Bunny Drop

“Daikichi… Daikichi, wake up.” “…mmhhh… Yes.” I’m happy. Why? Well, because this show did so much right that it’s tough not to be. Usagi Drop stayed true to the essence of the manga (before the timeskip) and didn’t stray far, if at all, from the original story progression. It captured splendidly the little nuances of an abnormal parent-child reality. Our lives are full of insignificancies. Waking up irritable and half alert, washing your teeth, brushing your face, fumbling to find your valuables, grocery shopping without a list. The shit we wade through daily but clean up and forget soon after. These are experiences almost all can relateto but never share with one another because it’s stuff not worth sharing. Then of course, spliced in between those bits of irrelevance are the undoubtedly meaningful moments to be remembered. And we want to save those precious moments by documenting them. It’s in our nature to try and preserve the best times of our lives in some form or another. So when something like Usagi Drop comes along that personifies ‘life’, in both the boring and the beautiful, we’re able to really connect with the characters and their story on a more personal level. Rin is modest, caring, independent, and responsible. She’s very mature but then not without those traits which you find ever-present in kids around her age. Joyful, curious, and downright adorable! In terms of lovability, she’s on par with Ushio in my book. You just want to squeeze those little cheeks and embrace her till she dies of asphyxiation. She’s that HNNNGGable. Needless to say, her expressions are genuine signs of love and appreciation, even for something like a poor attempt at tying pigtails. How she feels shows on her face clear as a sunny day. And the window through which we get to see all these sides of her is Daikichi. Daikichi’s a very straightforward guy, both in personality and appearance. On top of that, he’s nurturing, compassionate, and protective. A little awkward at times but it comes with the job. Not to say I don’t like my dad, I love him, but Daikichi is the kind of father I wished I’d had growing up. He juggles his new responsibilities well with work and still manages to maintain a good relationship with everyone around him. Standing in as a guardian for your past grandfather’s illegitimate kid probably isn’t easy so I think he deserves a break here and there for his goofups. Watching Daikichi is a true breath of fresh air what with all the high school/university kids hogging most of the attention in anime. What you get is a middle aged guy just trying to do his best to provide for himself and his new little house warmer. TWO little house warmers considering the frequency of Kouki’s visits. He and his mother are two more people you’ll find to be endearing as they interact with Rin and Daikichi. Aside from his apparent cheekiness, Kouki’s a good kid and it shows in his submissive yet protective behavior towards Rin. Looking at their close friendship and the overt chemistry between Yukari and Kawachi, it’s quite easy to envision them becoming a family in the near future. In fact, beyond the show’s conclusion you could say they’re already family. And because of the relatively fluid art and animation, we’re able to see how they become so close. Soft watercolour-esque scenes start out each episode before the opening song rolls. It’s really a nice way of preceding the bulk of the episode. Character designs are markedly simplistic but there’s no need to fuss over it. With some added touches of realism, it’s nice knowing they do change clothes each day and night and that Daikichi does grow a stubble if he doesn’t shave every day like any other grown man. The backgrounds are subtle yet detailed; from pavement cracks to packaged market meat, everything in view is easy on the oculars. To supplement the animation is the writing which shines through in the dialogue. Ayu and Tsuchida’s performance as the voices of Rin and Daikichi leave little more to be asked for. Thanks to them and all the other seiyuus, the talking that goes on in the show becomes one of its strengths. For example, in one episode, Daikichi and Harumi, Reina’s mom, have a serious discussion about Harumi’s marital problems which is eavesdropped on by Rin. But noticing this, Reina takes her aside and shows her how she copes when mom and dad don’t get along. Not something seen every day, you get both the child and parent’s perspectives of when things aren’t going so smoothly at home. Really, kids are keen in times like that and it’s great to see that the anime picks up on this detail. And it’s not only those I’ve listed who have depth of character but everyone has their own charm about them and grows, if just a little, in their own way in the span of only a year. Now soundwise, the piano melodies and environmental acoustics fit well with whatever present surroundings were onscreen. The opening/ending songs are two very cheery jingles. Catchy it was but not enough to my taste to warrant a replay every week. Though, I would’ve never known that the group who did the opening is the same group who did the Teen Titans theme song (one of my favorites) had I not looked it up. Nostalgia, woo! From their tower they can see that all together, the music worked in pacing the way scenes played out. Usagi Drop was an engagingly heartfelt tale of an atypical family living and learning how to adjust to their odd circumstances and the intricacies it affords. It handled themes like the importance of family values and the trials of child raising with great consideration for its audiences. Despite its title I advise against dropping this anime because sitting down to watch Rin and Daikichi go through child/parenthood is an experience to be cherished. And I, for one, certainly have.

To be Frank, I was skeptical about committing to watching Usagi Drop having read all the manga. Adaptations are great and all, but boy oh boy the direction source material (manga) took betrayed my expectations, leaving me doubtful about this as a whole. Now, I can safely say I'm glad to have watched this amazing experience. So how do I describe and score Usagi Drop? Well, this happens to be one of those shows where numbers just won't do, and an in-depth analysis is quite frankly overkill. I can talk all I want about the premise, the execution, the pacing; none of this will do itjustice. But heck, I'll give it a shot just for you. We follow our Main "protagonist" Karachi Daikichi, a single 30 year old man whose grandfather has recently passed away. At his grandfather's funeral, he meets his grandfather's daughter, Kaga Rin; age 6. Hmm.... Ok... So this little girl is his.... Moving along, Both the two meet and under the rather dreary atmosphere of mourning adults, Daikichi takes Rin under his wing and thus begins Daikichi's new life as a parent. Pretty basic premise... Meh, not really. Transition into parenting/parenthood is a topic RARELY touched on in anime. Why? Doesn't sell... Anyways, the story focuses heavily on Daikichi's and Rin's new life, how they adapt, perceive, and going about the day. Now remember, Daikichi has been a single 30 year old working and drinking regularly, having only to care and feed for one person. Let's add another expense to deduct from your income... Don't forget, kids have soccer (football) games and stuff. Better to make some time in my already dreadfully unflexible schedule.. Get the picture? Good, but ultimately, the story only moves forward with each new experience both Rin and Daikichi undergo. With that, we see that as time goes on, they change and develop together. As far as pacing and progression goes, it's relatively slow paced... Then again, with an awkward number of 11 episodes, this seems appropriate. Each episode never seems rushed.. Scratch that, each scene never seems rushed. The story isn't overly complex, so holes aren't an issue. All in all, the only word to describe the story is simple, and that isn't such a bad thing. Fans could give this a 10, those without a heart could name it plotless. Depending on what you're expecting, it could go either way. This was a surprise considering Production I.G touched this one up. If we look at Production IG's other works, we see something completely different from what you see here. Please be aware, this is a pleasant surprise. Thumbs up on this one. The show comes off as.. Rather childish, but it isn't that big of a deal considering that kids are involved in the story after all. In fact, the art is rather fitting, and in those few moments throughout the show, I stared in awe at the magnificently drawn and animated scenes. This might be a surprise because the art is so simplistic. Character design, lighting, the background. Nothing held extraordinary detail except, again, in those few moments of high interest and excitement, although "excitement" isn't so appropriate to describe this. I must compliment the pastel, water color-y (forgive me as I am uneducated in accurate art terminology) scenes through out the series. It's very different than what many people are probably used to seeing on the current market. That being said, because of how boldly the art is presented, the different art style showing off as strongly as it does might end up being a miss for many. So how do I sum up the art? Like the story. Simple, but sweet, with a touch of magnificent sprinkled in. It isn't Shinkai breathtaking, but it is very pretty. Character voices are appropriate for the whole cast. I might have a problem with only one character, but she's completely overlook able in comparison to everyone else. The sound track was well done, though Unmemorable. Heck, everything was done satisfactorily here as the pleasant background music compliments the "feel good" atmosphere. The music even addresses the more dramatic scenes with ease. The OP and ED are nothing too special, but very fitting to the theme of Bunny Drop. Now, this may seem like a slice of life show, and it is, but the abnormal time frame this series has may seem rather stressing to many viewers for a variety of reasons. For example, many short series fail to develop their characters since, like in life, time is limited, so you can only dedicate so much screen time to the various resources the director deems necessary. Thankfully, Usagi Drop nails that instinctive preconception to the ground. With only two main characters and very well-paced story, there is this strong feeling of satisfaction when you watch Rin and Daikichi grow both as individuals and as a family. We even see there is more to the supportive roles than what we are presented with prior to their continued appearances. The show addresses how Daikichi feels and grows quite clearly, which then leads the viewer to imply a few thing about Rin. While Rin arguably is very static in character, we must realize that she is a 6 year old. A child whose mind is still in development. Realistic? Appropriate? Do you have a problem with this ideally perfect little girl? Stuff your whining and refresh your perspectives. By the end of the show, I came to realize what a delight It was to watch Daikichi & Rin grow as characters. It made me reflect on how I’ve changed over time as well. A rare delight and one of the best shows of 2011. It's hard to explain why this anime was so successful. The story is a heartwarming one, packed with many little lessons on ethics(morals?) and such. Going into the show, you might find plenty of the characters relatable even. Maybe this caused me to reflect on my childhood and outlook for my future. Usagi Drop offers something for everyone to relate to and enjoy. Hopefully, this gave you enough insight as to whether or not you should pick up Usagi drop. Be aware, the intended audience is much older folks (midde-age even), not really specifically targeting teens or young adolescents of the sort. Still, the show is appropriate for a broad audience. If you're looking for action, harem, an intricate story, you'll find none of that here. What exists before you is a really simple but sweet treasure. I encourage you to give this show a shot at becoming what could be one of your favorites of all time. My only complaint with Usagi Drop is that it was given a measly and awkward 11 episodes. Final thoughts? It was far from perfect, but Usagi Drop did so many things right that it doesn't even matter. I hope this was helpful.

God. I suppose this was best time in my life for me to watch this series. I just went through a lot of stress with family and this really helped me understand some of the things that go on when you're a parent, even a single parent. I'm not gonna say the cliche stuff like "It's never easy being a parent." and I can't say anything from experience, as I am not a father or legal guardian. But I was raised by a single mother without a father in my life until 7 years ago. This review is going to differ from my other reviews inthe fact that I can't really find anything that was wrong with the series. It was cute and it was heart warming. There was no action, that wasn't what the writer was going for, and that might push a few people away because a lot of people watch anime for an unrealistic story that goes away from what happens in reality. This series provides that realism that is missing in so many other series that I have seen. It is really nice to see a realistic series once in a while. The animation really fit the feel of the series. But onto the other aspect that I loved. The characters. Mostly Rin. I loved Rin because i could relate to her. And she has made it up in the list of my favorite fiction characters for that reason. I also loved the Daikichi on the main fact that he took this 6 year old girl, whom he had never met before, into his home and raised her as a daughter. There are other characters I liked. Nitani reminding me of my own mother and Kouski reminding me of a few childhood friends. This series really it hit it in the heart for me. It didn't cry, but I related to a lot of the things that happened in the series. Final Verdict: If you want to watch a heart warming series. Watch this one. It doesn't have action, it's not overplayed. And all the characters feel more or less original and human. 9/10

Story: There really isn't that much to say about Usagi Drop.It's a feel-good story about a man rediscovering/ or discovering for the first time on the true joys of life through the child rearing of his adoptive daughter, Rin. There isn't anything groundbreaking or particularly unique with the plot but it will definitely pull on your heartstrings and you'll come out out of the series with a simile on your face 7/10 Art: The art-style of Usagi Drop is something that follows the original art-style from the manga faithfully and to put it bluntly its unique. Its a style of art different to the trends of modern anime butit has an innocent and whimsical joy that seems to capture the essence of the show . Though beware if you are something who judges an anime but this aspect can be hit or miss. 5/10 Sound: The Voice-Acting in this is spot-on for Rin, the voice-actor in the Japanese Dub did a fantastic job in capturing the lovable innocence whilst also not giving her that annoying vocal pitch that children tend to have in anime. The other voice-actors were decent, nothing really stood out and they did their jobs. The OP and the ED are adorable, especially that Opening which captures the innocent joy and love between the two main characters. 8/10 Character: This is where i think the anime shines. On a technical viewpoint, Usagi Drop is not the an artistic wonder but the characters that have been created and terrific. You feel like all of these characters are real, that their personalities and actions can all be attributed to something someone in that demographic would do. Rin, in my opinion is the stand out character, she mixes in that innocent joy without the grating annoyance of anime children. She simply is a joy to watch 10/10 If you can't already tell from my review that I love this anime, then well let me state it a secondary time. I love this anime, I had a great time watching it and its one of the few that I could be bothered to a) Marathon and b) Repeat Watch. Usagi Drop is not a technical masterpiece, don't watch it for stunning animation, deep philosophical story line or jaw-dropping sound; you watch this for its fleshed out characters and for those moments of just heart-tweaking joy. 9/10