. Kokonotsu’s friends, Saya and To Endo, have their significant subplots, which contribute texture to the narrative. Saya is Kokonotsu's childhood friend who secretly has feelings for him. Her brother, To Endo, completes this delightful quartet, adding rich and relatable banter.

It is worth mentioning that the series is beautifully animated by Feel, a Japanese Animation Studio known for its high production values. The animation work is top-notch, with beautiful character designs, expressive facial expressions, and a vibrant color palette that brings the world of Dagashi Kashi to life. Themes of nostalgia, humor, friendships, and dream chasing are carefully woven into stunning visuals that capture the viewers' imagination.

To complement the visual storytelling, Dagashi Kashi features a playful and upbeat soundtrack that resonates with the overall mood of the series. From the opening theme to the score accompanying the lively dagashi-exploring sequences, every piece of music contributes to the overall effervescence of the show.

Dagashi Kashi is an anime that bridges cultural understanding through its comprehensive exploration of Japanese dagashi culture. It introduces viewers to a world filled with flavors, colors, and a fascinating range of simple yet beloved candies and treats. Through a humor-filled narrative with well-developed characters, it suggests the significance of heritage and traditions while also advocating the pursuit of personal dreams. Thus, the show becomes both an entertaining view as well as a heartwarming tribute to the world of dagashi, making it an unmissable treat for slice of life and comedy genre enthusiasts.