Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge, also known as The Wallflower, is a distinctive and amusing anime series aired on TV Tokyo from 2006 to 2007. Taking a humorous and lighthearted look at the classical "beauty and the beast" trope, the series offers a refreshing take with a distinctive gothic style and a penchant for absurd humor.

The series centers on four staggeringly handsome young men who live together in a grandiose mansion, courtesy of their wealthy landlady. These boys aren't just everyday men, however. Kyouhei, Takenaga, Yukinojo, and Ranmaru are considered the crème de la crème of their high school - charming, popular, and almost impossibly good-looking. However, their seemingly perfect lifestyle comes with one crucial stipulation from the landlady - they must transform her niece, Sunako Nakahara, into a perfect "Yamato Nadeshiko," a term referring to the epitome of Japanese womanhood.

Sunako, however, is no ordinary girl. After a traumatic experience involving a boy she liked, she has become a solitary and unsociable creature, bordering on being agoraphobic. She prefers her solitude, accompanied by her skull collection and an addiction for horror movies to any human interaction. Strikingly different from her stereotypically attractive housemates, Sunako’s strongly contrasting character to the boys provides the backbone for the majority of the series' humor as they attempt to transform her introverted, morbid nature into an elegant, social lady.

Throughout the 25-episode series, viewers are treated to a parade of comedic situations and comedic mischief, as the four young men attempt to accomplish the seemingly impossible task of transforming Sunako. Though these attempts often result in uproarious failure, the interactions between the characters provide numerous entertaining and touching moments, sparking surprising friendships and unexpected realizations. Despite the unending hilarious failures, the boys never seem to give up trying for fear of the rent being tripled if they were unable to fulfill the mission.

While the main drive of the story centers around the transformation task, the underlying theme of self-acceptance offers depth to the otherwise whimsical plot. While the boys’ mission is to change Sunako, the series gently questions the need for this transformation, celebrating the unconventional beauty of the unique, quirky character that is Sunako.

The series’ unique brand of humor blends well with its pastiche of gothic horror and elements of romantic comedy. Sunako's particular taste in all things gruesome, combined with her imposing and gothic visual style, stands in stark contrast to the more traditional bishounen (beautiful boy) aesthetic of her housemates, creating a visually striking series. Each of the boys has specific hobbies and traits that distinguish them from each other adding layers to their seemingly perfect exterior. This interplay of contrasts provides the series with an enormous amount of charm, adding a fun layer of visual comedy to the appealing storyline.

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge is not just about the transformation of one individual, but about realizing and accepting one's uniqueness. It portrays real-life social assessments and judgmental pressures from society about appearance and personality that many viewers may relate to, wrapped in a package of comedy and engaging storytelling. Although primarily comedic in nature, it adeptly tackles deeper subjects and themes, ranging from confidence and self-acceptance to friendship and responsibility.

Aside from the brilliant storyline, Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge also features eye-catching animation and character designs. From Sunako’s dramatic transformations into gothic horror stylings to the four boys' continually sparkling bishounen appearances, the artwork is a significant factor contributing to the show's appeal. The series also stands out for its catchy soundtrack, which adds to the overall experience and does a fantastic job of capturing the series' eccentric and upbeat spirit.

Overall, Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge is a visually striking, uproariously funny, and charmingly eccentric series that offers a unique blend of comedy, romance, and life lessons. With its humor, heart, and unique take on beauty, the show consistently brings out the best in the character’s individual personality traits, walking a fine line between absurdity and sincerity. This series serves up a breezy and enjoyable slice of anime life sprinkled with straightforward yet touching messages - a must-watch for fans of unconventional romantic comedies and fans of the "bishounen" aesthetic.