We Never Learn - BOKUBEN

We Never Learn - BOKUBEN is an animated series produced by Tokyo MX that first aired in 2019. The story thrives on the vibrant, chaotic rosters of a high school ambiance filled with innocent rivalries, captivating characters, and good-natured comedy. At its core, this dynamic series invokes the tender journey of an industrious high school student, Nariyuki Yuiga, diligently working to support his family while simultaneously juggling his academic responsibilities.

Bokuben, or We Never Learn, is a feel-good romantic comedy that not only offers entertainment, but also exposes the viewers to the struggles of achieving dreams, exploring individual potentials, and balancing responsibilities. The show is structured in such a way that it appeals to those who appreciate slice-of-life genre with a taste of romantic-comedy carries an underlying message urging viewers to appreciate the journey of learning and the pursuit of knowledge.

Nariyuki Yuiga, the protagonist, is an impoverished but incredibly hardworking student with the dream of securing a prestigious VIP nomination in his school. This nomination is said to be a golden ticket that insures the recipient a full scholarship to university, relieving Nariyuki's family of the financial burdens associated with higher education. However, to earn this, Nariyuki must embark on a different kind of endeavor. The school's principal assigns him to tutor two of the school’s genius girls, Fumino Furuhashi, the “Sleeping Beauty of the Literary Forest,” and Rizu Ogata, the "Thumbelina Supercomputer." Both have ambitions in academic streams in which they are not naturally talented. Fumino, a literature prodigy, wants to pursue science, while Rizu, a mathematics whiz, dreams of studying psychology.

The series unfolds as we follow Nariyuki’s journey to helping these two girls succeed while nurturing his dreams and managing his responsibilities. Over time, these study sessions become a passage to understanding their mutual aspirations, strengths, and weaknesses, leading to numerous comical and dramatic instances that subtly nudge Nariyuki and the girls towards personal growth. The supporting cast of the show includes the athletic Uruka Takemoto, Nariyuki's childhood friend who harbors feelings for him, the dedicated school teacher Mafuyu Kirisu, and the laid-back Asumi Kominami.

The animation style of We Never Learn - BOKUBEN is upbeat and vibrant, perfectly suiting its energetic school setting and the youthfulness of the show's central characters. The art contributes much to the humor of the series, using exaggerated facial expressions and situations to create treasured comic moments. The picturesque choice of colors and detail-oriented illustration adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the series, making it visually pleasing to audiences.

We Never Learn - BOKUBEN is much more than just a romantic comedy anime show. It subtly and beautifully addresses the struggles of youth, the pressure of society, and the hassles of achieving dreams in its narrative. The story does a masterful job weaving in life lessons about perseverance, self-discovery, friendship, the importance of finding one's passion, and the value of education.

Its lighthearted humor is complemented by a captivating plot that keeps viewers engaged. One of the show’s strengths lies in its ability to encompass a wide range of genres, from comedy and drama to romance, making it a well-rounded series that is sure to appeal to a broad audience. All the characters are wonderfully developed, each with their own personal aspirations, flaws, strengths, and charming personalities. This makes it easy for viewers to relate to, and root for, each character.

We Never Learn - BOKUBEN offers a blend of comedy, romance, life lessons, and the bittersweet journey of youthful dreams, making it a gem of a show that resonates in the hearts of its viewers even after the end credits roll. For anyone looking for an anime series that delivers consistent laughs, a touch of romance, compelling character dynamics, and presents valuable life lessons wrapped up in an enjoyable high school setting, We Never Learn - BOKUBEN should definitely be on their watchlist.