The Anime “Shoushimin Series” also known as “Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary” is a new summer 2024 anime that started airing on July 7, 2024. It is of the Genre: Mystery, school. This is the 1st season with a total of 10 episodes. So, Get ready to buckle up, and join us on this anime’s incredible journey!
Storyline: Striving for Ordinary
Kobato once had a difficult experience with deduction activities, also known as “wisdom work,” which led him to decide to live a simple and honest life. Determined to leave behind the complexities of his past, Kobato made a pact with his classmate, Osanai, who shared the same desire for normalcy. Together, they planned to reinvent themselves as ordinary high school students, hoping to enjoy a life of peace and simplicity.
A Pact for Normalcy
Kobato and Osanai’s partnership was built on a shared goal: to become perfect, ordinary citizens. Both had grown weary of the complications and unpredictability that came with their past experiences. For Kobato, the memories of “wisdom work” were particularly burdensome, fueling his desire to escape into a life of tranquility. Osanai, on the other hand, resonated with Kobato’s quest, seeing it as an opportunity to finally live a life free from the unexpected twists that had previously defined her existence.
The High School Debut
Their plan was simple: make a fresh start in high school and blend in as typical students. They wanted to avoid standing out or getting involved in anything that might disrupt their peaceful lives. The goal was to achieve a low profile, avoiding the attention that might come with being too exceptional or too problematic. This was their strategy to achieve the peaceful, ordinary life they so deeply craved.
Unexpected Challenges
However, despite their best efforts to maintain a quiet existence, mysterious incidents began to occur at their school. These events, seemingly out of nowhere, started to disrupt the peace that Kobato and Osanai were striving for. It was as if fate had other plans, continually throwing challenges in their path. From strange occurrences in the classroom to unexplained mishaps in their daily routines, the duo found themselves reluctantly drawn into the very type of situations they had hoped to avoid.
A Test of Resolve
As the incidents piled up, Kobato and Osanai’s resolve was put to the test. Each new challenge made it harder to stay on the path of ordinary citizenship. The allure of solving these mysteries, a callback to Kobato’s past with deduction work, tempted him to abandon his quest for normalcy. For Osanai, the growing pressure of these disruptions threatened to unravel the sense of calm she had worked so hard to maintain.
Will They Find Peace?
The question remained: could Kobato and Osanai achieve their goal of living as ordinary citizens, or were they destined to be drawn into a life of mystery and intrigue? The series of misfortunes and mysterious events that plagued their high school days seemed to suggest that their quest for simplicity would not be easily fulfilled.
In a world where the unexpected is around every corner, Kobato and Osanai’s journey to ordinary life is anything but simple. Whether they can overcome the challenges and achieve the peaceful days they long for remains a mystery in itself.
Comprehensive Review of “Shoushimin: How to Become Ordinary” – An In-Depth Analysis
Introduction
“Shoushimin: How to Become Ordinary” is a unique anime series that explores the lives of two high school students, Kobato and Osanai, as they navigate the challenges of trying to live as “ordinary citizens” while being constantly drawn into solving mundane mysteries. The series has generated a mix of reactions from viewers, with some praising its subtle storytelling and character development, while others find it lacking in excitement and depth. This article provides a comprehensive review of the series, analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact.
Character Dynamics and Development
Kobato and Osanai: The Odd Couple
Kobato and Osanai, the protagonists of the series, are an intriguing pair. Their goal of leading ordinary lives is complicated by their knack for getting involved in solving minor mysteries. The characters are well-developed, with quirky dynamics that make them a pleasure to watch for some viewers. Their interactions often hint at something deeper beneath the surface, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation for what might be revealed about them as the series progresses.
Supporting Characters: A Mixed Bag
While Kobato and Osanai are the focal points, the supporting characters add varying degrees of value to the narrative. Some characters, like Kengo, serve as interesting foils to the main duo, adding a layer of complexity to the interactions. However, there are complaints about other characters being too bland or underdeveloped, which can detract from the overall experience.
Storytelling and Pacing
A Unique Approach to Mystery
“Shoushimin” is not your typical mystery series. The mysteries the characters solve are often mundane and low-stakes, such as figuring out how a cup of hot chocolate was made. This approach has been divisive among viewers. Some appreciate the series for its subtle storytelling and the way it uses these small mysteries to explore character dynamics. Others, however, find the mysteries too trivial and the pacing too slow, which can make the series feel tedious.
Comparison to Hyouka
Many viewers have compared “Shoushimin” to “Hyouka,” another anime known for its focus on everyday mysteries. While “Hyouka” is often praised for its intricate storytelling and engaging characters, “Shoushimin” has received mixed reactions. Some see it as a less successful attempt to capture the same magic, with criticisms focusing on its lack of engaging hooks and slower pacing.
Visual and Audio Aesthetics
Cinematic Visuals
“Shoushimin” employs a 21:9 aspect ratio, giving it a cinematic feel that sets it apart from other anime series. The muted color palette and carefully composed shots contribute to an atmosphere that reflects the show’s themes of ordinariness and subtlety. However, not all viewers are impressed, with some finding the visual style too drab or unmemorable.
Sound Design and Music
The series features a well-crafted sound design that complements its visual style. The opening and ending themes are particularly noteworthy, with the ending theme standing out for its use of real-life scenes paired with a soothing piano score. This musical choice enhances the show’s mood, providing a calming backdrop that contrasts with the more mundane aspects of the plot.
Audience Reception
Positive Reviews
Among the positive reviews, viewers praise “Shoushimin” for its unique approach to storytelling and character development. Fans of subtle, dialogue-driven narratives find the series engaging, appreciating the slow build-up of mystery and the careful exploration of the characters’ personalities.
Criticisms and Concerns
On the flip side, the series has also garnered criticism for being too slow-paced and lacking in excitement. Some viewers find the mysteries too trivial to be interesting and the characters’ interactions too robotic or detached. There are also concerns about the series failing to deliver a strong emotional connection or a compelling central conflict.
Conclusion
“Shoushimin: How to Become Ordinary” is an anime that will likely appeal to a niche audience who enjoy subtle, character-driven narratives. Its unique approach to mystery and its focus on ordinary, everyday dilemmas set it apart from more conventional detective stories. However, it is slow pacing and understated style may not resonate with everyone, particularly those looking for more action or high-stakes drama. Ultimately, whether “Shoushimin” is worth watching will depend on your personal preferences and what you value in an anime series.