The Rapid Pacing of Horimiya: Filling in the Gaps
In the whirlwind that is Horimiya, it’s easy to lose track of the differences between the original manga and its anime adaptation. Ishihama Masashi, the creator of Horimiya, seems to be skipping over a lot of material, both involving the supporting cast and the main characters themselves. Some fans argue that this omission of “filler” content actually improves the series, while others, like myself, appreciate the additional depth and development found in those moments.
Why the Rush?
Horimiya has gained immense popularity, with both the manga and anime receiving praise from fans, old and new alike. So why the rushed pacing? It is possible that Ishihama intends to conclude the series after only 12 episodes, reaching a natural stopping point. I can’t say for certain if this decision is based on creative choices or financial constraints. However, I believe that if Ishihama had desired a long-running adaptation, support from fans would have been overwhelmingly present.
Personally, I have mixed feelings about the fast pace. While it may seem too rushed at times, it undeniably delivers an incredibly entertaining experience that keeps viewers engaged without much time for nitpicking. In this week’s episode, both the A and B parts could have easily been full episodes on their own, not to mention the previously omitted content. Nevertheless, the story still works well as is, and the rushed B part, despite not being the most natural or impactful material, doesn’t hinder the overall enjoyment. In the end, it’s about accepting the highs and lows that come with it.
Comic Slice-of-Life Moments: Adding Flavour to Horimiya
While the pacing may be fast, Horimiya still manages to weave in those beloved comic slice-of-life moments that characterize the series. The A-part of this episode particularly stands out with its entertaining dynamics involving Kyousuke. From the playful dispute over who gets to sleep with Izumi to the hilariously awkward bath scene and the short pillow talk session between Izumi and Kyousuke, these moments may not be crucial to the plot, but they are undeniably essential to capturing the essence of Horimiya. One may question the ease with which Izumi fits into the Hori family, but that facet of the story develops at a more measured pace. In this episode, we finally meet Izumi’s Mom Iori (voiced by Ohara Sayaka), although his father remains elusive. As expected, the encounter doesn’t unveil much about their relationship. However, the candy incident with Shindou, using clay instead, adds a touch of fun to the story, particularly in one memorable moment…
Nudging HoriMiya’s Relationship Forward
These lighter moments serve a crucial role in progressing the relationship between Hori and Miyamura. The level of intimacy between them gradually escalates, and when they are seen leaving the Hori household together, it becomes a significant moment that exposes their relationship to the entire school. It is at this juncture that Horimiya brilliantly showcases the pettiness and immaturity often seen in high school settings. The awkwardness amplifies when one partner is perceived as “too good” for the other, as is the case with Kyouko and Miyamura. While Kyouko mostly shrugs off these judgments, the discomfort caused by their relationship at school deeply affects Miyamura.
A glimpse of Izumi’s temper demonstrates how close he is to losing control, but instead of giving in to anger, he decides to transform himself into a “normie” as much as possible, despite his piercings and tattoos. This transformation shocks everyone who knows him and ignites a new obsession among the shallow-minded students. It also brings Honoka Sawada, a second-year student (voiced by Asakura Momo), into the picture. Upon discovering Izumi’s relationship with Kyouko, Honoka becomes infatuated, not with Izumi, but with Kyouko herself. This infatuation sets Honoka on a mission to disrupt their relationship as much as she can.
Introducing Honoka: A Character of Mixed Reception
Honoka, to me, highlights Horimiya’s tendency towards certain tropes, which is not always its best quality. Initially, she appears as a fairly stock character, although her development improves over time. The coincidence of Honoka and Izumi being neighbors yet remaining unaware of it stretches credibility. Furthermore, I find the presentation that stalking is acceptable when it’s a girl doing it to be cliché and troublesome. Stalking is never justified, regardless of the gender of the stalker, and such behavior should be strongly condemned. Honoka reveals deeper aspects of her personality as the story progresses, although some of these revelations themselves feel cliché. However, she remains a character in Horimiya who, in my opinion, doesn’t contribute anything particularly intriguing to the overall narrative.
One exception to this is how Honoka inadvertently pushes Izumi to be more assertive about his feelings for Kyouko. While Honoka may seem like a shortcut to this progression, it’s important to recognize that their relationship would have naturally developed on its own. Nevertheless, major strides are being made in their romance, as evidenced by Kyouko’s open invitation to Izumi to be more physically affectionate. Unfortunately, Kyousuke interrupts at an inopportune moment – unlike Miyamura, Hori’s parents are frequently present in the story. Yet, the impact of Kyouko’s statement lingers, especially at this stage of their relationship…
A Conclusion: A Delicate Balancing Act
The rapid pacing of Horimiya may give rise to conflicting emotions among viewers. It undeniably sacrifices certain nuances and additional content that fans of the manga may miss. However, this swiftness also provides a highly entertaining and engaging experience. Both the manga and anime versions of Horimiya excel in their ability to mix comedic slice-of-life moments with more profound developments in the characters’ relationships. While some characters may feel tropey and certain aspects may feel cliché, the overall story still manages to captivate the audience’s attention and keep us eagerly awaiting the next episode. It’s a delicate balancing act that pulls us into the captivating world of Horimiya.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will there be a second season of the Horimiya anime adaptation?
As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding a second season of the Horimiya anime. It ultimately depends on various factors, including the popularity and success of the first season. However, given the positive reception of the series, there remains hope for a potential continuation in the future.
2. How does the Horimiya anime compare to the original manga?
The Horimiya anime adaptation remains largely faithful to the original manga, albeit with some omitted content and faster pacing. While some fans may prefer the additional details found in the manga, the anime still successfully captures the heartwarming essence of the story and delights viewers with its animated visuals and voice acting performances.
3. Are there any plans for an English dub of the Horimiya anime?
At the time of writing, there hasn’t been an official announcement regarding an English dub of the Horimiya anime. However, given the series’ growing popularity, the possibility of an English dub in the future is not entirely out of the question. Fans eagerly await any news regarding such a release.
4. Can I start watching the Horimiya anime without reading the manga?
Absolutely! The Horimiya anime serves as an excellent entry point into the story, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the heartwarming romance and captivating characters without any prior knowledge of the manga. However, for those who wish to dive deeper into the story and explore additional details, reading the original manga is highly recommended.
5. Are there any other anime or manga similar to Horimiya that you would recommend?
If you’ve enjoyed Horimiya’s blend of romance, comedy, and slice-of-life elements, you may find these anime and manga titles appealing:
- Toradora!: This anime follows the developing relationship between Ryuuji and Taiga, two high school students with contrasting personalities.
- Kimi ni Todoke: Join Sawako as she navigates the complexities of high school life, friendship, and romance in this heartwarming anime and manga series.
- My Love Story!!: With its refreshing take on romance, My Love Story!! tells the adorable tale of Takeo and Rinko as they navigate the ups and downs of their budding relationship.
- Kaguya-sama: Love is War: Prepare for hilarious battles of wit and strategy as Kaguya and Miyuki, both members of the student council, concoct elaborate plans to make the other confess their love first.
These recommendations capture the essence of heartfelt relationships and offer delightful stories that will leave you eagerly turning the pages or binging the episodes.